FIVE FUN FACTS about THIS SPECIAL BLESSING FOR YOU with Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer

Today I’m pleased to have authors Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer here to share five fun facts about their new book This Special Blessing for You, published by Zonderkidz with illustrations by Denise Hughes.

Here’s the official blurb:

God is full of love for your children, and This Special Blessing for You empowers them to live out who God wants them to be in the world. Encourage the kids in your life to spread love and kindness with this engaging rhyming picture book.

This Special Blessing for You uses words and phrases that help children better understand what God wants to communicate to them. Each promise and declaration is based on the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:23–27: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

My take:

This Special Blessing for You is a beautiful rhyming adaptation of the Aaronic Blessing. Children will enjoy the warm affirmation of God’s love and purpose for them through each progressive spread. Eric and Meredith’s text pairs delightfully with Denise’s illustrations which are full of fun details for kids to explore and connect with as they ponder how God might use THEM to spread His love today. I think this book would make a wonderful addition to a home, church, school, or town library.

And now enjoy Eric and Meredith’s five fun facts.

Five Fun Facts about 

THIS SPECIAL BLESSING FOR YOU

by Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer

FUN FACT #1: This Special Blessing for You is an adaptation of Numbers 6:23-27. These words were given to the priests by God, through Moses, and spoken over the people at the end of their religious services. They are promises of what God will do and a statement of God’s great love for the people. The words of the blessing are: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” This Special Blessing for You is a rhyming adaptation of these verses so kids better understand what God wanted to communicate to God’s people. 

FUN FACT #2: The Hebrew idea of a blessing is that actual power is transferred from God to the people. The Hebrew understanding of “blessing” is that it is a “divine filling.” When the priests raised their hands and spoke these words, God’s Spirit flowed through the priests on to the people. With this blessing, God’s people were filled with power to live out who God called them to be in the world. This book can be used as a resource to speak God’s blessing over the children in your life. With this blessing, you will equip them with God’s power to live out who God is calling them to be and what God is calling them to do as they go through their day.

FUN FACT #3: One of Eric & Meredith’s most favorite word pictures in scripture comes right after the blessing. With this blessing, God told Aaron to “put God’s name on the Israelites” and in return God would bless them. When we play a sport, we often put on a jersey with our name on the back. The “picture” in this verse is that we put God’s name on our back and we get to carry God’s name with us wherever we go.God sends us out into the world so we can show everyone what God is like. 

FUN FACT #4: If you look closely, you find Eric and Meredith’s kids depicted in the book. This Special Blessing for You has beautiful illustrations by illustrator Denise Hughes that shows children of all colors and abilities loving God and loving those around them. They are living into who God called them to be and the activities God is calling them to be part of. To Eric and Meredith’s surprise, their illustrator included their two children Meryn (8) and Judah (5) in the illustrations. You will have to see if you can spot them. 

FUN FACT #5: Eric and Meredith have a desire to help children better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. Eric and Meredith have had the opportunity to travel to Israel multiple times and Eric leads study trips to Israel through his ministry, The Acacia Project. Through the illustrations in their other books, they show children what the lands and customs of the biblical world were really like. You can find these details in their books, The Youngest Disciple, The Mouse in the Manger, and in their Christmas activity set, The Wandering Wise Men. They are also authors of the flip board book, Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening. 

About the Authors:

Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer are both storytellers at heart. Eric is an award-winning filmmaker and music composer. Meredith is an award-winning journalist and news anchor. Eric has his Master of Divinity and leads biblical study trips to Israel and Jordan through his ministry, The Acacia Project. Meredith is a certified enneagram coach and facilitator. Together, they launched Fresh Wind Studios, where they create resources that help children and families better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. They are the creators of the award-winning Christmas resource The Wandering Wise Men, and the award-winning picture books The Youngest Disciple, The Mouse in the Manger, and Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening. Eric and Meredith live in Holland, MI, with their two children, Meryn and Judah.

Eric and Meredith’s books and resources can be found at www.freshwindstudios.com.

Website: ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com

Social Handles: @ericschrotenboer, @meredithschrotenboer

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3G0_z0G9_U

[Note: Thank you to the the publisher for a digital sneak peek of the book which I was under no obligation to review. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

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10 Book-Themed Crafts and Activities for BUNNY FINDS EASTER

TEACHERS! CAREGIVERS! CHURCHES! I’ve rounded up TEN activities to accompany BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz), perfect for pointing little hearts to the real joy of Easter—Jesus! Enjoy!

