Featured in Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop: |
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Through my new role as Product Marketing Manager (Kids & Parenting) I began to get into my degree field of marketing, and learned about managing an expansive multi-million dollar brand, content marketing, working with talented storytellers, and collaborating with partners like Tyndale and Christianbook.
My role continued to change and expand, and soon not only where we releasing new Adventures in Odyssey albums and episodes, but launching new book series (The Imagination Station) and repacking older titles.
My role continued to change and expand, and soon not only where we releasing new Adventures in Odyssey albums and episodes, but launching new book series (The Imagination Station) and repacking older titles.
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Side note is that I got to write Imagination Station #5, Showdown with the Shepherd, as well as the outline for Imagination Station #10, Challenge on the Hill of Fire.
Another fun note is that my favorite episodes from Adventures in Odyssey while growing up were Camp What-a-Nut (1 & 2). In my role, I was responsible to lead the design of the Album covers for Adventures in Odyssey, as well as all the repacks, bringing them into the new brand look and feel.
So I had the opportunity to make a change to my favorite album, one that I felt quite passionately about. So I changed the cover for Album #2 as well as the title to reflect what I thought was a better encapsulation of the album. Working with Gary Locke I directed him to to feature my favorite moment from Camp What-A-Nut, where Whit and Donny have to escape a bear by climbing a tree.
So I had the opportunity to make a change to my favorite album, one that I felt quite passionately about. So I changed the cover for Album #2 as well as the title to reflect what I thought was a better encapsulation of the album. Working with Gary Locke I directed him to to feature my favorite moment from Camp What-A-Nut, where Whit and Donny have to escape a bear by climbing a tree.
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This post has already become too long, so I guess i'll continue the next part of my time at Adventures in Odyssey in Part 5. Stay tuned!
*PS this is also when I became a published author with Taken, Showdown with the Shepherd, and HowlSage all in the same year! I'll be sure to cover that as well in a future post.
*PS this is also when I became a published author with Taken, Showdown with the Shepherd, and HowlSage all in the same year! I'll be sure to cover that as well in a future post.
Do you listen to Adventures in Odyssey? Let me know your favorite episode in the comments below.
Squishy Turkeys Devotional
Psalm 107:8-9
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Fizzlebop Devotional:
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and a time to be grateful for what God has done. In my family we have a tradition on Thanksgiving. Before we eat dinner, we go around the room and share what we are thankful for. Let me tell you, we have a big extended family that celebrates Thanksgiving together, so when I was a kid, this time of sharing seemed to last for weeks . . . especially because the dessert table with all my favorites was set up in the same room, including my mom’s apple pie (I was never a big pumpkin pie fan)! But as I grew, I began to truly appreciate this time of reflection. As I listened to what my uncle, or cousin, or grandma were thankful for that year, I was filled with gratefulness for the many, many things God was always doing in the lives of the people I love.
And that was just my family! Imagine what God is doing every second of every day all around the world for the billions of people who live here on earth. The world should be bursting with thankfulness and happiness. Psalm 107:8-9 says, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
In the Bible, we also read, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV). “All circumstances” doesn’t only mean when life is fizztastic—it means even when life is arduous (which means difficult). These are the times when we should turn our eyes and hearts to God and pray. These are the times we must go deeper into his arms of hope, love, and joy.
And that was just my family! Imagine what God is doing every second of every day all around the world for the billions of people who live here on earth. The world should be bursting with thankfulness and happiness. Psalm 107:8-9 says, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
In the Bible, we also read, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV). “All circumstances” doesn’t only mean when life is fizztastic—it means even when life is arduous (which means difficult). These are the times when we should turn our eyes and hearts to God and pray. These are the times we must go deeper into his arms of hope, love, and joy.
Fizz Fact:
Thanksgiving holidays are celebrated all around the world, though they’re not all on the same day. In Germany, the holiday is called Erntedankfest, and in the United Kingdom, it’s known as the Harvest Festival.
Prayer Time:
As a family, use your list of thankfulness to give thanks to God and reflect on what he has done for you.
Questions:
THANKFULNESS LIST
As a family, come up with twelve things you are thankful for. They can be from the past year or anytime during your life. Share why you’re thankful for each of these things.
As a family, come up with twelve things you are thankful for. They can be from the past year or anytime during your life. Share why you’re thankful for each of these things.
Watch the Experiment
So what did I end up choosing for my career? Or at least what degree would I go to college for?
The answer is...
This degree is every kids' absolute dream job, well maybe not, but it is something that is all around you. It's on your clothing, it's on your car, it's on every package you purchase whether that's a toy or food at the grocery store. It's between the songs on the radio, and every TV show you watch... In fact you could argue it's the reason TV shows are made, to sell more of this...
The answer is...
This degree is every kids' absolute dream job, well maybe not, but it is something that is all around you. It's on your clothing, it's on your car, it's on every package you purchase whether that's a toy or food at the grocery store. It's between the songs on the radio, and every TV show you watch... In fact you could argue it's the reason TV shows are made, to sell more of this...
 |  |  |
What is this?
Marketing, advertising, promotions!
I went to get a degree in marketing at Illinois State University in Normal, IL.
Okay so maybe not every kids' dream job. It's not a very glamorous sounding degree I know, but I knew that it was stable, that I could get a job at one of the two major companies in central Illinois; Caterpillar and State Farm. (Indeed upon graduating I had offers at both of the companies.) I knew I could make a career of it, provide for my family, and be creative.
Marketing, advertising, promotions!
I went to get a degree in marketing at Illinois State University in Normal, IL.
Okay so maybe not every kids' dream job. It's not a very glamorous sounding degree I know, but I knew that it was stable, that I could get a job at one of the two major companies in central Illinois; Caterpillar and State Farm. (Indeed upon graduating I had offers at both of the companies.) I knew I could make a career of it, provide for my family, and be creative.
 |  |
I ended up selecting a company called MultiAd. I wasn't there long though, before suddenly I got a call to work for a company that would change the trajectory of my life.
In fact newly married I turned to my wife and asked do you want to move to Colorado?
To this day I can not remember applying for the job they called me about. A job that had nothing to do with my degree, or chosen career field. No indeed, I would find myself in IT (information technology) at a company called...
In fact newly married I turned to my wife and asked do you want to move to Colorado?
To this day I can not remember applying for the job they called me about. A job that had nothing to do with my degree, or chosen career field. No indeed, I would find myself in IT (information technology) at a company called...
Want to know a secret?
My interest in marketing, and how to indeed market books, became core to The Quest for Truth series' very cover designs and even the titling of each and every book in the series.
Maybe you have already noticed this very cool feature. Take your Quest for Truth books, put them in order from left to right starting with Taken and ending with Hope, and with their spines facing you.
What do you notice?
Don't have your own set? Let's fix that.
You can also scroll down to reveal the super cool secret.
Maybe you have already noticed this very cool feature. Take your Quest for Truth books, put them in order from left to right starting with Taken and ending with Hope, and with their spines facing you.
What do you notice?
Don't have your own set? Let's fix that.
You can also scroll down to reveal the super cool secret.
Scroll to see the spines of The Quest for Truth!
Keep Scrolling...
Just a bit more...
REVEAL
I was always fascinated by airplanes, and spaceships. My second largest collection of books, were airplane books, primarily military aircraft. The shear speed of the airplanes, the sophisticated weapons they carried, all interested me. I enjoyed attending airshows, and in particular recall my first experience seeing the Blue Angels. In fact I still dash outside of my house, as air force planes fly over where I live.
I call out the airplane type, F-22 Raptor, V-22 Osprey, F-18 Hornet, etc. In fact I followed the competitions for the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) which is known as the F-35 Lightning II. And I still have my copy of Popular Mechanics issue covering the JSF!
Interesting Fact, before the F-22 was officially called Raptor, it was referred to as the Lightning II. I had a video game called F-22 Lighting II. But then they corrected it with F-22 Raptor.
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So any guesses so far as to what my career choice was as a junior in High School?
No?
I found myself intrigued and inspired by the F-22 Raptor, and I wanted to be part of creating such a fantastic powerful machine. One that could continue giving the United States air superiority.
Of course I had watched the movie Top Gun (F-14s), and the idea of out matching our enemies in the sky, was exciting. But I didn't have a desire to be a pilot, nor did I want to join the actual air force.
In fact I didn't even fly on an airplane, until my senior year of high school.
No?
I found myself intrigued and inspired by the F-22 Raptor, and I wanted to be part of creating such a fantastic powerful machine. One that could continue giving the United States air superiority.
Of course I had watched the movie Top Gun (F-14s), and the idea of out matching our enemies in the sky, was exciting. But I didn't have a desire to be a pilot, nor did I want to join the actual air force.
In fact I didn't even fly on an airplane, until my senior year of high school.
I was fairly good at math and science, and so Aerospace Engineering made sense as a career path. I could apply my skills in math and science, to creating something I really enjoyed thinking about; airplanes.
So I applied and was accepted to several universities that excelled in aerospace engineering, and so my career path was chosen.
Well at least until I realized maybe engineering wasn't what I thought it would be. As a boy I loved to draw, and so I would draw all sorts of things; dinosaurs, Civil War murals, construction equipment, and of course airplanes. But I wouldn't just draw one small piece or component to the airplane, but the whole thing.
And now, many years down the road, with a bit more insight into who I am, I realize that I was always more of a big vision person, a macro idea person. And while I have played my small part in many larger projects, when I was determining my career choice for the 'rest of my life' I didn't picture myself at a desk, drawing one small component for an airplane.
So alas, I still had yet to discover what I wanted to do for my career, and the countdown to graduation had begun.
So I applied and was accepted to several universities that excelled in aerospace engineering, and so my career path was chosen.
Well at least until I realized maybe engineering wasn't what I thought it would be. As a boy I loved to draw, and so I would draw all sorts of things; dinosaurs, Civil War murals, construction equipment, and of course airplanes. But I wouldn't just draw one small piece or component to the airplane, but the whole thing.
And now, many years down the road, with a bit more insight into who I am, I realize that I was always more of a big vision person, a macro idea person. And while I have played my small part in many larger projects, when I was determining my career choice for the 'rest of my life' I didn't picture myself at a desk, drawing one small component for an airplane.
So alas, I still had yet to discover what I wanted to do for my career, and the countdown to graduation had begun.
God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
—1 CORINTHIANS 12:18-20
—1 CORINTHIANS 12:18-20
STARLOG ENTRY 1.001
Greetings from the orbital platform Provider!
My name is Gavin Greystone, and I live here on Provider with my family. My dad’s name is Phoenix, my mom is Nebula, my brother is Comet, and my sister is Aurora. You could say my family is living on the edge—both because we’re living on the furthest edge of human civilization, and because our work out here is so dangerous.
Here on Provider, we are somewhere between 746 million and one billion miles from Earth, depending on our current position in the solar system. That’s a long way from our home planet! Provider orbits Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, and it was built by the Alliance of Spacefaring Nations (ASN).
Five years ago, my family arrived at Provider on board a spaceship called Beyond. I was seven years old at the time. We moved here from Mars to oversee the construction of Inspire, the first human settlement on Titan and soon to be our new home.
We have an artificial intelligence system named KEWD. (Don’t ask me what it stands for because no one ever told me.) This AI is built into all of our computer systems, helping us with our work and with living life out here in space. Most of our work on the surface of Titan is done remotely by our team of constructo-bots. With KEWD’s help, my family creates these robots’ tasks, verifies their work, and solves problems that happen along the way.
There are a few other people aboard Provider too. Their job is making sure the station continues to function, communicating with the ASN command center on Earth, and conducting other experiments. But when it comes to establishing a settlement on Titan, it’s the Greystone family or bust. We are a hundred percent on the hook for the success or failure of our habitat, called a hab-dome, on Titan’s surface. Eventually, the Inspire settlement will include other hab-domes, but completing this one is our first priority.
Our family has trained hard to become a fantastic team. Not that we don’t have the occasional setback or argument! My brother, Comet, likes to be in charge (even though he isn’t), and my sister, Aurora, thinks she has the answer to every problem (even though she doesn’t). I don’t let either of them push me around. I may be the youngest, but I’m taller than both of them, and I read a lot because, well, there isn’t a lot else to do out here at what feels like the edge of the galaxy.
Dad and Mom are good about keeping us focused on our mission and helping us work out our differences. They take time to help each of us develop our own skill sets even if, at times, these skills aren’t necessarily something we want to learn. For example, why do I have to know how to solve math problems when KEWD can do all the calculations for me through my mTalk? I mean, isn’t that why we all have mTalk devices—to communicate, access information, and help us solve problems?
If all goes according to plan, Team Greystone will be departing from Provider to the surface of Titan next week to become the first settlers there, making us the third group to establish a settlement on a moon or planet beyond Earth (after the colonies on Luna and Mars). We’ll be the very first humans to touch the surface of Titan! That’s mind-blowing to think about. I’ll be walking in places where no human has ever been. Amazing!
Our current team consists of my family members, but it’ll soon expand with two additional families joining us down on Titan. And from there, our settlement will continue to grow. For now though, my parents will lead our family and the two additional families coming to Titan. I hope someday I’ll be as good at leading a team as they are.
My name is Gavin Greystone, and I live here on Provider with my family. My dad’s name is Phoenix, my mom is Nebula, my brother is Comet, and my sister is Aurora. You could say my family is living on the edge—both because we’re living on the furthest edge of human civilization, and because our work out here is so dangerous.
Here on Provider, we are somewhere between 746 million and one billion miles from Earth, depending on our current position in the solar system. That’s a long way from our home planet! Provider orbits Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, and it was built by the Alliance of Spacefaring Nations (ASN).
Five years ago, my family arrived at Provider on board a spaceship called Beyond. I was seven years old at the time. We moved here from Mars to oversee the construction of Inspire, the first human settlement on Titan and soon to be our new home.
We have an artificial intelligence system named KEWD. (Don’t ask me what it stands for because no one ever told me.) This AI is built into all of our computer systems, helping us with our work and with living life out here in space. Most of our work on the surface of Titan is done remotely by our team of constructo-bots. With KEWD’s help, my family creates these robots’ tasks, verifies their work, and solves problems that happen along the way.
There are a few other people aboard Provider too. Their job is making sure the station continues to function, communicating with the ASN command center on Earth, and conducting other experiments. But when it comes to establishing a settlement on Titan, it’s the Greystone family or bust. We are a hundred percent on the hook for the success or failure of our habitat, called a hab-dome, on Titan’s surface. Eventually, the Inspire settlement will include other hab-domes, but completing this one is our first priority.
Our family has trained hard to become a fantastic team. Not that we don’t have the occasional setback or argument! My brother, Comet, likes to be in charge (even though he isn’t), and my sister, Aurora, thinks she has the answer to every problem (even though she doesn’t). I don’t let either of them push me around. I may be the youngest, but I’m taller than both of them, and I read a lot because, well, there isn’t a lot else to do out here at what feels like the edge of the galaxy.
Dad and Mom are good about keeping us focused on our mission and helping us work out our differences. They take time to help each of us develop our own skill sets even if, at times, these skills aren’t necessarily something we want to learn. For example, why do I have to know how to solve math problems when KEWD can do all the calculations for me through my mTalk? I mean, isn’t that why we all have mTalk devices—to communicate, access information, and help us solve problems?
If all goes according to plan, Team Greystone will be departing from Provider to the surface of Titan next week to become the first settlers there, making us the third group to establish a settlement on a moon or planet beyond Earth (after the colonies on Luna and Mars). We’ll be the very first humans to touch the surface of Titan! That’s mind-blowing to think about. I’ll be walking in places where no human has ever been. Amazing!
Our current team consists of my family members, but it’ll soon expand with two additional families joining us down on Titan. And from there, our settlement will continue to grow. For now though, my parents will lead our family and the two additional families coming to Titan. I hope someday I’ll be as good at leading a team as they are.
Faith at the Edge: Teamwork
Hello, this is KEWD again. I’ll be extracting insights from Gavin’s daily journal entry to take you deeper into some of the challenges he is facing.
The Greystone family is a team. No matter what challenges come their way, they rely on each other for all of their successes and failures. Each person in their family has a different skill set that makes them all valuable team members. This is important to help them succeed in their mission to colonize Titan. No role is more important than another; each position is unique and helps the team work together more effectively. Mr. and Mrs. Greystone help Gavin and his siblings sharpen their skills and keep them focused on the task at hand.
The Christian life works very similarly to the Greystone team. When you put your trust in Jesus Christ, accepting His offer of salvation, you become a part of a heavenly team. This is a team of Christians working together for a common goal or task: to share God’s love with the world! We learn in 1 Corinthians 12 that this team is similar to the human body. Each part of the body has an essential job, and one part cannot work as effectively without the other. The Bible says that God put each part exactly where He wanted it.
God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
—1 CORINTHIANS 12:18-20
Just like Gavin’s parents help him and his siblings stay focused and sharpen their skills, the Lord does the same for you. He puts people in your life to help you grow in your relationship with Him, and He’ll develop your skills so that you can work effectively with your Christian team.
Gavin’s family is part of a critical team working together to achieve the goal of establishing a settlement on Titan. You, as a Christian, are also a part of an essential spiritual team working together to achieve the purpose of sharing Jesus with the world. So remember that God loves you and values you as part of His fantastic team.
The Greystone family is a team. No matter what challenges come their way, they rely on each other for all of their successes and failures. Each person in their family has a different skill set that makes them all valuable team members. This is important to help them succeed in their mission to colonize Titan. No role is more important than another; each position is unique and helps the team work together more effectively. Mr. and Mrs. Greystone help Gavin and his siblings sharpen their skills and keep them focused on the task at hand.
The Christian life works very similarly to the Greystone team. When you put your trust in Jesus Christ, accepting His offer of salvation, you become a part of a heavenly team. This is a team of Christians working together for a common goal or task: to share God’s love with the world! We learn in 1 Corinthians 12 that this team is similar to the human body. Each part of the body has an essential job, and one part cannot work as effectively without the other. The Bible says that God put each part exactly where He wanted it.
God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
—1 CORINTHIANS 12:18-20
Just like Gavin’s parents help him and his siblings stay focused and sharpen their skills, the Lord does the same for you. He puts people in your life to help you grow in your relationship with Him, and He’ll develop your skills so that you can work effectively with your Christian team.
Gavin’s family is part of a critical team working together to achieve the goal of establishing a settlement on Titan. You, as a Christian, are also a part of an essential spiritual team working together to achieve the purpose of sharing Jesus with the world. So remember that God loves you and values you as part of His fantastic team.
Edge Questions:
- What teams have you been a part of? What role did you play on those teams?
- Did you feel that your strengths were used in these roles? Or is there something else you would have liked to try?
- Read 1 Corinthians 12. What is the reason we are a team? How has being part of a team strengthened you? How has being part of a team helped you realize the value of having people with different gifts and skills?
 | The very first thing I can remember wanting to be was an archeologist, but I only wanted to be that because I didn’t know that the title for the job I wanted was paleontologist. According to The National Park Service*, archeology refers to “the scientific study of historic or prehistoric (pre-European contact) peoples, their material cultures and activities through the recovery and analysis of artifacts, inscriptions, structures, and other such remains,” while paleontology means “the study of the history of life on Earth based upon fossils preserved within rock strata or some geologic context.” So fossils meant dinosaurs and for me, dinosaurs were always very interesting; I loved looking at books of these giant beasts in their artist-imagined habitats. I watched a show called Dino-Riders... |
...and owned lots of dinosaur toys (which I still have today)!
I love dinosaurs!
Did I want to become a paleontologist to discover what happened to them—volcanoes, asteroids, disease, a flood? In truth, no, that’s not really what I was after.
I love dinosaurs!
Did I want to become a paleontologist to discover what happened to them—volcanoes, asteroids, disease, a flood? In truth, no, that’s not really what I was after.
 | In fact, I just wanted to see a dinosaur. So when the movie Jurassic Park came out, well, my ten-year-old self’s mind was blown. Genetic engineering, creating real dinosaurs, albeit with frog DNA! Did the dinosaurs breaking out of the park scare me? No, I mean, I would engineer a better park than that. |
| Oh, and I read this book called The Lost Kingdom about a dinosaur in a deep jungle. |  |
What I wanted as a kid was to see a real live dinosaur… okay, what I really wanted was to ride one.
 | But in the end, I realized the reality of where technology was and what the near future of paleontology looked like. Paleontology was more Alan Grant in Montana than Owen Grady working with Velociraptors. |  |
So alas, what I wanted to be in my career began to change as my interests shifted.
Reply with your guess what that new interest was!
Read What do you want to be? Part 2 next month.
Reply with your guess what that new interest was!
Read What do you want to be? Part 2 next month.
It’s back to school season again, which means the daily routine:
Devotions, yes, your time with God. Prayer and reading your Bible fills YOU, your soul, your mind, your emotions. We need fuel from God, which happens by spending time with Him daily. The time with our Creator helps us make it through our day.
When I haven’t spent time with our Lord, my attitude sours, and I grow weary and tired from the rigors of our world. Only when He is at the forefront of my mind do I feel full and can reflect His love outward. Even my interactions with my family, friends, and co-workers are better. That's because when we fill ourselves with the good things God has for us (learning through His word), we begin to exude (which also means living out) Him in our attitudes and actions!
So I want to encourage you to find a devotional to start the school year with, read it, stick with it, and find that time with God.
I’ve got a great list of devotionals I wrote up in a post to get you started, and I would love to hear about the devotionals you use in the post's comments section.
Check out the list at the button below.
- Wakeup
- Breakfast
- Get Dressed
- Go to School/Work
- Classes/Meetings
- Lunch
- Classes/Meetings
- School Pickup
- Activities
- Dinner
- Devotions
- Sleep
Devotions, yes, your time with God. Prayer and reading your Bible fills YOU, your soul, your mind, your emotions. We need fuel from God, which happens by spending time with Him daily. The time with our Creator helps us make it through our day.
When I haven’t spent time with our Lord, my attitude sours, and I grow weary and tired from the rigors of our world. Only when He is at the forefront of my mind do I feel full and can reflect His love outward. Even my interactions with my family, friends, and co-workers are better. That's because when we fill ourselves with the good things God has for us (learning through His word), we begin to exude (which also means living out) Him in our attitudes and actions!
So I want to encourage you to find a devotional to start the school year with, read it, stick with it, and find that time with God.
I’ve got a great list of devotionals I wrote up in a post to get you started, and I would love to hear about the devotionals you use in the post's comments section.
Check out the list at the button below.
I hope this list of devotionals helps you start an awesome devotional time at home as you begin your back to school season.
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop: 52 Fizztastically Fun Experiments and Devotions for Families
$15.99
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop features 52 easy experiments kids and parents can do together once a week or at their convenience. Each experiment will have a how-to video featured in the free Fizzlebop Labs web series launching in fall '21. Building on Dr. Fizzlebop's desire to show kids how faith and science connect,  each experiment connects to a devotional that allows kids to go deeper and learn about God's amazing design for everything around them. On average, each experiment takes 5 to 10 minutes and the devotional is an additional 5 minutes.Â
Plus 5 Bonus Holiday Themed Experiments
Our expert and guide, Dr. Phineas Einstein Fizzlebop, is a bit quirky and maybe a little cheesy at times, but he is passionate about three things; God, science, and fizz and all come together wonderfully at  Fizzlebop Labs. Guest scientists (families) will journey through the  Bible in an extravaganza of experiments and bible studies full of fun,  facts, and fizz.
Dr. Fizzlbop's Fizzy Heart Experiment
$0.99
$0.00
Join Dr. Fizzlebop in a fizztastic science experiment and devotional for Valentine's Day.
This digital package includes a how-to video, downloadable instructions, and devotional (pdf).
Edge of the Galaxy: 30 Faith-Filled Adventures
$15.99
Edge of the Galaxy is 30 faith-filled and action-packed sci-fi devotionals for middle-grade kids. This devotional follows Gavin Greystone as he experiences everyday challenges at the edge of our galaxy.
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The year is 2095, and humans have colonized Mars and Earth’s Moon; Luna, established orbital platforms near Saturn’s moon Titan and also near Jupiter’s moon Europa. These two moons are humanity’s next objectives for permanent colonization in our solar system.
A robotic base camp on Titan, and progress for a permanent colony called Inspire is underway now. The Provider, an orbital platform near Titan, is where our story starts, 759k miles from Saturn, and anywhere from 746 million to 1 billion miles from Earth dependent on the two planets’ positions in the Solar System. The space station was funded and constructed by the Alliance of Spacefaring Nations (ASN) and is now the furthest human establishment from Earth.
Gavin Greystone traveled with his parents and siblings aboard the starship Beyond to Titan’s orbital platform Provider when he was only six years old, even with advances in propulsion it still took nine months to reach Titan. His family joined the initial crew that established Provider and will be the first family to live on Titan permanently. The Greystones have lived aboard Provider for the last five years, with only a handful of trips to the surface of Titan. Robots have been the primary tool for completing the construction of the initial colony structure named Inspire. Occasionally Gavin’s mom, Aurora, or dad, Phoenix, go to the surface to fix a constructo-bot or verify progress at Inspire, but most of the time they remain safely onboard Provider. Of course, living in space can never really be safe, even when you take all the necessary precautions.
Two of Provider’s original crew returned to Mars orbit to retrieve two additional families and a slew of animals. These families and animals will join the Greystones as the first settlers on Titan. In a week, those families will arrive at Provider, and upon completion of Inspire join the Greystones as permanent settlers on Titan’s surface.
From here the families will have to learn to work together and create a life on the surface of Titan as they expand humankind’s footprint on the moon and prepare for more settlers. Through many trials, Gavin will learn who he is and the plan God has for him.
Peter’s Denial of Jesus (Luke 22:61)
At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Luke 22:61 KJV
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Devotional
Has anyone ever called you “chicken” because you didn’t want to do something? What would you do if soldiers showed up to kidnap your best friend? Would you stay or run and hide so the soldiers wouldn’t take you, too?
After Jesus was arrested, Peter faced this very dilemma. Open your Bible and read Luke 22:54-62 to see what happened.
Peter was the only one of Jesus’ disciples who dared to leave the boat and walk on water! Peter had a big heart and a big mouth, which often got him in trouble. I’m a lot like Peter. I, too, am one to jump before I think. More than one experiment has gone awry (which means wrong) because I didn’t take the time to ponder (which means think). Mostly, though, Peter’s leaping to action because he trusted Jesus was a good thing. And yet Peter and I have something else in common too—something not so fizztastic.
This one kid in my class, Max, was good at art—he could sculpt anything out of clay, and he made the best comic strips. They were so funny! One time my friends were making fun of one of Max’s projects. I heard a voice in my head telling me this wasn’t right, but I did nothing.
Then one of my friends tripped Max as he walked by. His clay sculpture fell and shattered into a gazillion pieces. A screw twisted in my stomach, and the voice inside me said this wasn’t right. Yet again, I didn’t listen—I said nothing.
Finally, as Max began to cry over the destruction of his masterpiece, my friends started to laugh and point. And though my stomach churned and the voice sounded louder, I still did nothing. I just followed my friends as they walked down the hall and gave each other high-fives. I heard Max’s whimpers behind me.
That night in my room, I began to cry as I tried to pray. I realized how wrong I’d been. I hadn’t acted as God had created me to act—in fact, like Peter, I’d denied Jesus three times. “I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me” (Matthew 26:34).
Three times the Spirit of God had prompted me to act, and I’d ignored him three times.
I knew what I had to do, so the next day, I sought out (which means looked for) Max. He turned away as I approached, embarrassed. But I tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Max, I am very sorry.” I told him I was a Christian but hadn’t acted like one. And that I was sorry for not standing up for him.
Instead of being angry or blowing me off, Max surprised me. He quoted my favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Max smiled. “I forgive you.”
Relief washed over me, and that was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t as though I never sinned again, but I knew that if I did, the best thing I could do was face the one I had wronged and apologize.
And, you know, Peter changed too after Jesus forgave him. Peter became a man of action once again. This time, he would be sure his actions weren’t based on his ideas but on God’s.
“Strengthen your brothers,” Jesus told him. So that’s what Peter did. He became one of the most outstanding, fizztastic leaders of Christ's followers, with his weakness turning to marvelous strength. His story gave me hope then, and it gives me hope today. Is there someone in your life you’ve been unkind to? Or have you stood by while others were unkind to that person? Pray for God to allow you to seek forgiveness from them and perhaps even to become friends.
After Jesus was arrested, Peter faced this very dilemma. Open your Bible and read Luke 22:54-62 to see what happened.
Peter was the only one of Jesus’ disciples who dared to leave the boat and walk on water! Peter had a big heart and a big mouth, which often got him in trouble. I’m a lot like Peter. I, too, am one to jump before I think. More than one experiment has gone awry (which means wrong) because I didn’t take the time to ponder (which means think). Mostly, though, Peter’s leaping to action because he trusted Jesus was a good thing. And yet Peter and I have something else in common too—something not so fizztastic.
This one kid in my class, Max, was good at art—he could sculpt anything out of clay, and he made the best comic strips. They were so funny! One time my friends were making fun of one of Max’s projects. I heard a voice in my head telling me this wasn’t right, but I did nothing.
Then one of my friends tripped Max as he walked by. His clay sculpture fell and shattered into a gazillion pieces. A screw twisted in my stomach, and the voice inside me said this wasn’t right. Yet again, I didn’t listen—I said nothing.
Finally, as Max began to cry over the destruction of his masterpiece, my friends started to laugh and point. And though my stomach churned and the voice sounded louder, I still did nothing. I just followed my friends as they walked down the hall and gave each other high-fives. I heard Max’s whimpers behind me.
That night in my room, I began to cry as I tried to pray. I realized how wrong I’d been. I hadn’t acted as God had created me to act—in fact, like Peter, I’d denied Jesus three times. “I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me” (Matthew 26:34).
Three times the Spirit of God had prompted me to act, and I’d ignored him three times.
I knew what I had to do, so the next day, I sought out (which means looked for) Max. He turned away as I approached, embarrassed. But I tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Max, I am very sorry.” I told him I was a Christian but hadn’t acted like one. And that I was sorry for not standing up for him.
Instead of being angry or blowing me off, Max surprised me. He quoted my favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Max smiled. “I forgive you.”
Relief washed over me, and that was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t as though I never sinned again, but I knew that if I did, the best thing I could do was face the one I had wronged and apologize.
And, you know, Peter changed too after Jesus forgave him. Peter became a man of action once again. This time, he would be sure his actions weren’t based on his ideas but on God’s.
“Strengthen your brothers,” Jesus told him. So that’s what Peter did. He became one of the most outstanding, fizztastic leaders of Christ's followers, with his weakness turning to marvelous strength. His story gave me hope then, and it gives me hope today. Is there someone in your life you’ve been unkind to? Or have you stood by while others were unkind to that person? Pray for God to allow you to seek forgiveness from them and perhaps even to become friends.
Prayer Time
As a family, take a moment to pray for each other by name—that each of you would have the strength and courage to stand strong in your faith, even in the face of adversity (which means a challenge).
Discussion Questions
Think of a time you disobeyed Jesus and later asked for His forgiveness. How did it feel to be forgiven by Him? Is there anything you need to ask forgiveness for right now?
Click the button above to conduct a fizztastic experiment connected to this devotional.
Devotional Featured in Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop: 52 Fizztastically Fun Experiments and Devotions for Families
Devotionals are a great way to engage your kids with the Bible as well as character-building traits. They allow kids to explore topics they may be experiencing at school or at home, and unpack them through an outside viewpoint. While connecting kids back to sound Biblical principles these devotionals go one step further in engaging your kids in exciting ways. Several of the devotionals on this list provide active ways for kids to experience and engage with their faith. All of these devotionals are sure to draw your kids closer to God and away from the screen.
Below you’ll find a must-have selection of ten (plus one) devotionals sure to engage your kids with their faith.
Below you’ll find a must-have selection of ten (plus one) devotionals sure to engage your kids with their faith.