ONE: Host a Bunny Finds Easter Book Walk at your church, school, or in your neighborhood.

TWO: Listen to a Bunny Finds Easter story time with the author on the StoryJumpers podcast followed by a kid-friendly interview.

THREE: After reading the story, enjoy this book-focused scavenger hunt created by a 13-year old!

FOUR: Create your own a book-themed bunny ears over at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.

FIVE: Follow up a Bunny Finds Easter story time with an adorable bunny jar craft at Celebrate Picture Books.

SIX: Do a book-themed Read, Discuss, DO!

SEVEN: Have your kids draw pictures of their favorite scenes/characters and then share on your socials using the hashtag #bunnyfindseaster.

EIGHT: Decorate a small canvas tote (perfect for an Easter egg hunt) with a tape-resist cross over at The Chirping Moms.

NINE: Bake some hot cross buns like Bunny does in the story.

TEN: Download the Bunny Finds Easter activity kit (includes a maze, an egg hunt, an egg coloring page, a printable Easter card to give to someone special and more)

Order your copies today from Amazon or your favorite vendor. Available wherever books are sold.

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The Stories Behind the Stories: GOD I FEEL SCARED (A Guest Post by Author Tama Fortner)

Do you like to read book dedications? They are typically found on the page just before or just after the title page. It’s something I like to do for every book I read because dedications often provide a window into the heart of the author or illustrator. That is especially the case for the book I’m sharing today.

GOD, I FEEL SCARED (Zonderkidz, 2023) is the second in a series written by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S and Tama Fortner and illustrated by Nomar Perez. Like their first collaboration GOD, I FEEL SAD, this book is a kid-friendly exploration of feelings and how kids can work through those emotions in a healthy, God-centered way.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

“Kids have big feelings, but none of their feelings are too big for God. Through kid-friendly text and bright illustrations, children can safely explore what it means to feel scared, discover healthy ways to process their emotions, and learn that feeling scared is something they can face, especially with the help of God and those around them.”

I’m a big fan of GOD, I FEEL SCARED and was so touched by what each wrote in their dedications that I reached out to see if they’d be willing to share the back story behind the dedications. And what was the answer? Yes!

So now, without further fuss, here’s author Tama Fortner with the story behind the dedications. Take it away, Tama!

The Stories Behind the Stories: God, I Feel Scared

By Tama Fortner

They say there’s a little bit of every author’s story tucked into the books they write. And for picture books, I would add there’s a bit of the illustrator shining through too.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret: if you want a glimpse of the stories behind the stories, take a peek at the dedications. They’re easy to miss. In God, I Feel Scared, they’re tucked away on the copyright page. But those few little words reveal a lot about Michelle, Nomar, and me.

Here’s an excerpt from Michelle’s dedication: 

To Tama, my co-author and now friend. I’m so glad you found that email in your spam folder. 

Yes, you read that right! This is the story of how Michelle and I first met—when her email landed in my spam folder and stayed there for weeks before I found it. To me, it’s beautiful proof of how God uses all things for the good of His people. Even “junk” emails. 

Now, check out Nomar’s dedication: 

To God, for allowing me to use my talents and skills to bring this timely message to light and make a difference in the lives of those who have put their trust in Him.

Without a doubt, Nomar will tell you, it is God who has ordered his steps and enabled him to write and illustrate stories that contribute to God’s kingdom. He is beyond grateful to be able to use his gifts to point littles ones (and their bigs) to the Lord.

And my own dedication? It’s a simple one:

To the One who brightens the darkness around me (Psalm 18:28).

I stumbled across this verse a few years ago while working on another picture book, God Is Always Good. And it’s been tucked away in my heart ever since. Because there’s just so much darkness in this world, isn’t there? So many things to worry about and to fear. 

But God.

Two of the best words ever, right? God shines the light of His love into my life and chases away that darkness. And more than that, He helps me to shine, to reflect His light through the books I am so blessed to write. I can’t imagine walking through this world’s darkness without His light and love to guide my way—and I thank God that I never have to.

And neither do you.

Much love, 

Tama

TAMA FORTNER is an ECPA award-winning author with more than sixty titles to her credit, including Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays. Tama has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, where she lives with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced he’s people too. To learn more, visit www.TamaFortner.com.

MICHELLE NIETERT has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award-winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls, along with God, I Feel Sad, Managing Your Emojis, and Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life, as well as the soon to be released God, I Feel Scared. To learn more about Michelle, visit www.MichelleNietert.com.