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop: 52 Fizztastically Fun Experiments and Devotions for Families
 | Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop features 52 easy experiments kids and parents can do together once a week or at their convenience. Each experiment will have a how-to video featured in the free Fizzlebop Labs web series. Building on Dr. Fizzlebop’s desire to show kids how faith and science connect, each experiment connects to a devotional that allows kids to go deeper and learn about God’s amazing design for everything around them. On average, each experiment takes 5 to 10 minutes and the devotional is an additional 5 minutes. Our expert and guide, Dr. Phineas Einstein Fizzlebop, is a bit quirky and maybe a little cheesy at times, but he is passionate about three things: God, science, and fizz―and all come together wonderfully at Fizzlebop Labs. Guest scientists (families) will journey through the Bible in an extravaganza of experiments and Bible studies full of fun, facts, and fizz. (Tyndale Kids) written by Brock Eastman |
Edge of the Galaxy: 30 Faith-Filled Adventures
| Edge of the Galaxy combines action-packed science fiction with faith-filled lessons that readers can apply to their own lives. It is a unique science-fiction devotional where you follow the exciting exploits of Gavin and his family through his star log entries. There are beautiful color illustrations throughout the book that bring this interplanetary adventure to life! The year is 2095, and 12-year-old Gavin Greystone is on the space station Provider above the Saturn moon of Titan. In Edge of the Galaxy, Gavin and his family work and live as space explorers. Life in space is certainly not easy, or even all that safe, but it’s definitely an exciting adventure. From Provider, Gavin’s family will work with other families to create a life on the surface of Titan as they expand humankind’s footprint and prepare for more settlers. Through many trials, Gavin will learn who he is and the plan God has for him. (Focus on the Family) written by Brock Eastman |  |
Made to Create with All My Heart and Soul: 60 Worship-through-Art Devotions for Girls
 | For girls who like to draw, sketch, imagine, explore, paint, smudge, color, write, and bring ideas to life! You are a wonderful work of art, a unique creation put together by a loving God who has big plans in mind for you! Paint, doodle, and craft your way to a better understanding of who God created you to be! You’ll learn art concepts and do fun projects with Lauren, an art teacher who wants to show you how to use your God-given talents to worship Him! Each day, you’ll read a Bible verse and a short devotion from Lauren, and then you’ll make a work of art that will encourage your creativity and teach you something about your Creator! (Tyndale Kids) written by Lauren Duncan |
Fruit Full: 100 Family Experiences for Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
| A fun family devotional inspiring children to understand the fruit of the Spirit It’s common for kids to memorize the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, goodness, self-control, and all the rest. But that doesn’t mean they understand what it means. Is peace just not fighting with your siblings? Does self-control mean resisting a second dessert? Christie Thomas is skilled at taking complex ideas and making them accessible to kids . . . and adults learn a lot along the way too. Each of her devotions is designed to help parents connect their children with the Holy Spirit through a Scripture passage, thought-provoking questions, ways to apply each verse, and a prayer. And for each fruit, parents can use the optional hands-on activities when there’s extra time. (Kregel Publications) written by Christie Thomas |  |
God Is in Nature!: A Kids Devotional About His Awesome Creations
 | The only kids’ nature devotional featuring Scripture, Bible studies, and prayers that collectively teach children to praise God by appreciating nature and His awesome creations In this exciting and inspiring kid devotional, children will learn firsthand about God’s fascinating world and amazing creations. From reading God’s words in the Bible to getting outside and being captivated by the highest mountain and the tiniest fish, kids will connect with God in fun and engaging ways. (Z Kids) written by Jessica Doebler |
The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science (Indescribable Kids)
 | In this captivating devotional readers discover mind-blowing, faith-building scientific facts and biblical truths about the wonder of God’s creation from author, speaker, and founder of the Passion movement Louie Giglio. Well-known for his powerful and highly visual messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and marvel at God’s creation. As kids explore this awe-inspiring devotional, they’ll be amazed at the many wonders God has made! (Thomas Nelson) written by Louie Giglio (Author), Tama Fortner, and Nicola Anderson (Illustrator) |
The Action Bible Anytime Devotions: 90 Ways to Help Kids Connect with God Anytime, Anywhere (Action Bible Series)
| As today’s kids face a culture of comparison, temptation, and bullying, they need to know God is with them and for them, and He has already proven His power to help them overcome. The Action Bible Anytime Devotions invites kids to connect with God by exploring Bible truth and applying it to their real-world struggles—anytime, anywhere, and as often as they need encouragement. Families who love The Action Bible will perfectly relate to The Action Bible Anytime Devotions as they dig deeper into God’s Word and experience the confidence that can only come from knowing and following Him. (David C Cook) illustrated by Sergio Cariello |  |
90 Devotions for Kids (Adventures in Odyssey Books)
 | Written by the Adventures in Odyssey team, 90 Devotions for Kids provides fun, Bible-based devotions for families and will encourage children to spend time learning more about God. There are no better mentors than Whit and the folks from Odyssey to partner with parents as they teach their children about God’s Word and make the truths of the Bible accessible to their kids. (Focus on the Family) written by Adventures in Odyssey |
Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith
| Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to “run toward the roar” as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. (Thomas Nelson) by Levi Lusko (Author), Tama Fortner (Author), Catherine Pearson (Illustrator) |  |
Seekers: An Interactive Family Adventure in Following Jesus
 | Discover the Truth of Ancient Scripture Together! 20 Incredible Puzzles for Your Family to Solve. Looking for an exciting, compelling way to teach children about God and the Bible? Explore this extraordinary resource full of puzzles, art, and clues about the mysteries of the Christian faith. Families with children will love solving cases together in this fantastical, escape-room style book. Seekers: An Interactive Family Adventure in Following Jesus is sure to become your favorite family discipleship resource. (NavPress) by C.S. Fritz (Author) |
Devotions for Super Average Kids
| These thirty fun-filled devotional readings for kids will encourage them to tell others about Jesus. Boys and girls alike will be inspired through the antics and adventures of “Average Boy,” who is Super Average when it comes to loving God and showing others how to do the same! Addressing real-life situations, the lessons cover topics like making friends, dealing with backstabbing classmates, getting along with parents and siblings, understanding your changing body, and most importantly, growing your relationship with God. (Focus on the Family) by Jesse Florea (Author), Bob Smiley (Author) |  |
Tell me about your favorite kids' devotionals in the comments below!
With sweet, rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, My Tender Heart Bible features beloved and classic Bible stories for beginner readers.
Bestselling author Laura Sassi pairs simple yet creative paraphrasing of Old and New Testament re-tellings with a “Heart Moment” for families to read aloud and pray. Scripture references are noted with each story that tell of God’s redemption plan for even more exploration together!
Bestselling author Laura Sassi pairs simple yet creative paraphrasing of Old and New Testament re-tellings with a “Heart Moment” for families to read aloud and pray. Scripture references are noted with each story that tell of God’s redemption plan for even more exploration together!
The title says it all! My Tender Heart Bible is a sweet Bible storybook, just right for little hands and little hearts. Written in rhyming verse and paired with adorable illustrations, this collection of favorite Bible stories will help young children learn about people and events from the Bible, while reminding them of God's unconditional love. I need this book for my grandkids.
- Crystal Bowman---award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children including, Our Daily Bread for Kids
Book Title: MY TENDER HEART BIBLE
Series Title: My Tender Heart
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Audience: 0 - 6
Genre: Rhyming Bible Story Book
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Series Title: My Tender Heart
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Audience: 0 - 6
Genre: Rhyming Bible Story Book
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Q&A with Laura
Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series? or What was your inspiration for writing this book or series?
Laura: MY TENDER HEART BIBLE is a collection of 12 of my favorite Bible stories, creatively rendered in rhyme with a simple prayer “heart moment” for each. The collection is inspired by memories of snuggling up with my own children when they were tiny to read or re-tell (in my own words so they could understand) so they could grasp just how much God loved them. This project is something I’ve dreamed of doing ever since my kids were little and I feel so blessed that it has come to pass!
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Laura: God and His amazing redemptive love provide the overarching framework for this collection. Each story that I’ve included has been carefully chosen to demonstrate that our God keeps His promises and provides for us in amazing ways. Even when we stumble or fall, He loves us and has provided a way back to Him through Jesus’s atoning death and resurrection.
Brock: In three words what is this book about?
Laura: God’s great love!
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Laura: It depends on the book, but yes, for MY TENDER HEART BIBLE, I plotted out ahead of time which stories I wanted to include. I knew that I wanted six stories from the Old Testament and six from the New Testament. I also wanted the stories, each in their own way, to point to Jesus and how God’s plan for restoring us to Him is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. On top of that, I also thought it was important to choose stories that would be engaging for littlest ones.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Laura: It is my hope that when reading these stories, little ones will feel like they witnessing right along with Moses and Esther and Jesus’s followers that God keeps His promises, that He loves us and that He wants us to be in relationship with Him.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Laura: Not really a genre, but I love writing books and poems that point little ones and their families to God. These can take the form of character driven stories like LOVE IS KIND or imaginative renderings of Bible favorites like GOODNIGHT ARK or GOODNIGHT MANGER, to Bible story collections like my newest book MY TENDER HEART BIBLE. And I love writing in rhyme.
Brock: How many books are planned for this series?
Laura: I’m excited to share that MY TENDER HEART BIBLE is the first in a three book series of MY TENDER HEART books. The second book, MY TENDER HEART PRAYER BOOK will release this coming Fall and MY TENDER HEART DEVOTIONS is expected to release in Fall 2024.
Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series?
Laura: The second book in the series, MY TENDER HEART PRAYER BOOK is already in production. That book is a collection of 24 fun rhyming prayers designed to take a child through the day and foster conversations with God.
Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series?
Laura: I’m still working on the third and can’t say too much yet, except that this one will be a collection of 50 illustrated devotionals for littlest ones to read with their caregivers.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Laura: It is my hope that this will become a bedside table favorite, to be picked up and enjoyed by little ones and their families again and again as they ponder together God’s great love for them.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Laura: God is real. He keeps His promises and loves them very much. That’s why He sent Jesus. Jesus loves them wants them to be in daily communion/fellowship with Him.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Laura: My favorite place to write to write in the summer is on my front porch. The other three seasons, I move around my house, settling in various cozy reading/ writing spots including my dining room, my living room, and I’m just now in the process of converting a guest bedroom into a “she-shed”. LOL.
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
Laura: My faith is foundational to my writing. It sets the course of what I write and why - to point others to God!
LIGHTNING ROUND
Brock: Coke or Pepsi?
Laura: Neither. I’m a freshly-steeped hot cup of tea person.
Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Laura: Hard, of course, and topped with all the fixings including guacamole.
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Laura: I love spending time at the beach each summer.
Brock: Favorite season?
Laura: I think each season is special in its own way, but maybe summer because that’s when I get to spend mornings writing on my beloved porch.
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Laura: I love Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 because it’s a wonderful reminder of just how central God and His Word are to be in our lives.
Brock: Favorite pasta dish?
Laura: Pasta primavera.
Author Name: Laura Sassi
Children's book author and poet
Bibliography:
MY TENDER HEART PRAYER BOOK (Paraclete Press, Fall ’23)
MY TENDER HEART BIBLE (Paraclete Press, Spring ’23)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS CHILD (Pareclete Press, Fall ’22)
BUNNY FINDS EASTER (Zonderkidz, Spring ’22)
LITTLE EWE: THE STORY OF ONE LOST SHEEP (Beaming Books, Spring ’21)
EL AMOR ES BONDADOSO (Vida Zondervan, Fall ’19)
LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, Fall ’18)
DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, Spring ’18)
GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, October ’15)
GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, August ’14)
Connect with Laura:
Author Website: http://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraSassiTales
Author Twitter: twitter.com/laurasassitales
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasassitales/
I recently spoke at a convention, where I not only did FIZZTASTIC experiments, but also spoke about writing and crafting characters. Turns out there were alot of TQ4T readers at the conference.
The question was posed, or perhaps the accusation made. "You showed there were still people on Earth, and then that was it, the book ended? Is there more to the story? We want to know what happens next!"
Well, yes there is more to the story, in fact I proposed another 5 books to follow TQ4T. It was called The Quest for Peace, but it didn't happen. So I moved on to other projects.
But this question of a Book 6 posed with such interest and vigor by the Kelly Family, made me ponder what it would be like to go back into the world of the Wikks. To tie up additional loose ends, to see what happens next with Oliver, Tiffany, Mason, and Austin? Has Drex really changed? Where did Uncle Casper go? What are Captain Vedrik and Prince Voltan up to? Who are the people of Earth?
If this intrigues you or a reader in your home, if you would like to see a Book 6, would you leave a comment and let me know? Let me know the unanswered questions you have from the series?
Thanks
Brock
The question was posed, or perhaps the accusation made. "You showed there were still people on Earth, and then that was it, the book ended? Is there more to the story? We want to know what happens next!"
Well, yes there is more to the story, in fact I proposed another 5 books to follow TQ4T. It was called The Quest for Peace, but it didn't happen. So I moved on to other projects.
But this question of a Book 6 posed with such interest and vigor by the Kelly Family, made me ponder what it would be like to go back into the world of the Wikks. To tie up additional loose ends, to see what happens next with Oliver, Tiffany, Mason, and Austin? Has Drex really changed? Where did Uncle Casper go? What are Captain Vedrik and Prince Voltan up to? Who are the people of Earth?
If this intrigues you or a reader in your home, if you would like to see a Book 6, would you leave a comment and let me know? Let me know the unanswered questions you have from the series?
Thanks
Brock
From the Publisher
Why is there an Easter Bunny? Let him tell you the tale of how everything has changed, even himself. Follow a little rabbit, as he discovers a familiar voice in a garden one night. The man is God in the flesh, of this he is sure, and he cannot help but follow him, as he is captured and put on trial. The little rabbit is confused at what he sees. Then as he hides and waits, he discovers the true source of transformation. Now he can’t wait to tell you and his friends about the good news he has found. Will you listen to his tale?
“This creative retelling of the Easter story presents the Gospel message in a sweet and kid-friendly manner. With warm and endearing illustrations, An Easter Bunny’s Tale offers biblical truth and reminds us of God’s love and grace.”
– Crystal Bowman—award-winning, best-selling author of more than 100 books.
“This creative retelling of the Easter story presents the Gospel message in a sweet and kid-friendly manner. With warm and endearing illustrations, An Easter Bunny’s Tale offers biblical truth and reminds us of God’s love and grace.”
– Crystal Bowman—award-winning, best-selling author of more than 100 books.
The Interview
Brock: What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Valerie: When my oldest was about three, my husband and I had a discussion if we would have the Easter bunny as part of our Easter celebrations. I grew up with the Easter Bunny, but as we discussed it, we didn’t see any connection between the rabbit and the gospel. The more I thought about it the more I struggled with the overwhelming presence of the Easter bunny. Then a question popped into my mind, what if the Easter bunny could point people to Christ instead of candy. From that question this little story grew into a book I couldn’t keep to myself any longer.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Valerie: The main characters are a little grey rabbit and Jesus. I think we can all agree that Jesus is pretty unique since he did miracles and was the Son of God. While the little gray rabbit is pretty ordinary, except for the heart-shaped fur on his chest. Be sure to watch this little feature as you read through the book.
Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Valerie: Jesus: He’s coming back. Bunny- in the original version of the book he was brown. Beta readers are very important.
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Valerie: Easter changes everything.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Valerie: Since An Easter Bunny’s Tale follows the events of Easter, that provided the basic outline for the story. Then I just had to figure out how a rabbit could fit into all the events leading up to the resurrection of Christ.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Valerie: In the story, as the little bunny follows Jesus, he finds himself getting dirty. When Jesus comes back to life, the little bunny doesn’t think Jesus would want to see him because he is so dirty. But my favorite line in the book is, ‘His nail-torn hands scooped me up. He didn’t fear the mud and the muck.’ I think we all feel inadequate and unworthy whether we’ve been a Christian for a long time or have yet to claim Jesus as our savior. But it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross that we can be with him and be washed clean. It is a truth we all need reminding of from time to time.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Valerie: I think Rebekah Lyons said it once, “where your burden and your passion collide is where you find your purpose.” I love writing for kids because my boys are my joy and burden. And my passion is for stories that move people. Writing for children is such a challenge and a joy. When you do it right, the story will speak to the child inside all of us.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Valerie: It’s my prayer that parents will use this book and the discussion questions in the back, to have conversations about what Jesus did at Easter and what that means for our salvation.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Valerie: My hope and prayer is that kids can watch the changes in the little gray bunny and see how what Jesus did on the cross can change their hearts. That they will want to know more about Jesus and his death and resurrection, so they can come to a saving faith early in life.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Valerie: I am a part-time writer. My other titles include Taxi-driver, Line Chef, Housekeeper, Laundry service, and walker, abbreviated as Mom.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Valerie: I started writing seriously back in 2006, but when my son was born in 2008 plus several other circumstances, depression became too big of a stumbling block to ignore. So for ten-years I worked through my depression and focused on raising my family. When the 2020 quarantine came around I had worked through a lot of my depression and insequrities, writing mostly for fun in this time period. But during the stay-at-home mandate, I found myself drawing pictures for this story. As it all came together, I decided to put the book together as an Easter gift for the kids in my extended family. After giving those books out, God pressed on my heart that this story wasn’t just for my family. With a lot more prayer and encouragement from my family, I moved forward to self-publish An Easter Bunny’s Tale in 2021. There was a strong learning curve and illustrator issues that made me postpone the release to 2022. God knew what he was doing, and I’m so thankful I said yes to his leading.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Valerie: Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Velveteen Rabbit are my favorite children’s books. They are the books that introduced me to the magic of words and stories. Favorite books as a teen were the Narnia Chronicles by CS Lewis and This Present Darkness by Frank Perretti.
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
Valerie: My faith is the ultimate inspiration. Most of my stories come from faith struggles or faith questions that I or my kids have had. There is no greater storyteller than God and I am humbled to join in his efforts to communicate truths about him to anyone who would read.
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Valerie: Red River, New Mexico in the summer. My family has traveled there for five generations. It even was a honeymoon spot for several members of my family. The quiet beauty of it all plus the memories make it one of my favorite vacation spots.
Brock: Favorite season?
Valerie: Spring. I love the burst of color after winter, and it means Easter is coming
Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write?
Valerie: I usually have a large cup of water and some trail mix. If I’m feeling healthy the mix is almonds, cashews, and cranberries. If my sweet tooth gets the best of me, it might be peanuts, M&M’s, and chocolate chips.
Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory?