NOMAR PEREZ was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, in the city of Ponce, and moved with his parents and five siblings to Ohio when he was ten. Nomar is heavily influenced by all types of media, especially animation, puppetry, and computer art. He studied computer animation and painting and has illustrated numerous children’s board books and school publishing books. He is the author-illustrator of Coqui in the City. Learn more at www.NomarPerez.com. 

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GOD, I FEEL SAD: A Joint Interview with Co-Authors Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner

Today I am delighted to host co-authors Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner as we chat about their new collaboration with Zonderkidz, God, I Feel Sad. Michelle Nietert is a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years of experience and Tama Fortner has authored over 50 faith-based books for children and adults.  If you haven’t met them yet, you are in for a treat! But first, a little bit about the book.

From the Back Cover: “No one likes being sad, but God gave us sadness for a reason. Through kid-friendly text and bright illustrations, children can safely explore what it means to be sad, discover healthy ways to process their emotions, and learn that being sad isn’t something they need to avoid. In fact, it’s something that helps us grow closer to God and others.”

And here’s my take: In God, I Feel Sad, Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner address sadness using language and examples that are relatable to a small child. The text is engaging, even poetic, and the suggestions are spot on. I can tell Michelle is a trained counselor and that both have a deep faith in God. This book would be an excellent choice to have on hand as a simple, engaging conversation starter about sadness in home, school, church or counseling settings. Thanks to the publisher for letting me preview the book which I was under no obligation to review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Now for the interview with my questions bolded. 

Thank you both so much for joining us. To get us started, please tell us a little bit about yourselves and what inspired you to write God, I Feel Sad.

Michelle:  As a professional counselor for twenty-five years, I’m seeing more and more kids coming into my office because they are struggling with their emotions. If unresolved, these struggles can lead to mental health diagnoses. That’s why I felt called to create a series of books that would empower parents to talk with kids about their feelings and to normalize those feelings so that kids don’t hide them from their parents or from God. I also wanted kids to have a book that would help them see how much God understands all that they’re feeling. As adults, we see that in the myriad of emotions expressed in the psalms, but kids at this young age aren’t really reading the psalms yet. 

I’m also a mom to two school-age children, so I’m living in the trenches. Our kids—like everyone’s—have gone through a global pandemic and have struggled with some intense emotions, including grief and the traumatic loss of loved ones.

While I saw the need for this kind of book, I also clearly heard from the Lord that I was not going to be able to be a practicing, professional counselor and learn how to write a high-quality children’s book. That’s why I’m so grateful that Tama opened an email in her junk box!

Tama: Michelle and I still laugh about that “junk” email, because that’s where her first message to me landed—and stayed for weeks before I found it. But I’m so glad I did find it. And I’m so grateful that God connected the two of us. (There’s no doubt in my mind that He orchestrated all of this!) 

As a mom (and even as a Sunday school teacher), I’ve seen first-hand the intensity of emotions that kids wrestle with these days. So when Michelle reached out and asked me to be a part of bringing this book into reality, I jumped at the chance! 

One of the things I love most about God, I Feel Sad is that it not only gives kids the tools they need to process their emotions, it also teaches them how to take those big (and small) emotions to the God who is big enough to handle them and who loves each of us enough to help us through them.

I can see this book being used a wonderful tool in home, counseling, and school settings. Do you have any specific tips to help caregivers get the most out of it?

Michelle: While I’m reluctant to ask people to purchase additional product, the audio version of God, I Feel Sad contains so much bonus material. It includes a Parent Talk that teaches parents how to talk to their kids about what they’re feeling, along with guided exercises set to calming music that they can listen to along with their kids.

Also, as caregivers are talking to kids about struggles with sadness, it’s crucial that they model how they deal with their own feelings of sadness in healthy ways. Be sure to keep the doors of conversation open—don’t shut them with “You’ll be fine” or other dismissive words. Give kids the time they need to express their feelings. Talk through the words used to describe sadness in God, I Feel Sad and help them develop a vocabulary for explaining what they’re feeling. And then join with the child in prayer—in turning to God for help—so that they learn how to actually do this. This will help them learn to entrust their emotions to God, rather than letting them overflow or stuffing them down and trying to ignore them.

One of the aspects I love best about the book is how you use imagery and literary devices to help kids understand what sadness is and how children (and grownups too) can work through it to a happier place. What was the thought process behind this strategy?