Valerie: We were having Christmas at my grandmother’s house with all my cousins. My youngest cousin at the time was six and it was her turn to open a gift. She ripped through the paper and exclaimed “It’s a Box!” She was so excited about this brown cardboard box, that my aunt and uncle were confused. They thought they forgot to put the gift in, but no, the give was there. My sweet little cousin was so excited to open gifts that it didn’t matter what was inside.
Brock: Did you always want to be a children’s author?
Valerie: Truthfully no. I started out wanting to write Historical fiction for adults, but as I started having children I fell in love with children’s books. And as my kids enjoyed the books we brought home, I began to write stories for my kids, and I love it.
Brock: What are you reading right now?
Valerie: Right now, I’m halfway through Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, while also reading The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party by Joni Eareckson Tada and Fart Proudly by Benjamin Franklin (follow me on social media to find out why)
Valerie: When my oldest was about three, my husband and I had a discussion if we would have the Easter bunny as part of our Easter celebrations. I grew up with the Easter Bunny, but as we discussed it, we didn’t see any connection between the rabbit and the gospel. The more I thought about it the more I struggled with the overwhelming presence of the Easter bunny. Then a question popped into my mind, what if the Easter bunny could point people to Christ instead of candy. From that question this little story grew into a book I couldn’t keep to myself any longer.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Valerie: The main characters are a little grey rabbit and Jesus. I think we can all agree that Jesus is pretty unique since he did miracles and was the Son of God. While the little gray rabbit is pretty ordinary, except for the heart-shaped fur on his chest. Be sure to watch this little feature as you read through the book.
Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Valerie: Jesus: He’s coming back. Bunny- in the original version of the book he was brown. Beta readers are very important.
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Valerie: Easter changes everything.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Valerie: Since An Easter Bunny’s Tale follows the events of Easter, that provided the basic outline for the story. Then I just had to figure out how a rabbit could fit into all the events leading up to the resurrection of Christ.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Valerie: In the story, as the little bunny follows Jesus, he finds himself getting dirty. When Jesus comes back to life, the little bunny doesn’t think Jesus would want to see him because he is so dirty. But my favorite line in the book is, ‘His nail-torn hands scooped me up. He didn’t fear the mud and the muck.’ I think we all feel inadequate and unworthy whether we’ve been a Christian for a long time or have yet to claim Jesus as our savior. But it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross that we can be with him and be washed clean. It is a truth we all need reminding of from time to time.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Valerie: I think Rebekah Lyons said it once, “where your burden and your passion collide is where you find your purpose.” I love writing for kids because my boys are my joy and burden. And my passion is for stories that move people. Writing for children is such a challenge and a joy. When you do it right, the story will speak to the child inside all of us.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Valerie: It’s my prayer that parents will use this book and the discussion questions in the back, to have conversations about what Jesus did at Easter and what that means for our salvation.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Valerie: My hope and prayer is that kids can watch the changes in the little gray bunny and see how what Jesus did on the cross can change their hearts. That they will want to know more about Jesus and his death and resurrection, so they can come to a saving faith early in life.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Valerie: I am a part-time writer. My other titles include Taxi-driver, Line Chef, Housekeeper, Laundry service, and walker, abbreviated as Mom.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Valerie: I started writing seriously back in 2006, but when my son was born in 2008 plus several other circumstances, depression became too big of a stumbling block to ignore. So for ten-years I worked through my depression and focused on raising my family. When the 2020 quarantine came around I had worked through a lot of my depression and insequrities, writing mostly for fun in this time period. But during the stay-at-home mandate, I found myself drawing pictures for this story. As it all came together, I decided to put the book together as an Easter gift for the kids in my extended family. After giving those books out, God pressed on my heart that this story wasn’t just for my family. With a lot more prayer and encouragement from my family, I moved forward to self-publish An Easter Bunny’s Tale in 2021. There was a strong learning curve and illustrator issues that made me postpone the release to 2022. God knew what he was doing, and I’m so thankful I said yes to his leading.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Valerie: Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Velveteen Rabbit are my favorite children’s books. They are the books that introduced me to the magic of words and stories. Favorite books as a teen were the Narnia Chronicles by CS Lewis and This Present Darkness by Frank Perretti.
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
Valerie: My faith is the ultimate inspiration. Most of my stories come from faith struggles or faith questions that I or my kids have had. There is no greater storyteller than God and I am humbled to join in his efforts to communicate truths about him to anyone who would read.
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Valerie: Red River, New Mexico in the summer. My family has traveled there for five generations. It even was a honeymoon spot for several members of my family. The quiet beauty of it all plus the memories make it one of my favorite vacation spots.
Brock: Favorite season?
Valerie: Spring. I love the burst of color after winter, and it means Easter is coming
Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write?
Valerie: I usually have a large cup of water and some trail mix. If I’m feeling healthy the mix is almonds, cashews, and cranberries. If my sweet tooth gets the best of me, it might be peanuts, M&M’s, and chocolate chips.
Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory?
Valerie: We were having Christmas at my grandmother’s house with all my cousins. My youngest cousin at the time was six and it was her turn to open a gift. She ripped through the paper and exclaimed “It’s a Box!” She was so excited about this brown cardboard box, that my aunt and uncle were confused. They thought they forgot to put the gift in, but no, the give was there. My sweet little cousin was so excited to open gifts that it didn’t matter what was inside.
Brock: Did you always want to be a children’s author?
Valerie: Truthfully no. I started out wanting to write Historical fiction for adults, but as I started having children I fell in love with children’s books. And as my kids enjoyed the books we brought home, I began to write stories for my kids, and I love it.
Brock: What are you reading right now?
Valerie: Right now, I’m halfway through Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, while also reading The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party by Joni Eareckson Tada and Fart Proudly by Benjamin Franklin (follow me on social media to find out why)
Meet the Author
| Valerie Fentress writes children's books hoping to communicate Biblical truths through simple stories. She lives in Texas with her husband and three boys, who challenge her daily to find joy between imagination and chaos. |  |
Book Details
Book Title: An Easter Bunny’s Tale
Publisher: Bee Magnified Press
Audience: Children ages 4-8
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Release Date: 2/28/2022
Author Name: Valerie Fentress
Author Website: www.valeriefentress.com
Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/valerie.fentress
Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/FentressValerie
Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/valeriefentress
Author Pinterest:www.pinterest.com/vfentress
Author Other Social Media: www.tiktok.com/@valeriefentress
Publisher: Bee Magnified Press
Audience: Children ages 4-8
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Release Date: 2/28/2022
Author Name: Valerie Fentress
Author Website: www.valeriefentress.com
Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/valerie.fentress
Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/FentressValerie
Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/valeriefentress
Author Pinterest:www.pinterest.com/vfentress
Author Other Social Media: www.tiktok.com/@valeriefentress
From the Publisher
What do your kids know about the fruit of the Spirit? Maybe they can rattle off the list: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But do they really understand what the fruits look like in daily life?
Christie Thomas is here to help you connect your children to the power of the Holy Spirit – and help your entire family learn a lot along the way! Each of these 100 devotionals will inspire your family with thought-provoking questions, real-life applications, and more. She also includes hands-on activities you can try when there’s time.
Fruit Full offers real understanding of how God covers each of us with his goodness and love, and how the Spirit will help your kids grow in their own beautiful, Jesus-reflecting character With this book as your guide, the whole family will learn to grow abundant “fruit” together.
“The most comprehensive, well-written family devotional on the fruits of the Spirit that I have ever read…A thoroughly easy-to-read, delightful devotional.”
-Glenys Nellist, author of the Love Letters from God series
The Interview
Brock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series?
Christie: In my 20+ years in children’s ministry, I often encountered curriculum that turned the Fruit of the Spirit into character traits we wanted to see in our kids. We labelled apples and bananas with permanent markers and gave them grape-scented stickers and magnets, but kids just didn’t understand. Worse, they didn’t grow spiritually.
Finally, I figured out why.
The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t a to-do list. Training our kids to "do better" at the fruits of the Spirit isn't Christian because the fruits of the Spirit aren't just nice character traits to practice. They are evidence of a life that is crucified with Christ and living in the resurrection power of His Spirit. They're fruit, not rules.
When Paul wrote about the Fruit of the Spirit, he meant that when we put our roots deep down into God’s love and our souls are nurtured by Living Water and we follow the Light of the World, then, like a tree, we will grow good fruit. And the good fruit that grows in our lives as a result of being with Christ is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a soul that is growing in Christ.
Fruit Full centres around this concept: that as we spend more time with Jesus, connected to the Vine, we will grow in the fruit of the Spirit. The fruits then will naturally grow because they are the evidence of a life rooted in Christ.
Brock: In three sentences what is this book about?
Christie: How about one sentence? Through Fruit Full, I help your family focus on how Jesus lived out the fruit of the Spirit...and how, as we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit makes us more like Jesus.
Brock: But it's a long sentence, so we'll take it! What is your favorite genre to write for?
Christie: I love writings stories from the Bible for kids! I’m not fussy as to whether the stories are in picture book or devotional form.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Christie: I hope families will take a few minutes each day to connect with their kids through the devotions, conversation starters, and sample prayers. I also hope families will use the hands-on learning activities in whatever way fits their family best, whether that’s doing a few in one day, one per week, or just adding them as you have time and inspiration.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Christie: I hope kids learn that they are deeply loved by Jesus, and that, as believers, they know they have constant access to the Holy Spirit as their Helper and Guide in life.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Christie: Since I also homeschool my three sons, I only have time to write part-time! I write in the evenings and on weekends, but usually try to make sure my kids know they are my priority.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Christie:I self-published my first book, a preschool devotional and submitted it for a writing contest. It made the short-list, so I flew to the conference on the other side of Canada. It was my first ever writer’s conference, and I gathered up all my courage to meet with an agent during the 1-on-1 sessions. To my shock and delight, his agency signed me on a few weeks later, and I’ve been slowly creating new books ever since.
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Christie: I loved to write as a child, but wandered away from that dream in university, when I took a biology degree, hoping to get into medicine. However, rather than applying for med school, I ended up loving my summer job in Children’s Ministry and staying there for the next 14 years. Through my time in ministry, I wrote newsletters, skits, Bible stories, and curriculum, which heavily influenced my writing style and rebirthed my dream to be a writer.
Brock: It';s time for the lightning round or unique questions! Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Christie: Tortilla chips. 😉
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Christie: The Rocky Mountains.
Brock: Favorite color?
Christie:Purple
Brock: Where do you live?
Christie: I’m from Alberta, Canada, and live 10 minutes from the house my parents bought in 1978. I love living near my family, and my parents have been amazing cheerleaders during the writing process.
Brock: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Christie: I homeschool my three sons and (in the summer) putter around in the garden! I am proud to grow cantaloupe in my little greenhouse, despite how far north I live.
Christie: In my 20+ years in children’s ministry, I often encountered curriculum that turned the Fruit of the Spirit into character traits we wanted to see in our kids. We labelled apples and bananas with permanent markers and gave them grape-scented stickers and magnets, but kids just didn’t understand. Worse, they didn’t grow spiritually.
Finally, I figured out why.
The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t a to-do list. Training our kids to "do better" at the fruits of the Spirit isn't Christian because the fruits of the Spirit aren't just nice character traits to practice. They are evidence of a life that is crucified with Christ and living in the resurrection power of His Spirit. They're fruit, not rules.
When Paul wrote about the Fruit of the Spirit, he meant that when we put our roots deep down into God’s love and our souls are nurtured by Living Water and we follow the Light of the World, then, like a tree, we will grow good fruit. And the good fruit that grows in our lives as a result of being with Christ is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a soul that is growing in Christ.
Fruit Full centres around this concept: that as we spend more time with Jesus, connected to the Vine, we will grow in the fruit of the Spirit. The fruits then will naturally grow because they are the evidence of a life rooted in Christ.
Brock: In three sentences what is this book about?
Christie: How about one sentence? Through Fruit Full, I help your family focus on how Jesus lived out the fruit of the Spirit...and how, as we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit makes us more like Jesus.
Brock: But it's a long sentence, so we'll take it! What is your favorite genre to write for?
Christie: I love writings stories from the Bible for kids! I’m not fussy as to whether the stories are in picture book or devotional form.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Christie: I hope families will take a few minutes each day to connect with their kids through the devotions, conversation starters, and sample prayers. I also hope families will use the hands-on learning activities in whatever way fits their family best, whether that’s doing a few in one day, one per week, or just adding them as you have time and inspiration.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Christie: I hope kids learn that they are deeply loved by Jesus, and that, as believers, they know they have constant access to the Holy Spirit as their Helper and Guide in life.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Christie: Since I also homeschool my three sons, I only have time to write part-time! I write in the evenings and on weekends, but usually try to make sure my kids know they are my priority.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Christie:I self-published my first book, a preschool devotional and submitted it for a writing contest. It made the short-list, so I flew to the conference on the other side of Canada. It was my first ever writer’s conference, and I gathered up all my courage to meet with an agent during the 1-on-1 sessions. To my shock and delight, his agency signed me on a few weeks later, and I’ve been slowly creating new books ever since.
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Christie: I loved to write as a child, but wandered away from that dream in university, when I took a biology degree, hoping to get into medicine. However, rather than applying for med school, I ended up loving my summer job in Children’s Ministry and staying there for the next 14 years. Through my time in ministry, I wrote newsletters, skits, Bible stories, and curriculum, which heavily influenced my writing style and rebirthed my dream to be a writer.
Brock: It';s time for the lightning round or unique questions! Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Christie: Tortilla chips. 😉
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Christie: The Rocky Mountains.
Brock: Favorite color?
Christie:Purple
Brock: Where do you live?
Christie: I’m from Alberta, Canada, and live 10 minutes from the house my parents bought in 1978. I love living near my family, and my parents have been amazing cheerleaders during the writing process.
Brock: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Christie: I homeschool my three sons and (in the summer) putter around in the garden! I am proud to grow cantaloupe in my little greenhouse, despite how far north I live.
Meet the Author
I spent over a decade as the Children's Ministries Director at my church in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), but now I spend my time writing books and homeschooling my three boys.
I believe that EVERY Christian mom can confidently nurture deep faith roots in her kids through tiny habits that add up over time.
These tiny habits will grow like roots in your family, and they allow you to be more creative and go deeper with your kids as you develop confidence in God's faithfulness and in your leadership skills.
When you join the Little Shoots, Deep Roots community, you will learn to lead your kids spiritually through little faith habits, without feeling like you have to do it all or know it all.
I'm all about making family faith fun and simple so that your kids love it, and you can feel confident that you're nurturing deep faith roots in your family.
Learn more at LittleShootsDeepRoots.com
I believe that EVERY Christian mom can confidently nurture deep faith roots in her kids through tiny habits that add up over time.
These tiny habits will grow like roots in your family, and they allow you to be more creative and go deeper with your kids as you develop confidence in God's faithfulness and in your leadership skills.
When you join the Little Shoots, Deep Roots community, you will learn to lead your kids spiritually through little faith habits, without feeling like you have to do it all or know it all.
I'm all about making family faith fun and simple so that your kids love it, and you can feel confident that you're nurturing deep faith roots in your family.
Learn more at LittleShootsDeepRoots.com
Book Title: Fruit Full: 100 Family Experiences for Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
Publisher: Kregel
Audience: Christian families with kids ages 2-12
Genre: Christian family devotional
Release Date: February, 2022
Author Name: Christie Thomas
Author Website: https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieThomasLittleShoots/
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleshootsdeeproots/?hl=en
Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/cthomaswriter/
Author Other Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@littleshootsdeeproots
Publisher: Kregel
Audience: Christian families with kids ages 2-12
Genre: Christian family devotional
Release Date: February, 2022
Author Name: Christie Thomas
Author Website: https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieThomasLittleShoots/
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleshootsdeeproots/?hl=en
Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/cthomaswriter/
Author Other Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@littleshootsdeeproots
I'll be speaking at the PAACH conference on March 17th & 18th and would love to have you in attendance. Learn more and register at the button below.
Checkout my workshops:
Finding Your Inspiration - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.
Inspiration is all around us. Our Creator made everything in our marvelous world. What gets your imagination humming? Author Brock Eastman will take you on an exploration of your imagination and identify the things that inspire us. Plus the best short story wins a prize! Bring a pen and paper for this workshop!
Creating Characters - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.
Author Brock Eastman walks you through how to create dynamic and engaging characters in your writing. In this workshop, you will create your very own character. Bring a pen and paper for this workshop!
Importance of Storytime with Kids - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.
A critical step in each child's reading and writing growth is having an adult read to them. Make family read-aloud a part of your family's regular routine, no matter your children's age. Author Brock Eastman will share his parenting experience and why this is important. Plus receive a free short story for attending.
Follow His Plan & Experience Amazing Adventures! - Family Night, Friday 6:30 p.m.