Tama: Kids—especially in the picture book age range—are such literal and concrete thinkers. That simply means that they understand things better when they can see, hear, touch, taste, or feel them. So when I want to explain something that is more abstract, like emotions, I’ve found that it’s helpful to connect it, or compare it, to something concrete that kids can see, hear, touch, taste, or feel. 

For example, as Michelle and I talked through the concept of how the sadness over a particular loss can come and go, we decided to compare it to “the waves at the edge of the ocean” that come and go. We explain that some waves are tiny—“just big enough to wet your toes,” while others are huge and “swirl around and soak you with sad all the way through.” Like those waves, sometimes the memories of a loss or a sad time are smaller, and they just brush across our thoughts and quickly go away again. But other times, those same memories swamp us.

Comparing the “known” of ocean waves to the “unknown” of sadness, helps children (and grownups!) understand how sadness can come and go and how it can be small or huge. 

God is woven into your text in a magnificent way, concluding with the uplifting verse from  Psalm 34 about how God is close to the broken-hearted.  Can you suggest any other passages that address sadness that might be good for further reading for families with young children?

Michelle: God’s Word is filled with reassurances and comfort for us. Here are just a few of my favorite passages:

God knows when we’re feeling sad: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 nlt).

God will lift us up again: “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3 esv).

God will surround, comfort, and protect: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 nlt).

Finally, what’s next?  Is this perhaps part of a series?  (I hope so!)

Tama: Yes! God, I Feel Sad is the first book in this series about helping kids bring their big emotions to an even bigger God. Up next—and just in time for the Halloween season—is God, I Feel Scared, which releases on October 3, 2023. It’s already available for pre-order from all the major retailers.

After that, Michelle and I have plans for additional books in the series, each spotlighting a different emotion. Because perhaps more than ever before, kids today have so much to process and to grapple with. We want to equip them to face it all—and to face it with God as their Guide.

Thank you both so much for stopping by today.  I look forward to collecting the whole series!

Learn more about the authors here:

TAMA FORTNER is an ECPA award-winning author with more than fifty titles to her credit, including her latest releases God, I Feel Sad and Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays. Tama has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, where she lives with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced he’s people too. To learn more, visit http://www.TamaFortner.com.

MICHELLE NIETERT has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award-winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls, along with God, I Feel Sad, Managing Your Emojis, and Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life, as well as the soon to be released God, I Feel Scared. To learn more about Michelle, visit http://www.MichelleNietert.com.

[Note: Thanks to the publisher for letting me preview the book which I was under no obligation to review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

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BUNNY FINDS EASTER wins a NORTHERN LIGHTS BOOK AWARD!

I’m delighted to share that my 2022 Easter-themed board book BUNNY FINDS EASTER published by Zonderkidz and illustrated by Ela Jarzabek has won a Northern Lights Book Award in the Holiday/Notable Days Category.

Per their website, “The Northern Lights Book Awards considers children’s books to be an art form and honors books that excel in aesthetic and literary qualities with an emphasis on permanency. We are seeking works that will leave a lasting impression, ones that will resonate with the reader not only now but in years to come.”

Their judging panel “consists of industry experts in the fields of education, publishing, and writing. Not only are they seeking works that will resonate with the reader in years to come, but they are especially interested in books that are enriching, uplifting, and promote goodwill.”

Wow! Bunny and I are honored to be recognized in this way and we can’t wait to visit schools and churches this coming Easter season. In the meantime, order a copy for your church or school, or your children’s Easter basket, if you haven’t already, and enjoy this fun book trailer that Zonderkidz created for the book’s release last spring.

This will be my last post of 2022. See you in January with brand new inspiration for your inbox!  

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READ, DISCUSS, DO! Snack and a Story with LOVE IS KIND

I’m so excited to be a part of a fabulous reading initiative geared to families, librarians, teachers and anyone, really, who enjoys reading picture books with their kids.

Created by founder and picture book author Rebecca J. Gomez, Read, Discuss, Do! exists to help you extend the magic of story time beyond the last page by following three simple steps:

Read a book. 

Talk about the book. 

Do a simple activity inspired by the book.

And this summer we are launching our second annual summer reading challenge. Each week features a fun reading theme with suggested books and ideas for engaging with books in creative and kid-friendly ways. Jump in whenever! Download the printable calendar (plus bookmarks) here.

In the super fun category, this week’s theme is Tasty Treats and, as part of the fun, Rebecca has put together a delightful Snack and a Story post featuring LOVE IS KIND. Thank you, Rebecca!  Here’s the link so you can check it out.