Author Brock Eastman, also known as Dr. Fizzlebop will share his journey from wanting to be a Paleontologist as a kid, to becoming an author, a producer for Adventures in Odyssey, and now Dr. Fizzlebop. Kids will be encouraged to follow God's plan for them, even when they're not sure where it is leading. Attendees will hear a preview of Brock's next book Edge of the Galaxy, experience a Super Simple experiment from Dr. Fizzlebop, and have the opportunity to get their books signed.
Dr. Fizzlebop: How to make a Fizz Inflator - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores the science of fizz and chemical reactions and walks you through how to create a Fizz Inflator. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Dr. Fizzlebop: Marvelous Melted Crayon Rainbow - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores reversible physical changes and walks you through how to make a Marvelous Melted Crayon Rainbow. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Dr. Fizzlebop: Magnificently Cool Comet Model - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores space and creates a Magnificently Cool Comet Model. Dr. Fizzlebop will explain and show the makeup of comets in this interesting experiment. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Finding Your Inspiration - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.
Inspiration is all around us. Our Creator made everything in our marvelous world. What gets your imagination humming? Author Brock Eastman will take you on an exploration of your imagination and identify the things that inspire us. Plus the best short story wins a prize! Bring a pen and paper for this workshop!
Creating Characters - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.
Author Brock Eastman walks you through how to create dynamic and engaging characters in your writing. In this workshop, you will create your very own character. Bring a pen and paper for this workshop!
Importance of Storytime with Kids - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.
A critical step in each child's reading and writing growth is having an adult read to them. Make family read-aloud a part of your family's regular routine, no matter your children's age. Author Brock Eastman will share his parenting experience and why this is important. Plus receive a free short story for attending.
Follow His Plan & Experience Amazing Adventures! - Family Night, Friday 6:30 p.m.
Author Brock Eastman, also known as Dr. Fizzlebop will share his journey from wanting to be a Paleontologist as a kid, to becoming an author, a producer for Adventures in Odyssey, and now Dr. Fizzlebop. Kids will be encouraged to follow God's plan for them, even when they're not sure where it is leading. Attendees will hear a preview of Brock's next book Edge of the Galaxy, experience a Super Simple experiment from Dr. Fizzlebop, and have the opportunity to get their books signed.
Dr. Fizzlebop: How to make a Fizz Inflator - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores the science of fizz and chemical reactions and walks you through how to create a Fizz Inflator. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Dr. Fizzlebop: Marvelous Melted Crayon Rainbow - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores reversible physical changes and walks you through how to make a Marvelous Melted Crayon Rainbow. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Dr. Fizzlebop: Magnificently Cool Comet Model - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.
Join Dr. Fizzlebop as he explores space and creates a Magnificently Cool Comet Model. Dr. Fizzlebop will explain and show the makeup of comets in this interesting experiment. Dr. Fizzlebop will select members of the audience to assist in the experiment.
Little Red stands safe with a basket in hand. The King has given her a task but she is afraid of what might be in the forest. Once inside the dark forest, Little Red meets a Wolf with many questions. The Wolf doubts she will finish the King’s errand. Distractions and the Wolf tempt Little Red to step off the path every few steps. Can she remember who she is to finish the King’s errand?
“Beneath the Hood” is a richly spiritual take on a familiar tale. There are so many moments in this story to have deeper conversations with your child. I daresay that adults reading the story might find themselves wiping away a tear as they remember their true identity.
-Christie Thomas, author of Quinn’s Promise Rock and Fruitful Family Devotions
“Beneath the Hood” is a richly spiritual take on a familiar tale. There are so many moments in this story to have deeper conversations with your child. I daresay that adults reading the story might find themselves wiping away a tear as they remember their true identity.
-Christie Thomas, author of Quinn’s Promise Rock and Fruitful Family Devotions
Author Interview
Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book?
Valerie: Surprisingly I was scrolling through social media and came across a picture of a little girl placing a crown on her head with the words: ‘On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown.’ As I went to bed that night, I couldn’t get that quote out of my head. The words of the quote spoke to a deep place in my heart, and part of me wished I had heard it as a kid. And from that bit of insomnia came the idea to retell the story of Red Riding Hood from a Christian perspective.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Valerie: In any retelling of Red Riding Hood, there is Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. But in this story Little Red isn’t going to Grandma’s house because Grandma is sick, Little Red is going because the King has asked her to deliver something. Little Red is like many Christians. We’re given the task by the King of Kings to use the gifts he has given us to glorify Him. The Wolf in this story isn’t physical but represents the doubts and insecurities people of any age often struggle with.
Brock: I love this take on the story! Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Valerie: Little Red- She doesn’t know what in the basket she is delivering
The Wolf- There’s more than one in my book….
Brock: In three sentences what is this book about?
Valerie: Remember who you are. You’re a child of God. You are never out of his reach.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Valerie: I believe that we all relate to the Red Riding Hood character because fear of the unknown is such a universal response in the world. Both Little Red and Grandmother in Beneath the Hood had to remember that they are a child of the King. I believe anyone who picks up this book needs reminding of who they are and whose they are from time to time.
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Valerie: James 1:12 is the inspiration verse for this book. It says, ‘ Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.’ We will face our wolves in this life but when we remember we are heirs to the kingdom of God (Titus 3:7), and that he will never leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20) we can walk through the forest with confidence.
Brock: What great verses to draw from! How does it feel to have your work published?
Valerie: I am amazed at what God has done. I’ve felt the nudge to write a book for a long time, but insecurity and fear held me back for a long time. When I, with God, broke down those barriers. He has been faithful to leading and encouraging me in this journey. This book is such an act of worship and faith that I am so humbled by what He has done.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Valerie: It’s my prayer that parents will use this book and the discussion questions in the back, to have conversations about our identity in Christ. To help the quiet insecure kiddo -like me- grow in confidence and acceptance of who they are because they are a child of God.
Brock: Wow! It's the hope of many parents! What do you hope kids take away from this book?
Valerie: My hope for kids is that they have a stronger grasp of their value, identity, and the love of God as they walk through the dark forests that we all encounter in life.
Brock: For such a time as this! What is your favorite genre to write for?
Valerie: I think Rebekah Lyons said it once. “ where your burden and your passion collide is where you find your purpose.” I love writing for kids because my boys are my joy and burden. And my passion is for stories that move people. Writing for children is such a challenge and a joy. When you do it right, the story will speak to the child inside all of us.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Valerie: For novels, I typically do a skeleton outline and as I’m writing see what the characters reveal to me. But for Children’s books, I do a lot of sketching and storyboarding, since picture books rely on the pictures to tell a portion of the story.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Valerie: Either at the formal dining table in my home or the local library with headphones in place. (Earbuds hurt)
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Valerie: I am a part-time writer. My other titles include Taxi-driver, Line Chef, Housekeeper, Laundry service, and dog walker, abbreviated as Mom.
Brock: The most important role of all Mom (or Dad)! How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Valerie: For a children’s book anywhere from thirty minutes to months, depending if I get distracted by another idea. For a novel, between 30 days ( NANOWRIMO) to six months. The editing process takes A LOT longer.
Brock: Indeed it does! What is the one author, living or dead, whom you would co-write a book with and why?
Valerie: Hands down C.S. Lewis. I would love to sit with him and bring the amazing truths he gave in his books to adults and boil them down to the wonder and power that is found in Narnia.
Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?
Valerie: I hope to continue writing simple stories with biblical truth, as long as God asks that of me. I self-published my first two books and would love to be traditionally published. It’s my job to be obedient with the ‘talents’ God has given me, and he’ll do the rest.
Brock: Now for some rather interesting questions in lighting round form! Coke or Pepsi?
Valerie: Dr. Pepper :)
Brock: Favorite season?
Valerie: Christmas, I know you wanted one of the four seasons, but you can’t deny Christmas is a season all to itself. :) In my heart, I’m still a kid.
Brock: Favorite color?
Valerie: Teal
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Valerie: I usually create a playlist for whatever I’m working on and listen to that as I’m writing. I’m working on a medieval middle-grade series, so there’s a lot of Celtic music on that list. If I’m working on a longer piece of fiction, I hope over to Michael Hyatt’s Writer’s Playlist on Spotify. It has a lot of great soundtrack instrumental pieces, that will keep me from singing in the library.
Brock: Great suggestions! What is your favorite book?
Valerie: You know I can’t pick just one. That would be cruel.
Children’s book, I’d have to say Harold and the Purple Crayon. I love creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Middle grade- I bet you can guess, The Narnia Series by CS Lewis Adult book- The Circle Series by Ted Dekker- I love how the gospel is woven within these books.
Brock: What do your kids think of your writing?
Valerie: Truthfully they are my first beta audience, so they get to watch the story unfold differently. But they have seen my struggle with confidence. They have encouraged me and inspired me in many ways. I hope they see how I am working toward a goal, making mistakes, and trying again. I know they are excited as I am about the journey God is taking my books on. They are watching me live out the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, and I pray it inspires them to work hard for their dreams also.
Valerie: Surprisingly I was scrolling through social media and came across a picture of a little girl placing a crown on her head with the words: ‘On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown.’ As I went to bed that night, I couldn’t get that quote out of my head. The words of the quote spoke to a deep place in my heart, and part of me wished I had heard it as a kid. And from that bit of insomnia came the idea to retell the story of Red Riding Hood from a Christian perspective.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Valerie: In any retelling of Red Riding Hood, there is Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. But in this story Little Red isn’t going to Grandma’s house because Grandma is sick, Little Red is going because the King has asked her to deliver something. Little Red is like many Christians. We’re given the task by the King of Kings to use the gifts he has given us to glorify Him. The Wolf in this story isn’t physical but represents the doubts and insecurities people of any age often struggle with.
Brock: I love this take on the story! Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Valerie: Little Red- She doesn’t know what in the basket she is delivering
The Wolf- There’s more than one in my book….
Brock: In three sentences what is this book about?
Valerie: Remember who you are. You’re a child of God. You are never out of his reach.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Valerie: I believe that we all relate to the Red Riding Hood character because fear of the unknown is such a universal response in the world. Both Little Red and Grandmother in Beneath the Hood had to remember that they are a child of the King. I believe anyone who picks up this book needs reminding of who they are and whose they are from time to time.
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Valerie: James 1:12 is the inspiration verse for this book. It says, ‘ Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.’ We will face our wolves in this life but when we remember we are heirs to the kingdom of God (Titus 3:7), and that he will never leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20) we can walk through the forest with confidence.
Brock: What great verses to draw from! How does it feel to have your work published?
Valerie: I am amazed at what God has done. I’ve felt the nudge to write a book for a long time, but insecurity and fear held me back for a long time. When I, with God, broke down those barriers. He has been faithful to leading and encouraging me in this journey. This book is such an act of worship and faith that I am so humbled by what He has done.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Valerie: It’s my prayer that parents will use this book and the discussion questions in the back, to have conversations about our identity in Christ. To help the quiet insecure kiddo -like me- grow in confidence and acceptance of who they are because they are a child of God.
Brock: Wow! It's the hope of many parents! What do you hope kids take away from this book?
Valerie: My hope for kids is that they have a stronger grasp of their value, identity, and the love of God as they walk through the dark forests that we all encounter in life.
Brock: For such a time as this! What is your favorite genre to write for?
Valerie: I think Rebekah Lyons said it once. “ where your burden and your passion collide is where you find your purpose.” I love writing for kids because my boys are my joy and burden. And my passion is for stories that move people. Writing for children is such a challenge and a joy. When you do it right, the story will speak to the child inside all of us.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Valerie: For novels, I typically do a skeleton outline and as I’m writing see what the characters reveal to me. But for Children’s books, I do a lot of sketching and storyboarding, since picture books rely on the pictures to tell a portion of the story.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Valerie: Either at the formal dining table in my home or the local library with headphones in place. (Earbuds hurt)
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Valerie: I am a part-time writer. My other titles include Taxi-driver, Line Chef, Housekeeper, Laundry service, and dog walker, abbreviated as Mom.
Brock: The most important role of all Mom (or Dad)! How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Valerie: For a children’s book anywhere from thirty minutes to months, depending if I get distracted by another idea. For a novel, between 30 days ( NANOWRIMO) to six months. The editing process takes A LOT longer.
Brock: Indeed it does! What is the one author, living or dead, whom you would co-write a book with and why?
Valerie: Hands down C.S. Lewis. I would love to sit with him and bring the amazing truths he gave in his books to adults and boil them down to the wonder and power that is found in Narnia.
Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?
Valerie: I hope to continue writing simple stories with biblical truth, as long as God asks that of me. I self-published my first two books and would love to be traditionally published. It’s my job to be obedient with the ‘talents’ God has given me, and he’ll do the rest.
Brock: Now for some rather interesting questions in lighting round form! Coke or Pepsi?
Valerie: Dr. Pepper :)
Brock: Favorite season?
Valerie: Christmas, I know you wanted one of the four seasons, but you can’t deny Christmas is a season all to itself. :) In my heart, I’m still a kid.
Brock: Favorite color?
Valerie: Teal
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Valerie: I usually create a playlist for whatever I’m working on and listen to that as I’m writing. I’m working on a medieval middle-grade series, so there’s a lot of Celtic music on that list. If I’m working on a longer piece of fiction, I hope over to Michael Hyatt’s Writer’s Playlist on Spotify. It has a lot of great soundtrack instrumental pieces, that will keep me from singing in the library.
Brock: Great suggestions! What is your favorite book?
Valerie: You know I can’t pick just one. That would be cruel.
Children’s book, I’d have to say Harold and the Purple Crayon. I love creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Middle grade- I bet you can guess, The Narnia Series by CS Lewis Adult book- The Circle Series by Ted Dekker- I love how the gospel is woven within these books.
Brock: What do your kids think of your writing?
Valerie: Truthfully they are my first beta audience, so they get to watch the story unfold differently. But they have seen my struggle with confidence. They have encouraged me and inspired me in many ways. I hope they see how I am working toward a goal, making mistakes, and trying again. I know they are excited as I am about the journey God is taking my books on. They are watching me live out the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, and I pray it inspires them to work hard for their dreams also.
Meet the Author
| | I've been married to my high-school sweetheart for eighteen years, and if it wasn't for his encouragement and persistent support, my writing would still be a dream. I am so thankful for him. I'm a boy mom, of three passionate and rambunctious boys, who stretch me daily. They are a constant reminder that I need Jesus and God isn't done working on my heart. I'm a Christ follower. God has done great things in my life, and continues to show himself faithful and full of a good sense of humor. My goal around here and in my books is to give God glory. I love a good story. Books are a love language to me, but if books aren't your style don't worry we can still be friends, because a good story comes in so many forms. |
Book Title: Beneath the Hood: a retelling woven with biblical truth
Publisher: Bee Magnified Press
Audience: Children ages 4-8
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Release Date: 9/7/2021
Author Name: Valerie Fentress
Author Website: www.valeriefentress.com
Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/valerie.fentress
Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/FentressValerie
Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/valeriefentress
Author Pinterest:www.pinterest.com/vfentress
Author TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@valeriefentress
Publisher: Bee Magnified Press
Audience: Children ages 4-8
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Release Date: 9/7/2021
Author Name: Valerie Fentress
Author Website: www.valeriefentress.com
Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/valerie.fentress
Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/FentressValerie
Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/valeriefentress
Author Pinterest:www.pinterest.com/vfentress
Author TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@valeriefentress
From the Publisher
Bedtime with Mommy:
It’s bedtime all around THE WORLD,
And Mommies are tucking little ones into bed.
From the elephants on the grasslands to
The camels in the desert to the polar bears in the Arctic,
It’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime kisses.
Bedtime with Daddy:
All around THE WORLD, it’s bedtime,
And Daddies are tucking little ones into bed.
From the Emperor penguins in Antarctica
To the peacocks in the bushland
To seahorses in the ocean,
It’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime stories.
This adorable bedtime book, featuring mommy and baby animals from all over the world, is a sweet and comforting way to tuck your own little one into bed. Written in lyrical text, Nancy I. Sanders beautifully weaves in gentle prayers and reminders of God’s love. Bedtime With Mommy will be one of those books that kids ask for again and again.
--Crystal Bowman, bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 books for children
It’s bedtime all around THE WORLD,
And Mommies are tucking little ones into bed.
From the elephants on the grasslands to
The camels in the desert to the polar bears in the Arctic,
It’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime kisses.
Bedtime with Daddy:
All around THE WORLD, it’s bedtime,
And Daddies are tucking little ones into bed.
From the Emperor penguins in Antarctica
To the peacocks in the bushland
To seahorses in the ocean,
It’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime stories.
This adorable bedtime book, featuring mommy and baby animals from all over the world, is a sweet and comforting way to tuck your own little one into bed. Written in lyrical text, Nancy I. Sanders beautifully weaves in gentle prayers and reminders of God’s love. Bedtime With Mommy will be one of those books that kids ask for again and again.
--Crystal Bowman, bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 books for children
The Interview
Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series?
Nancy: Ever since our granddaughter was born two years ago, I wanted to write a baby board book to read to her. She’s the first girl in 2 generations! I read a lot of other baby board books but didn’t see any bedtime books with animal habitats around the world. So I thought this idea would make fun new bedtime books.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Nancy: Each animal's mommy or daddy lives in a unique habitat around the world. Putting their little one to bed in this habitat has its own special memories and situations. I also wanted children from all around the world to identify with the mommies and daddies and little ones in these stories!
Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Nancy:For Bedtime with Mommy, I tried to include animal mommies that were special such as a kangaroo mommy puts her baby to bed inside her pouch! And a mommy sea otter carries her baby on her tummy as she floats on her back.
For Bedtime with Daddy, I especially wanted to include animal daddies who are known for taking special care of their little ones. The Emperor Daddy and seahorse Daddy topped the list!
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Nancy:Bedtime snuggles, kisses, and hugs! Going to bed with a Bible verse, a praise song, and a prayer. Creating a nighttime routine that tells little ones they are loved.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Nancy: Yes, I usually create an outline before I start. I feel it makes the book stronger in the end. I picked the animal moms and dads and habitats I wanted to include as well as the order they would be in before I wrote these books.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Nancy: These stories show animal babies getting ready for bed by taking a bath, brushing their teeth, picking up their toys, and getting their jammies on. Just like real kids do! And this also shows them adding a Bible story, prayers, praise songs, and lots of snuggles into their bedtime routine.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Nancy:I think Christian baby board books tops the list!
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Nancy: I wanted to teach mommies and daddies how to take the opportunity every night to build a foundation of faith in the hearts and lives of their little ones.
Brock: How many books are planned for this series?
Nancy: Two right now. I’d love to see more!
Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?
Nancy: Lots of research went into these books. I researched each animal and its habitat and the relationship between the parents and babies. It was so much fun!!!!
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Nancy: My prayer is that parents will read these books with their children as part of their bedtime routine and that parents will also be inspired to read a Bible verse, sing a worship song, and pray with their children before tucking them into bed.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Nancy: I want little ones to feel wrapped in love…both their parents’ love and the love of their heavenly Father.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Nancy: I like to write a first draft sitting in a comfy chair in the living room watching the birds outside our front window. Sometimes I go outside in our back yard on our patio swing and write a first draft there while watching the birds back there.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Nancy: As a career writer with over 100 books published, I tell people I write full-time part of the time! When my kids were home over summer vacation, growing up, I’d take a break from writing. When they were in school, I’d write from dawn to dusk! Now that my husband is retired and we live near our four grandchildren, when my day is free I write the hours away. When we go camping or have the grandkids over, my writing is put on pause.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Nancy: It can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month to 1 year. The longest book I wrote took me 2 ½ years to write. It was a middle grade nonfiction title, JANE AUSTEN FOR KIDS.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Nancy: Charlotte’s Web. I still read it practically every year.
Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Nancy: Soft. Vegetarian with beans.
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Nancy: We live in southern CA so we have our choice…the mountains or the beach!
Brock: Favorite season?
Nancy: I love Fall through Spring!
Brock: Favorite color?
Nancy: Teal
Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory?
Nancy: Sledding at Christmas and chopping down a Christmas tree on our family farm with my fiance (and now husband) Jeff.
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Nancy: I always pick a favorite Bible verse for each new book I write. For these two books, it’s Psalm 149:5, “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.”
Brock: Favorite pasta dish?
Nancy: Spaghetti Pie. It’s a baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese. Yum!
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Nancy: Yes! I always listen to music while I write. If I’m concentrating, it’s instrumental such as Celtic worship music. I just finished a book deadline writing content for a new Bible. For that project I listened ON REPEAT to “My Worth Is Not in What I Own,” by Krysten Getty and Fernando Ortega.
Brock: Favorite Bird?
Nancy: Oh, there are so many! In our front yard right now we have a small flock of bluebirds who come every evening. In our back yard right now we have a spotted towhee. He looks almost like a robin but with brighter colors. We love birds and enjoy a variety year round. So many migrate here to spend the winter. It’s a joy!
Brock: What hobbies do you enjoy?
Nancy: Hiking local trails with my husband, quilting, birdwatching, and raising monarch caterpillars in our back yard. And of course…grandkids! Wait…is that a hobby or an extra special blessing??!!
Nancy: Ever since our granddaughter was born two years ago, I wanted to write a baby board book to read to her. She’s the first girl in 2 generations! I read a lot of other baby board books but didn’t see any bedtime books with animal habitats around the world. So I thought this idea would make fun new bedtime books.
Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Nancy: Each animal's mommy or daddy lives in a unique habitat around the world. Putting their little one to bed in this habitat has its own special memories and situations. I also wanted children from all around the world to identify with the mommies and daddies and little ones in these stories!
Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows.
Nancy:For Bedtime with Mommy, I tried to include animal mommies that were special such as a kangaroo mommy puts her baby to bed inside her pouch! And a mommy sea otter carries her baby on her tummy as she floats on her back.
For Bedtime with Daddy, I especially wanted to include animal daddies who are known for taking special care of their little ones. The Emperor Daddy and seahorse Daddy topped the list!
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Nancy:Bedtime snuggles, kisses, and hugs! Going to bed with a Bible verse, a praise song, and a prayer. Creating a nighttime routine that tells little ones they are loved.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Nancy: Yes, I usually create an outline before I start. I feel it makes the book stronger in the end. I picked the animal moms and dads and habitats I wanted to include as well as the order they would be in before I wrote these books.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Nancy: These stories show animal babies getting ready for bed by taking a bath, brushing their teeth, picking up their toys, and getting their jammies on. Just like real kids do! And this also shows them adding a Bible story, prayers, praise songs, and lots of snuggles into their bedtime routine.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Nancy:I think Christian baby board books tops the list!
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Nancy: I wanted to teach mommies and daddies how to take the opportunity every night to build a foundation of faith in the hearts and lives of their little ones.
Brock: How many books are planned for this series?
Nancy: Two right now. I’d love to see more!
Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?
Nancy: Lots of research went into these books. I researched each animal and its habitat and the relationship between the parents and babies. It was so much fun!!!!
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Nancy: My prayer is that parents will read these books with their children as part of their bedtime routine and that parents will also be inspired to read a Bible verse, sing a worship song, and pray with their children before tucking them into bed.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Nancy: I want little ones to feel wrapped in love…both their parents’ love and the love of their heavenly Father.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Nancy: I like to write a first draft sitting in a comfy chair in the living room watching the birds outside our front window. Sometimes I go outside in our back yard on our patio swing and write a first draft there while watching the birds back there.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Nancy: As a career writer with over 100 books published, I tell people I write full-time part of the time! When my kids were home over summer vacation, growing up, I’d take a break from writing. When they were in school, I’d write from dawn to dusk! Now that my husband is retired and we live near our four grandchildren, when my day is free I write the hours away. When we go camping or have the grandkids over, my writing is put on pause.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Nancy: It can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month to 1 year. The longest book I wrote took me 2 ½ years to write. It was a middle grade nonfiction title, JANE AUSTEN FOR KIDS.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Nancy: Charlotte’s Web. I still read it practically every year.
Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Nancy: Soft. Vegetarian with beans.
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Nancy: We live in southern CA so we have our choice…the mountains or the beach!
Brock: Favorite season?
Nancy: I love Fall through Spring!
Brock: Favorite color?
Nancy: Teal
Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory?
Nancy: Sledding at Christmas and chopping down a Christmas tree on our family farm with my fiance (and now husband) Jeff.
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Nancy: I always pick a favorite Bible verse for each new book I write. For these two books, it’s Psalm 149:5, “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.”
Brock: Favorite pasta dish?
Nancy: Spaghetti Pie. It’s a baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese. Yum!
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Nancy: Yes! I always listen to music while I write. If I’m concentrating, it’s instrumental such as Celtic worship music. I just finished a book deadline writing content for a new Bible. For that project I listened ON REPEAT to “My Worth Is Not in What I Own,” by Krysten Getty and Fernando Ortega.
Brock: Favorite Bird?
Nancy: Oh, there are so many! In our front yard right now we have a small flock of bluebirds who come every evening. In our back yard right now we have a spotted towhee. He looks almost like a robin but with brighter colors. We love birds and enjoy a variety year round. So many migrate here to spend the winter. It’s a joy!
Brock: What hobbies do you enjoy?
Nancy: Hiking local trails with my husband, quilting, birdwatching, and raising monarch caterpillars in our back yard. And of course…grandkids! Wait…is that a hobby or an extra special blessing??!!
The Author
Nancy I. Sanders grew up on a dairy farm in Everett, Pennsylvania, with 5 older sisters and 1 older brother. She spent her childhood days milking the cows, baling hay, and ice skating in the winter. She also spent many happy hours with her nose in a favorite book whether perched high up in an apple tree or floating on a raft in the middle of their pond. Today Nancy loves to write and is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 100 books published with publishing houses both big and small. Now, one of her favorite things is to encourage other writers and help them learn practical strategies to use to build their own successful and satisfying career.
The Book
Book Title:
Bedtime with Mommy
Bedtime with Daddy
Publisher: End Game Press
Audience: Baby-4 years old
Genre: Baby board books/bedtime books
Release Date:
Bedtime with Mommy: August 24, 2021
Bedtime with Daddy: September 6, 2022
Author Name: Nancy I. Sanders
Author Website: http://nancyisanders.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyisanders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyisanders
Facebook Author’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/NancyI.SandersAuthorPage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyISanders
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nancyisanders/
Amazon Author’s Page: www.amazon.com/author/nancysanders
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teacher-Plus-Writer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/95924.Nancy_I_Sanders
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyisanders/
Blogzone (for writers): https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com
Christian Children’s Authors: https://christianchildrensauthors.com/
Write2Ignite Blog: https://write2ignite.com/blog/
Bedtime with Mommy
Bedtime with Daddy
Publisher: End Game Press
Audience: Baby-4 years old
Genre: Baby board books/bedtime books
Release Date:
Bedtime with Mommy: August 24, 2021
Bedtime with Daddy: September 6, 2022
Author Name: Nancy I. Sanders
Author Website: http://nancyisanders.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyisanders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyisanders
Facebook Author’s Page: https://www.facebook.com/NancyI.SandersAuthorPage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyISanders
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nancyisanders/
Amazon Author’s Page: www.amazon.com/author/nancysanders
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teacher-Plus-Writer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/95924.Nancy_I_Sanders
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyisanders/
Blogzone (for writers): https://nancyisanders.wordpress.com
Christian Children’s Authors: https://christianchildrensauthors.com/
Write2Ignite Blog: https://write2ignite.com/blog/
From the Publisher
Fascinating questions to help you explore your faith—a guide for kids 6 to 9. Christianity is filled with big ideas and amazing miracles, but they might leave you with some questions. This book is here to help! It discusses all sorts of important topics so curious kids like you can learn how powerful your faith can be.
FIND YOUR ANSWERS: Explore 100+ commonly asked questions and discover answers to “Who is God?,” “Why did the disciples follow Jesus?,” “Are angels real?,” and so much more!
CREATE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS: Reading this book will inspire new thoughts and ideas. Find space in the back where you can write down your own questions and discuss them with your loved ones.
FOR ALL CHRISTIAN KIDS: This inclusive book celebrates all Christian beliefs, so you can enjoy it no matter your denomination.
“Finally, an easy-to-understand and theologically sound book to help answer my kids' (and mine) most important questions about faith. There is no other resource better suited to equip parents and kids alike. A must-have for any parent, teacher, or pastor!”
—Bradley Williams, senior minister at Forum Christian Church
FIND YOUR ANSWERS: Explore 100+ commonly asked questions and discover answers to “Who is God?,” “Why did the disciples follow Jesus?,” “Are angels real?,” and so much more!
CREATE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS: Reading this book will inspire new thoughts and ideas. Find space in the back where you can write down your own questions and discuss them with your loved ones.
FOR ALL CHRISTIAN KIDS: This inclusive book celebrates all Christian beliefs, so you can enjoy it no matter your denomination.
“Finally, an easy-to-understand and theologically sound book to help answer my kids' (and mine) most important questions about faith. There is no other resource better suited to equip parents and kids alike. A must-have for any parent, teacher, or pastor!”
—Bradley Williams, senior minister at Forum Christian Church
The Interview
Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series? or What was your inspiration for writing this book or series?
Amy: I didn’t come up the idea, the publisher did. I had contacted Callisto Media asking for freelance work writing for children and especially writing a faith-based title if they had one available. I asked at the right time and had the background in writing for children and writing faith-based books they were looking for.
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Amy: Christian Q&A Book for Kids includes over 100 questions and answers about God and the Bible written in language that a child can understand. Each answer includes the Bible basis for the answer. The appendix features pages where kids can write their own questions, parent guidelines, resources, and index.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Amy: Callisto Media supplied an outline, but I was able to create the questions I wanted to answer. I worked with an editor to group the questions and put them in a logical order. The outline contained page numbers for the table of contents, letters to parents and children, questions and answers (over 100 pages), and appendix.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Amy: This book relates to the everyday spiritual lives of children. Understanding helps children know the awesome power and love of God and our relationship as God’s children.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Amy: Christian picture books is my favorite genre to write for.
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Amy: Every answer has a Biblical basis and includes a Scripture verse.
Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?
Amy: I researched every answer in this book, some extensively, and kept a detailed bibliography. It was so important to get the answers right, but also find a balance since the target readers are from a variety of Christian backgrounds.
Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?
Amy: I included a variety of questions and answers on a range of topics such as, God and Jesus, prayer, Christianity, the Bible, and Christian holidays. I kept my audience (children ages 6 – 9) in mind as I was writing. I’ve been attending Bible study for over 30 years, but feel I have so much to learn. So I approached writing the book as if I was explaining the answers to my three grandchildren, who (at the time I wrote the book) were, a girl, age 5, and 8-year old twin boys. Every answer relates to a Bible verse.
Brock: How does it feel to have your work published?
Amy: This is the first time worked with Callisto Media. While I had written Christian curriculum, this book was a new experience. It is a reference book. It was such a challenge and such a blessing. While I have a number of books published, it’s still thrilling to have a new release. Have a “book baby” never gets old!
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Amy: In fact, there’s a section in the back, a discussion guide for parents, that tells exactly that. I hope parents will discuss questions and answers in the car, at the dinner table, before bed. I hope they can be open to other questions and researching answering together. My hope is that my book will spark meaningful discussions that will deepen not only the child’s but the faith of everyone taking part.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Amy: I hope kids have a better understanding of God and the Bible. I hope they will feel comfortable asking questions. I hope they will discuss their faith with other family members and friends.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Amy: My favorite place to write is in our living room while sitting on the couch either using a notebook or my laptop. In the winter, it’s so cozy to have a fire going.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Amy: I work pretty much full time on writing, although I have other commitments so it’s not 40 hours/week. I don’t have another job outside the home right now. I feel very fortunate that I can devote my time to writing.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Amy: When I write on assignment, most of my books are very short, some are 100 words. Deadlines range from one day to a week to a few months—whatever the publisher requires. For Christian Q&A Book for Kids, I signed the contract in December and the manuscript was due in March. For my freelance work, I write mostly picture books, and those can come very quickly or take years to get right. So it’s a whole range of time!
Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the book/series.
Amy: God is a powerful, loving provider who desires a relationship with you.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Amy: Long ago (in the 1980s) when I was a young mother, I sent Christmas poem, “The 5 Senses of Christmas” to a Christian magazine, Alive for Young Teens. It was accepted and I was paid $5. I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Amy: I was home with our older daughter, Emily, when she was a baby. Emily took really long afternoon naps, like 3 hours. So during my “free” time, I started writing for something fun to do. That was when I realized how much I loved writing and felt a need to publish.
Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing?
Amy: My mother is a poet and a writer. She still reads my work. She has been the strongest influence on me. I also have some very dear writer friends, and we encourage each other. Reading is also a strong influence and inspiration.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Amy: My favorite book when I was a child was The Mystery of the Green Cat by Phyllis A. Whitney. It’s about a blended family who moves to California. While the new siblings are becoming friends, there’s a mystery to solve about an antique, green statue of a cat. The main character, a girl of about 12, if I remember correctly, is so admirable, but realistic, too. And the story is so well written. I’ve read it more than once as an adult.
Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why?
Amy: One author I really admire is Karma Wilson. Have you read Mortimer’s Christmas Manger? It not only tells a great story about a mouse looking for a place to live, but incorporates the true message of Christmas without being preachy. Her “Bear” picture book series is adorable, too. I love to write picture books in rhyme, like many of Ms. Wilson’s books. It’s fun to dream of such a collaboration! I hope to meet her someday at a conference.
Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your book.
Amy: Seeing copies of Christian Q&A Book for Kids was the culmination of all the work of the past several months. I was filled with gratefulness and a good kind of pride.
Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?
Amy: I love writing on assignment, but now that I have an agent, I’m hoping to have my own work published. My hope is to educate, inspire, and entertain. My picture book, God’s Protection Covers Me, was well received and won two awards, but didn’t sell well. The focus of my book selling well is not fame or fortune, but to fulfill my mission of teaching children about God and helping with their faith formation.