BAPTIZED IN THE WATER: An Interview with Glenys Nellist

Today, I’m delighted to host best-selling Christian children’s author Glenys Nellist for an interview in celebration of her newest release with Zonderkidz, BAPTIZED IN THE WATER. This colorful picture book showcases beautifully diverse renderings of children and adults being baptized by the many varying means across Christian denominations. It got me thinking about my own baptism at age 12 via immersion in a little missionary church in Paris, France! As part my baptism, I also spoke aloud my profession of faith – that I had accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I’m so glad I took that step all those years ago, for it has made all the difference in this journey called life. Maybe the book will get you thinking about baptism memories as well. And now for the interview, with my questions in blue to match the lovely cover of the book. (Oh, and there’s a giveaway so be sure to check that out at the end of the post.)

Welcome, Glenys, what inspired you to write a book about baptism?

Since I’m married to a pastor, I have had the privilege of witnessing many baptisms. In our denomination the water is poured or sprinkled, but I’ve also been present at baptisms where the person was fully immersed. Each time I’ve attended this sacred event, no matter where, or how, or when it occurred, it simply felt that we were celebrating our belonging in one wonderful, united family in Christ. The inspiration, then, for writing a book on baptism came from a desire to celebrate this oneness, this unity in Christ, despite the varying traditions or beliefs that may be held. For me, baptism is a beautiful, holy, mysterious moment that none of us really understands. I hope that Baptized in the Water captures some of the mystery and meaning of this ancient sacrament. 

How do you hope churches and families will use the book?

I hope that pastors, Christian Educators, Sunday school teachers, parents and grandparents might use Baptized in the Water to inspire curious conversations with children about the mystery and meaning of baptism. I know that many churches and families have also bought the book as a baptism gift, which is wonderful!

Do you have a favorite spread?

Anna Kazimi did a beautiful job with the diverse illustrations and it’s hard to pick just one!  But I really love the following spread, because it illustrates all the different ways to be baptized.

Are there any special resources that go along with the book that readers might enjoy?

Yes! I wrote this free downloadable Activity Pack to accompany the book, which includes tips for talking with children about baptism as well as signed bookplates, commemorative bookmarks and a certificate. 

Finally, what’s next in the pipeline?

In July my next picture book with Beaming Books will be published, called Little Mole Goes to School, and then in the fall, I have three board books releasing. Good News! It’s Creation! and Good News! God Loves You (Our Daily Bread publishers) make their appearance in September, and the seventh in the Snuggle Time series, Snuggle Time Love, (Zonderkidz) hits the shelves in December. So it’s another busy year for me!

Thank you, Glenys, for joining me today. I wish you the very best with this and all your books.

BIO Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple children’s books, including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, ‘Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Connect with her here:

Author Website Instagram

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NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a copy of BAPTIZED IN THE WATER (Zonderkidz, 2022) follow this blog and comment below saying you’d like to be entered. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Monday, 6/6/22 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced the next day! 

[Note: Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy at the book. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

LOVE IS KIND: MOTHER’S DAY is for GRANDMOTHERS too!

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about my mother and my grandmothers, all of whom I remember fondly, especially in May when we celebrate Mother’s Day. My mom and her mom also shared the same birthdate in May (isn’t that neat?) and so that makes the month extra nostalgic for me as I remember the wonderful bonds we shared.

As the author of LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018) I think I can say, with fair certainty, that Little Owl from the book also loves taking time in May and on Mother’s Day to celebrate the special bond he shares with his Grammy.

In the story, for those of you who haven’t read it, Little Owl is on a quest to show Grammy how much he loves her by buying her a box of heart-shaped chocolates. Along the way, however, he encounters obstacle after obstacle, and ends up arriving with nothing. Nothing, that is, until his wonderful Grammy points out that the gift he has to offer is LOVE and that HE is the gift when he shows love along the way, a gift much better than chocolate!

Here’s a sweet glimpse of that special moment when they both celebrate that HE is the gift captured in a special clip illustrator Lison Chaperon made to celebrate the release of LOVE IS KIND:

I love reading LOVE IS KIND any time of year, but I feel a little extra sentimental as we leap into May. And that sentimentality is actually commemorated in the book. If you have a copy near you, open it up to the dedication page. Do you see who I dedicated it to? My grandmothers!