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
Amy: My faith impacts how I approach writing. Spending hours and hours writing, not knowing if it will be published, if others will read it, if it will sell requires a strong faith.
Brock: Favorite season?
Amy: I love autumn—the beautiful colors it brings, the harvest, the cooler weather. I love the spicey aroma of baking pumpkin bread and butternut squash pie, sipping hot apple cider, and preparing for a cold, snowy winter. I love getting together with family at Thanksgiving. Autumn is my favorite season.
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Amy: I believe this is true and that it applies to my writing. Roman’s 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Brock: What was the religious or spiritual background of your childhood?
Amy: My family is Jewish, and while we didn’t go to temple, I knew my parents believed in God. We celebrated a few Jewish holidays but we also celebrated Christmas. (Not the true meaning that Jesus is the son of God.) Our Christmas featured decorating a tree, believing in Santa Claus, and exchanging gifts. We also listened to the one Christmas carol record my parents owned featuring Harry Belafonte. Interestingly, Christmas was my way in, was my introduction to Jesus. But it wasn’t until I was in college that I believed the nativity story was true. I had a friend who invited me to church, to Bible study, to a community of believers.
Brock: When were you baptized?
Amy: It took a long time before I was baptized because I didn't know how my family would feel about it. I was so relieved to discover they loved me no matter what. Years passed before I decided I wanted to baptized. I was in my 30s and had remarried. My husband, Steve, and I have attended the Methodist Church in Maryville since we moved here 30 years ago. Through those relationships, Bible study, and worship, I have grown in my faith, but feel I have a lot more to learn. Writing about Jesus deepens my faith.
Amy: I didn’t come up the idea, the publisher did. I had contacted Callisto Media asking for freelance work writing for children and especially writing a faith-based title if they had one available. I asked at the right time and had the background in writing for children and writing faith-based books they were looking for.
Brock: In three sentences (or you can choose three words) what is this book about?
Amy: Christian Q&A Book for Kids includes over 100 questions and answers about God and the Bible written in language that a child can understand. Each answer includes the Bible basis for the answer. The appendix features pages where kids can write their own questions, parent guidelines, resources, and index.
Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Amy: Callisto Media supplied an outline, but I was able to create the questions I wanted to answer. I worked with an editor to group the questions and put them in a logical order. The outline contained page numbers for the table of contents, letters to parents and children, questions and answers (over 100 pages), and appendix.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Amy: This book relates to the everyday spiritual lives of children. Understanding helps children know the awesome power and love of God and our relationship as God’s children.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Amy: Christian picture books is my favorite genre to write for.
Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series?
Amy: Every answer has a Biblical basis and includes a Scripture verse.
Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination?
Amy: I researched every answer in this book, some extensively, and kept a detailed bibliography. It was so important to get the answers right, but also find a balance since the target readers are from a variety of Christian backgrounds.
Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?
Amy: I included a variety of questions and answers on a range of topics such as, God and Jesus, prayer, Christianity, the Bible, and Christian holidays. I kept my audience (children ages 6 – 9) in mind as I was writing. I’ve been attending Bible study for over 30 years, but feel I have so much to learn. So I approached writing the book as if I was explaining the answers to my three grandchildren, who (at the time I wrote the book) were, a girl, age 5, and 8-year old twin boys. Every answer relates to a Bible verse.
Brock: How does it feel to have your work published?
Amy: This is the first time worked with Callisto Media. While I had written Christian curriculum, this book was a new experience. It is a reference book. It was such a challenge and such a blessing. While I have a number of books published, it’s still thrilling to have a new release. Have a “book baby” never gets old!
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Amy: In fact, there’s a section in the back, a discussion guide for parents, that tells exactly that. I hope parents will discuss questions and answers in the car, at the dinner table, before bed. I hope they can be open to other questions and researching answering together. My hope is that my book will spark meaningful discussions that will deepen not only the child’s but the faith of everyone taking part.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series?
Amy: I hope kids have a better understanding of God and the Bible. I hope they will feel comfortable asking questions. I hope they will discuss their faith with other family members and friends.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Amy: My favorite place to write is in our living room while sitting on the couch either using a notebook or my laptop. In the winter, it’s so cozy to have a fire going.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer?
Amy: I work pretty much full time on writing, although I have other commitments so it’s not 40 hours/week. I don’t have another job outside the home right now. I feel very fortunate that I can devote my time to writing.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Amy: When I write on assignment, most of my books are very short, some are 100 words. Deadlines range from one day to a week to a few months—whatever the publisher requires. For Christian Q&A Book for Kids, I signed the contract in December and the manuscript was due in March. For my freelance work, I write mostly picture books, and those can come very quickly or take years to get right. So it’s a whole range of time!
Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the book/series.
Amy: God is a powerful, loving provider who desires a relationship with you.
Brock: What is your "how I got published" story?
Amy: Long ago (in the 1980s) when I was a young mother, I sent Christmas poem, “The 5 Senses of Christmas” to a Christian magazine, Alive for Young Teens. It was accepted and I was paid $5. I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Amy: I was home with our older daughter, Emily, when she was a baby. Emily took really long afternoon naps, like 3 hours. So during my “free” time, I started writing for something fun to do. That was when I realized how much I loved writing and felt a need to publish.
Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing?
Amy: My mother is a poet and a writer. She still reads my work. She has been the strongest influence on me. I also have some very dear writer friends, and we encourage each other. Reading is also a strong influence and inspiration.
Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
Amy: My favorite book when I was a child was The Mystery of the Green Cat by Phyllis A. Whitney. It’s about a blended family who moves to California. While the new siblings are becoming friends, there’s a mystery to solve about an antique, green statue of a cat. The main character, a girl of about 12, if I remember correctly, is so admirable, but realistic, too. And the story is so well written. I’ve read it more than once as an adult.
Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why?
Amy: One author I really admire is Karma Wilson. Have you read Mortimer’s Christmas Manger? It not only tells a great story about a mouse looking for a place to live, but incorporates the true message of Christmas without being preachy. Her “Bear” picture book series is adorable, too. I love to write picture books in rhyme, like many of Ms. Wilson’s books. It’s fun to dream of such a collaboration! I hope to meet her someday at a conference.
Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your book.
Amy: Seeing copies of Christian Q&A Book for Kids was the culmination of all the work of the past several months. I was filled with gratefulness and a good kind of pride.
Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author?
Amy: I love writing on assignment, but now that I have an agent, I’m hoping to have my own work published. My hope is to educate, inspire, and entertain. My picture book, God’s Protection Covers Me, was well received and won two awards, but didn’t sell well. The focus of my book selling well is not fame or fortune, but to fulfill my mission of teaching children about God and helping with their faith formation.
Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
Amy: My faith impacts how I approach writing. Spending hours and hours writing, not knowing if it will be published, if others will read it, if it will sell requires a strong faith.
Brock: Favorite season?
Amy: I love autumn—the beautiful colors it brings, the harvest, the cooler weather. I love the spicey aroma of baking pumpkin bread and butternut squash pie, sipping hot apple cider, and preparing for a cold, snowy winter. I love getting together with family at Thanksgiving. Autumn is my favorite season.
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Amy: I believe this is true and that it applies to my writing. Roman’s 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Brock: What was the religious or spiritual background of your childhood?
Amy: My family is Jewish, and while we didn’t go to temple, I knew my parents believed in God. We celebrated a few Jewish holidays but we also celebrated Christmas. (Not the true meaning that Jesus is the son of God.) Our Christmas featured decorating a tree, believing in Santa Claus, and exchanging gifts. We also listened to the one Christmas carol record my parents owned featuring Harry Belafonte. Interestingly, Christmas was my way in, was my introduction to Jesus. But it wasn’t until I was in college that I believed the nativity story was true. I had a friend who invited me to church, to Bible study, to a community of believers.
Brock: When were you baptized?
Amy: It took a long time before I was baptized because I didn't know how my family would feel about it. I was so relieved to discover they loved me no matter what. Years passed before I decided I wanted to baptized. I was in my 30s and had remarried. My husband, Steve, and I have attended the Methodist Church in Maryville since we moved here 30 years ago. Through those relationships, Bible study, and worship, I have grown in my faith, but feel I have a lot more to learn. Writing about Jesus deepens my faith.
Meet the Author
Amy Houts is an award-winning author who’s written over 100 children’s books including God’s Protection Covers Me and Active Bible Play. She’s a member of the United Methodist Church where she’s attended Bible study for over 30 years.
Book Title: Christian Q&A Book for Kids
Series Title: N/A
Publisher: Rockridge Press, a division of Callisto Media
Audience: Boys and girls age 6 through 9 years old.
Genre: Christian nonfiction for children
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Author Name: Amy Houts
Author Website: www.amyhouts.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyHouts/
Author Twitter: @AmyHouts
Author Instagram: @AmyHouts
Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/houtsandhome
Author Other Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhouts/
Series Title: N/A
Publisher: Rockridge Press, a division of Callisto Media
Audience: Boys and girls age 6 through 9 years old.
Genre: Christian nonfiction for children
Release Date: August 2, 2022
Author Name: Amy Houts
Author Website: www.amyhouts.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyHouts/
Author Twitter: @AmyHouts
Author Instagram: @AmyHouts
Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/houtsandhome
Author Other Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhouts/
From the publisher:
This empowering picture book features a diverse cast of little girls dreaming of all the things they can be when they grow up and exploring how they can serve God in all kinds of careers.
I’ll keep trusting God, and then I will see
exactly who He wants me to be.
An artist, a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home mom—there are so many things a girl might want to be when she grows up. And even if she changes her mind as she cultivates new passions and skills, that’s okay! The important thing to remember is that she will discover the talents and desires given to her by God as she grows and learns. Whether she becomes a protector, healer, builder, or creator, she can use her gifts to share God’s love with others!
Join Haley, Isabela, Lexi, and Ashley as they explore different careers and encourage all girls to trust God and who he created them to be!
This empowering picture book features a diverse cast of little girls dreaming of all the things they can be when they grow up and exploring how they can serve God in all kinds of careers.
I’ll keep trusting God, and then I will see
exactly who He wants me to be.
An artist, a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home mom—there are so many things a girl might want to be when she grows up. And even if she changes her mind as she cultivates new passions and skills, that’s okay! The important thing to remember is that she will discover the talents and desires given to her by God as she grows and learns. Whether she becomes a protector, healer, builder, or creator, she can use her gifts to share God’s love with others!
Join Haley, Isabela, Lexi, and Ashley as they explore different careers and encourage all girls to trust God and who he created them to be!
From a reader:
I received Who God Wants Me to Be today. I am so impressed by it! It is truly needed information and will help girls realize they can do anything if God is in it! - Sharon Deur
I received Who God Wants Me to Be today. I am so impressed by it! It is truly needed information and will help girls realize they can do anything if God is in it! - Sharon Deur
Interview
Brock: What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Michelle: I had written a book in 2014 called Daddy, Am I Beautiful? That was about empowering little girls to know their beauty comes from within, not from what they look like. Women empowerment is a passion of mine, and when I felt God gave me a vision for this book, it went right along with everything else I write. At one point, I got stuck. So, I asked Crystal for help as I knew what a great writer she is. As we worked, I asked if she wanted to collaborate, and she said yes.
Brock: As a dad of three girls, this book is something I am grateful for! Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Crystal: The book features four energetic girls of different ethnicities: Asian, Hispanic, Black, and Caucasian. They each imagine 3 different careers, so we highlight twelve careers.
Brock: That's wonderful! Each of my girls are so uniquely made and each have very different goals for their future, from a felinetologist, to an actress, to a ballerina. In three sentences what is this book about?
Michelle: This book is about little girls dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up. But the book is also about understanding God has a plan for our lives. The book encourages girls to choose their careers as they discover the larger calling or plan God has for them.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Crystal: Today, girls can pursue any career they want to. Barriers no longer limit females like they did in the past.
Brock: ABSOLUTELY! Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Crystal: We did not work from an outline, but the story went through multiple revisions as we received helpful feedback from editors.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Michelle: Not only do I write for children but also women in Christian living books that is my favorite genre.
Crystal: I love writing for the Christian children’s market. I want kids to know how much God loves them and how special each child is.
Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?
Michelle: We had to strike a balance between the careers we featured. Books that feature STEM careers (more focused on math or science) are popular right now, so we both made sure the book featured both artistic and STEM based careers, as well as careers that paid a little (i.e. Stay at home mom, homeless shelter owner) with larger income jobs—dentist, doctor, etc. We want girls to know they don’t need to have a high paying job to have worth and value, and also value those who are in important roles that get little income (or credit.)
Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned?
Crystal: Originally, we had more characters that only imagined one career. We decided that children (and adults) may change their minds on what they want to be, so we presented that scenario in the story.
Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example?
Crystal: We dropped some of the characters because there were too many to really develop the story in a way that flowed from one character to the other.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Crystal: We hope this book will generate meaningful discussions and that parents will guide their children to discover the gifts and talents God has given them.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book?
Crystal: We hope it inspires them to dream big and take steps to follow God’s plan for their lives.
Brock: Indeed, I believe this story will inspire! Expound on the spiritual themes in the book.
Crystal: I want children to know that God created them for a purpose, and when they discover who He created them to be, they will find joy and fulfillment.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Michelle: I like to write at home on my couch. I actually can write while the TV is on, and it helps me focus. So I’ll put some mindless show on and write away. I set hours and deadlines if I have projects due.
Crystal: I write at the kitchen counter and sit on a gel cushion. If I am writing for a long time, I alternate between sitting and standing. I also have a hot beverage close by.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
Crystal: I consider myself a full-time writer.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Crystal: It depends on the book. I have written one in three days and have spent close to a year on others.
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Michelle: I received a calling to become a writer in 2008 at a women’s retreat. I hadn’t written anything previous to that—just a couple of poems in high school. I didn’t know where to begin! I studied Scripture and noticed in John how many items he referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That was the basis for my first book in 2011.
Brock: Okay now for the lighting round and bonus questions! Coke or Pepsi?
Michelle: Either one as long as its diet
Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Crystal: Soft shell
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Michelle: Anywhere. I don’t like heat, so preferably not in a place too hot!
Crystal: Anyplace where it’s warm.
Brock: Favorite season?
Michelle: Fall!!! Love sweaters, football, chilly weather, hot lattes.
Crystal: Summer—long daylight hours and warm temps.
Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write?
Michelle: Lattes
Brock: Favorite color?
Crystal: I have two--blue and yellow
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Michelle: 1 Peter 1:3-9: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Michelle: I’m a big 80s fan, so if I’m listening to music, more than likely it’s the 80s station on my satellite radio. Either that or worship music.
Crystal: I can’t listen to music when I write, it keeps me from focusing, but when I am not writing I love Christian music, country music and 0s music.
Brock: Where do you get ideas for your stories?
Crystal: Ideas are everywhere, you just have to be observant. But now that I have 8 grandkids, there is no end to ideas!
Brock: Is writing a lonely career?
Crystal: When I am home writing, it can get too quiet sometimes—and a bit lonely. But part of being an author is going to conferences, doing book signings and school and church programs, so I get plenty of interaction with other people. I think it’s a healthy balance.
Brock: Thank you Crystal and Michelle for all your awesome answers!
Michelle: I had written a book in 2014 called Daddy, Am I Beautiful? That was about empowering little girls to know their beauty comes from within, not from what they look like. Women empowerment is a passion of mine, and when I felt God gave me a vision for this book, it went right along with everything else I write. At one point, I got stuck. So, I asked Crystal for help as I knew what a great writer she is. As we worked, I asked if she wanted to collaborate, and she said yes.
Brock: As a dad of three girls, this book is something I am grateful for! Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique?
Crystal: The book features four energetic girls of different ethnicities: Asian, Hispanic, Black, and Caucasian. They each imagine 3 different careers, so we highlight twelve careers.
Brock: That's wonderful! Each of my girls are so uniquely made and each have very different goals for their future, from a felinetologist, to an actress, to a ballerina. In three sentences what is this book about?
Michelle: This book is about little girls dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up. But the book is also about understanding God has a plan for our lives. The book encourages girls to choose their careers as they discover the larger calling or plan God has for them.
Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers?
Crystal: Today, girls can pursue any career they want to. Barriers no longer limit females like they did in the past.
Brock: ABSOLUTELY! Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story?
Crystal: We did not work from an outline, but the story went through multiple revisions as we received helpful feedback from editors.
Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for?
Michelle: Not only do I write for children but also women in Christian living books that is my favorite genre.
Crystal: I love writing for the Christian children’s market. I want kids to know how much God loves them and how special each child is.
Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book?
Michelle: We had to strike a balance between the careers we featured. Books that feature STEM careers (more focused on math or science) are popular right now, so we both made sure the book featured both artistic and STEM based careers, as well as careers that paid a little (i.e. Stay at home mom, homeless shelter owner) with larger income jobs—dentist, doctor, etc. We want girls to know they don’t need to have a high paying job to have worth and value, and also value those who are in important roles that get little income (or credit.)
Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned?
Crystal: Originally, we had more characters that only imagined one career. We decided that children (and adults) may change their minds on what they want to be, so we presented that scenario in the story.
Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example?
Crystal: We dropped some of the characters because there were too many to really develop the story in a way that flowed from one character to the other.
Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids?
Crystal: We hope this book will generate meaningful discussions and that parents will guide their children to discover the gifts and talents God has given them.
Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book?
Crystal: We hope it inspires them to dream big and take steps to follow God’s plan for their lives.
Brock: Indeed, I believe this story will inspire! Expound on the spiritual themes in the book.
Crystal: I want children to know that God created them for a purpose, and when they discover who He created them to be, they will find joy and fulfillment.
Brock: Where do you like to write?
Michelle: I like to write at home on my couch. I actually can write while the TV is on, and it helps me focus. So I’ll put some mindless show on and write away. I set hours and deadlines if I have projects due.
Crystal: I write at the kitchen counter and sit on a gel cushion. If I am writing for a long time, I alternate between sitting and standing. I also have a hot beverage close by.
Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time writer?
Crystal: I consider myself a full-time writer.
Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book?
Crystal: It depends on the book. I have written one in three days and have spent close to a year on others.
Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
Michelle: I received a calling to become a writer in 2008 at a women’s retreat. I hadn’t written anything previous to that—just a couple of poems in high school. I didn’t know where to begin! I studied Scripture and noticed in John how many items he referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That was the basis for my first book in 2011.
Brock: Okay now for the lighting round and bonus questions! Coke or Pepsi?
Michelle: Either one as long as its diet
Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?
Crystal: Soft shell
Brock: Favorite place to vacation?
Michelle: Anywhere. I don’t like heat, so preferably not in a place too hot!
Crystal: Anyplace where it’s warm.
Brock: Favorite season?
Michelle: Fall!!! Love sweaters, football, chilly weather, hot lattes.
Crystal: Summer—long daylight hours and warm temps.
Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write?
Michelle: Lattes
Brock: Favorite color?
Crystal: I have two--blue and yellow
Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Michelle: 1 Peter 1:3-9: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?
Michelle: I’m a big 80s fan, so if I’m listening to music, more than likely it’s the 80s station on my satellite radio. Either that or worship music.
Crystal: I can’t listen to music when I write, it keeps me from focusing, but when I am not writing I love Christian music, country music and 0s music.
Brock: Where do you get ideas for your stories?
Crystal: Ideas are everywhere, you just have to be observant. But now that I have 8 grandkids, there is no end to ideas!
Brock: Is writing a lonely career?
Crystal: When I am home writing, it can get too quiet sometimes—and a bit lonely. But part of being an author is going to conferences, doing book signings and school and church programs, so I get plenty of interaction with other people. I think it’s a healthy balance.
Brock: Thank you Crystal and Michelle for all your awesome answers!
Book & Author Details
Book Title: Who God Wants Me to Be
Publisher: Waterbrook/Multnomah
Audience: Girls ages 4-8
Genre: Fiction picture book
Release Date: Sept 20, 2022
Author Name: Crystal Bowman and Michelle Lazurek
Author Websites:
www.crystalbowman.com
www.michellelazurek.com
Author Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/crystaljbowman
https://www.facebook.com/mslazurek
Author Twitter: @mslazurek
Author Instagram: @crystalbowmanauthor @michellelspeaks
Author Other Social Media: www.christianchildrensauthors.com
Publisher: Waterbrook/Multnomah
Audience: Girls ages 4-8
Genre: Fiction picture book
Release Date: Sept 20, 2022
Author Name: Crystal Bowman and Michelle Lazurek
Author Websites:
www.crystalbowman.com
www.michellelazurek.com
Author Facebook:
https//www.facebook.com/crystaljbowman
https://www.facebook.com/mslazurek
Author Twitter: @mslazurek
Author Instagram: @crystalbowmanauthor @michellelspeaks
Author Other Social Media: www.christianchildrensauthors.com
Dr. Fizzlebop walks fellow scientists through a wondrous experiment about color. You'll learn firsthand how to make a Rainbow Walk in this neato super simple experiment. Plus go deep into the Bible with a devotion about jealousy and a story from Dr. Fizzlebop's childhood.
You can experience more fizztastic experiments and devotions in Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop which features 57 easy experiments kids and parents can do together once a week or at their convenience. Building on Dr. Fizzlebop’s desire to show kids how faith and science connect, each experiment connects to a devotional that allows kids to go deeper and learn about God’s amazing design for everything around them.
Our expert and guide, Dr. Phineas Einstein Fizzlebop, is a bit quirky and maybe a little cheesy at times, but he is passionate about three things: God, science, and fizz―and all come together wonderfully at Fizzlebop Labs. Guest scientists (families) will journey through the Bible in an extravaganza of experiments and Bible studies full of fun, facts, and fizz.
You can experience more fizztastic experiments and devotions in Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop which features 57 easy experiments kids and parents can do together once a week or at their convenience. Building on Dr. Fizzlebop’s desire to show kids how faith and science connect, each experiment connects to a devotional that allows kids to go deeper and learn about God’s amazing design for everything around them.
Our expert and guide, Dr. Phineas Einstein Fizzlebop, is a bit quirky and maybe a little cheesy at times, but he is passionate about three things: God, science, and fizz―and all come together wonderfully at Fizzlebop Labs. Guest scientists (families) will journey through the Bible in an extravaganza of experiments and Bible studies full of fun, facts, and fizz.
By Brock Eastman
Article first appeared on Tyndale's Parenting Blog in December 2015
Travel by air. Travel by land. Travel by sleigh. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Gifts for every family member, co-worker, teacher and friend. Peppermint Mocha. Gingerbread Latte. Flavor from your childhood memories of Christmas now in your caffeinated drink as an adult. This is the ‘Holiday Season’ these days.
Entrusted by God as parents of four little souls, my wife and I strive to make Christmas more about why we celebrate, than the over-merchandised cash-in on the ‘Holiday Season’ thing we often find ourselves caught up in. Now I’m not the Grinch and I love yummy flavored coffee, traveling to see family, and getting gifts that will make others’ eyes light up and set smiles on their faces. Still my wife and I hope Christmas will be a time of family togetherness that reflects on the birth of our Savior in a manger. We want our kids to understand that Christmas is not only getting gifts, but of giving gifts. As God gave us his Son, as the Magi gave gifts to Jesus, and as Jesus gave His life for us. To immerse our kids in this idea, we’ve started several meaningful, but simple traditions that help us have fun as a family while learning the importance of giving.
Entrusted by God as parents of four little souls, my wife and I strive to make Christmas more about why we celebrate, than the over-merchandised cash-in on the ‘Holiday Season’ thing we often find ourselves caught up in. Now I’m not the Grinch and I love yummy flavored coffee, traveling to see family, and getting gifts that will make others’ eyes light up and set smiles on their faces. Still my wife and I hope Christmas will be a time of family togetherness that reflects on the birth of our Savior in a manger. We want our kids to understand that Christmas is not only getting gifts, but of giving gifts. As God gave us his Son, as the Magi gave gifts to Jesus, and as Jesus gave His life for us. To immerse our kids in this idea, we’ve started several meaningful, but simple traditions that help us have fun as a family while learning the importance of giving.
Advent Calendar: I can’t take any credit for this one, aside from taking part and being excited about the activity we’ll pull out of the drawer each day. My wife does a wonderful job creating and planning 25 Advent activities. Starting on December 1st, these activities range from bell ringing for the Salvation Army (yes all 6 of us) to making marshmallow snowmen on paper or going on a family hot cocoa date. Each year we have several activities we keep doing because we’ve found them to be family favorites, while others get replaced with new ideas. And though we’re a few days into December, it’s not too late to start. You can check out a full list below of the Eastman’s 2015 Advent Calendar to get ideas for your own calendar. And you’ll notice our activities aren’t always focused on the birth of Jesus. Pinterest is a great place to find ideas for Advent.
Christmas Reading List: This one is my favorite and not because I’m an author. I love having my four kiddos on my lap and gathered around me while we turn the pages to a Christmas themed book. Ten to fifteen minutes before bed each night or at the dinner table to read a story together is all it takes. We have a wonderful time listening, looking at pictures, and discussing what will happen next in the story. It’s also a great way to help our kids relax before bed. My wife and I have amassed a collection of Christmas books over the last few years, (getting a few books is one of our Advent activities) but for those who may not have a personal library yet, consider going to your local public or church library and checking out a dozen or so books. You can make this an every other night event to get started, but I’m sure your kids will soon ask for a story every night even beyond Christmas. Our books aren’t only about Christmas, some are winter themed. A couple family favorites are The Nutcracker or Snow by P.D. Eastman (no relation, at least that I know of). And the books we read about the birth of Jesus are a reminder of the ultimate gift we celebrate at Christmas. Plus reading to your kids at bedtime or anytime will pay huge dividends later as you’ll see them excel in school and their imaginations flourish. If you need book ideas we’ve created a list for you.
Three Gifts of the Magi: Are your kids’ lists for Santa each a mile long? Has one of your kids ever said, “If you don’t get it for me, I’ll ask Santa?” America is a prosperous country and often that causes us to be more materialistic than we want, it’s simply; we see it, we want it, we get it, because we can. In light of this my wife and I wanted to refocus our family’s celebration of Christmas with an idea that helps simplify our gift giving each year. We use the three gifts the Magi presented to Jesus at his birth as the basis for each gift our kids receive each year; yes that’s three gifts, but each one is intentional and meaningful. This tradition allows us to read of the three wise men and their journey to the manger in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12), and creates a tangible connection with the baby Jesus and your children through the gifts they receive and each gifts’ purpose.
- Frankincense: A gift for the body can be a shirt, shoes, perfume or something exercise related.
- Myrrh: A gift for the spirit might be a Bible, devotional, worship music, or might I suggest Adventures in Odyssey (disclosure, I was a producer for Adventures in Odyssey.)
- Gold: A gift of luxury. What’s the one thing your child wants; a doll, Legos, a dinosaur, a movie. This is the gift that fulfills their greatest want.
St. Nicking: A fun event to do with a group of families on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or by your family alone. First ask your church or a local shelter to find a family in need this Christmas. Be sure to ask the church or shelter for the names and ages of each family member. If possible find out clothing sizes (shirts, pants, shoes, etc), any specific interests (books, princesses, cars, penguins), and specific needs (winter hats, school shoes, Bible, or water heater.) Next invite everyone to your house for a St. Nicholas party. Assign one member from the family in need to each participating family. Next read the story of St. Nicholas aloud. We recommend The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving. With family members assigned, a list of suggested items in hand, everyone heads out to shop. We suggest 1 to 1 ½ hours for shopping. When everyone arrives back the wrapping party begins. It’s a Christmas party too, so have everyone bring cookies to share. Now it’s time to deliver the gifts. The key to a successful St. Nicking is the anonymity of it just like St. Nick. We want our kids to understand that these gifts are given without receiving credit. That brings me to an important point, if you have the address of the family send one car to deliver the gifts to the front door. The key is to not be seen, so ring the door bell and leave before they answer. If you do not have the address, ask the church or shelter to deliver the presents to the family without revealing your identity.
Advent Calendar Ideas:
- Decorate for Christmas
- Make a Christmas craft
- Open a new Christmas book
- Have a sleepover with friends
- Go on a hot cocoa date
- Hang Christmas lights outside
- Make and deliver cookies to the local fire or police department
- Bell ringing for the Salvation Army
- Visit Santa
- Have a family fun night. Eat at a restaurant or go play at an activity park
- Host or attend St. Nicking event
- Go watch the Nutcracker
- Enjoy ice skating outdoors
- Christmas shopping for siblings
- Go see Christmas lights
- Christmas parade
- Watch a new Christmas movie
- Receive a Christmas activity book
- Bake Christmas cookies
- Make Christmas ornaments
- Present wrapping party
- Have a fancy dinner at home with your kids
- Build a Gingerbread house
- Open new Christmas Pajamas
- Bake a birthday cake for Jesus (Christmas Day)
From my family to yours Merry Christmas and we hope you’ll enjoy trying out these new ideas this season. Whether you do them all or just one, the key is to remember to focus your kids on the real meaning for Christmas; the birth of Jesus. We’d love to hear if you’ve incorporated any of your ideas into this Christmas season.
By Brock Eastman
Article first appeared in Family Fiction Edge in August 2014
Speculative fiction doesn’t exist on its own; instead it burrows itself within genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and horror like a mutant-slime trying to take over the ‘body’ of the story. All that’s required is a single story component levitating right outside of our reality, then you’ll find yourself reading a tale of speculative fiction. It’s often an unexpected twist of the impossible, a creepy troll, a man with multiple lives, a cat transfiguring into a child. If written well the twist seems quite possible. The story might make you check the shifting shadows under your bed for glowing eyes, hesitate taking a dip in a murky lake because of that bumpy log, or search the night sky for an unworldly flash of light. At the same time the story could take you far outside the realm of the possible with elements so spectacular that you can’t imagine it ever happening, legions of axe wielding dwarves or blood sucking interstellar arachnids invading your very neighborhood or a far off realm.
Take my short story, Wasted Wood, rooted in this unique category. The story focuses on a group of friends who go camping and are subsequently dared to trek through an allegedly ‘haunted’ forest. This in itself just makes it a creepy fiction story, not speculative fiction. Camping near a creepy forest and a dare amongst the characters are both conceivable features to the story, living well in the realm of our reality. It’s what the reader encounters at the end of Wasted Wood that makes the novella speculative fiction. In fact my sister (not a speculative fiction fan) read the book and said, “I really loved it until …” Sorry no spoilers here, you’ll have to read it. I chuckled at her statement, because it proved the twist I’d written into the story was indeed unexpected. The boys’ story appears firmly based in our world until the moment when I flip a switch and take the reader, my sister, out of the comfortable world she is used to
Rebecca LuElla Miller an expert on speculative fiction and contributor to SpeculativeFaith.com agrees with my explanation of the genre. She adds a summarization of Orson Scott Card’s perspective, “The genre can be summed up as the category of stories which violate known reality at some point: stories set in the future; set in the historical past that contradict known facts; set in other worlds; set on earth before recorded history and/or contradicting the known archaeological record; that contradict laws of nature.” Rebecca explains the genre’s fruitful growth, “With the increase in the number of independent publishers and the ease of self-publishing, speculative fiction, and Christian speculative fiction in particular, is available in increasing numbers. From what I’ve read in the past ten years, Christian speculative fiction, which has steadily improved in quality, now has titles that can hold their own against general market speculative stories.” That’s encouraging, because I love reading stories that delve just outside of reality. Visit SpeculativeFaith.com and to find articles and book recommendations to satisfy your growing hunger for speculative fiction, because let’s face it, its scrumptious. It’s like eating your favorite milk chocolate covered alien worm, you just can’t get enough--another example of speculative fiction.
Today we reach the end of our story! We hope you've enjoyed reading and discussing it together. Here are some final questions for you to share your thoughts on in the comments below!
Chapter 10
- Do you think Gilbert should have shown compassion toward the boys knowing what they'd been through? Why or why not?
- Do you think the punishment doled out was fair?
- Should the punishment have been harsher or more lenient? Why?
 | Chapter 11
|
The Next Chapter
- What do you think Orin will say to Hudson and Rico when they go to rebuild the bridge?
- Do you think there is more to this story? Discuss what might happen next.
- Now write the next chapter in the Wasted Wood and share it with us!
Whew! Chapters 7-9 were a pretty wild ride, weren't they? As always, let us all know what you think in the comments below. Here's some questions to get you started!
Chapter 7
- How could the boys have avoided getting themselves into this predicament?
- Should Hudson help to free Orin or try to save himself? Explain your answer.
- What would you do if you were Hudson?
- Share an experience where you had to choose between helping yourself and helping someone else. How did you come to the conclusion that you did?
Chapter 8
- Do you think it was wise to use fire as a weapon against the troll? Explain your answer.
- Discuss the pros and cons of using fire as a weapon in the woods.
- Pretend for a moment that you are a character in the story. Who would you choose to be and why?
Chapter 9
- Do you think the boys were happy to see Gilbert? Why or why not?
- Do you think Hudson regrets any of the decisions he's made in this story? Which ones?
- At some point in our lives, we have all unfairly given someone a "label" without knowing the true story. Briefly describe a time when you did this. How did it turn out?
- Gilbert says, "No, it's not meant to be on our Earth." What do you think he means?
- Discuss where the Tree Troll might be from.
- Gilbert says, "Disobedience is a slippery slope; it just leads to trouble and more trouble." Do you agree with this statement?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where disobedience has led to more and more trouble? Briefly describe the situation and its outcome.
Welcome back! Were chapters 4-6 a little spooky? Let's talk about it! Comment your thoughts and answers below.
 | Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
|
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