Sadly, both they and mom, passed away before I ever wrote the first word of the story. Still, I always think of them – and the great bonds we shared – every time I read the book. It is my hope that the book might also become a special bonding story for your families, as you read and enjoy it together with your children and grand children.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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Time for the BUNNY FINDS EASTER Bunny Hop Round up!

Happy Friday, friends! Bunny and I have five fun things to share with you this week. First, if you live in the Bedminster, NJ area, I invite you to join me at Pluckemin Presbyterian’s annual Eggstravaganza taking place this Sunday, April 10th from 11:15 – 1 pm. Here are the details. No registration required. There will be copies of BUNNY FINDS EASTER on hand for purchase. Cash or check only.

Next, here are two interviews you might enjoy. The first is over at Read,Discuss, DO! where I chat with Mindy Baker about the inspiration behind the book, the board book format, book-themed activities and more. The second is a feature article that appeared this week in my town’s TapInto news outlet. This the one to read to get the inside scoop on what the journey to publication in the picture book world has been like (at least for me).

Fourth, I am the guest author today over at StoryJumpers, a bi-weekly Christian podcast that features a children’s book read by the author and an interview with the author. The podcast airs today, April 8th, 2022 over at The Bridge Podcast Network, part of The Bridge, a community supported, non-commercial Christian radio station serving Delaware, South Jersey, parts of Maryland and beyond. Here’s the link to the BUNNY FINDS EASTER episode.

Finally, just in case you missed it, I thought you’d like to see the Easter bonnet I created, with the help of my daughter, to wear to all my visits. It’s getting a lot of smiles because I look so silly, er I mean, beautiful wearing it! It’s just like Bunny’s from the book. What do you think? (This is from one of my zoom visits this Easter season.)

Time for the Bunny Finds Easter BOOK SCAVENGER HUNT!

Special Note: This post was created by my ADORABLE niece. She’s just 13 but she sure knows how to create an incredible book scavenger hunt. Enjoy her post. Take it away, Miss E!

Hello, parents! If your kids (and maybe even you!) are really enjoying Laura Sassi’s new book Bunny Finds Easter, you may want to try this BOOK SCAVENGER HUNT. To start, you can read the book to refresh your child’s memory. Then, on each spread, (after reading the words) this list will give you prompts to ask your kids so that they can enjoy the wonderful illustrations even more! 

(Remember, if your kid is getting antsy, you don’t have to use all the prompts. You can also make your own–they are open to interpretation. Each illustration can spark many conversations!)

Spread #1 (Bunny waking up and choosing clothes)

• Do you see the butterfly? (For older kids: There are six butterflies in this book. Can you find them all?) What color is Bunny’s shirt? How many outfits do you see in Bunny’s wardrobe?

Spread #2 (Scene in the kitchen)

• Count the hot cross buns. Can you find 3 plates? Can you find 2 spoons? What do you think is cooking in the pot on the stove?

Spread #3 (Bunny painting eggs)

• Can you name and count the colors on Bunny’s palate? Can you count the eggs Bunny painted? (You can point out to your child that the egg Bunny is painting on the left page matches the curtains! These illustrations have many thoughtful details!)

Spread #4 (Bunny picking flowers)

• Count the bees. (For older kids: Count the flowers Bunny has picked.) Can you spot the bird’s nest?

Spread #5 (Bunny in the town)

• How many lily pads can you find? How many chicks? Can you spot three tadpoles? Can you find the church in the distance?

Spread #6 (Easter egg hunt)

• (For older kids: Try to find all 30 eggs.) How many animals do you see? Can you find the church? For an extra challenge, see which animals have baskets.

Spread #7 (In the church)

• Count the animals in the room. Which ones are wearing hats? Do you see Bunny? Can you see the cross? What do you think the cross means? 

Spread #8 (Bunny and her family)

• Have your child point to Bunny’s mommy and then her daddy. 

Spread #9 (Happy Easter)

• Count Bunny and her friends on the Happy Easter page. Can you find the ladybug? Can you find an animal friend with a heart on his shirt? Which animals have hats? (The list goes on and on.) Then, tell your child more about what Easter is all about!

Wow, Miss E, that was AMAZING! Readers, don’t you agree? And now in celebration of this post (and the fact that Easter is just around the corner), I’m offering a FREE copy of BUNNY FINDS EASTER to one lucky reader. Details below.

BUNNY FINDS EASTER GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a copy of my newest book BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz, 2022) follow this blog and comment below with your favorite tip from Miss E’s book scavenger hunt. (NOTE: Must be a U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Tuesday, April 5th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced the next day.