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Sharing the Message of God’s Love
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny follows a little larva who makes her cocoon in the window of a troubled boy and watches him transform after hearing a moving sermon about jellybeans and their connection to the Gospel. What inspired your story?
The inspiration for The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny came from my desire to share the message of God’s great love with little ones, especially during Easter, a season of new beginnings. Spring symbolizes renewal, and just like the boy in the story, Little Larva undergoes her own transformation into a butterfly, representing hope and new life.
I have six grand-littles, and I want each of them to know God loves them. This book is for them and all the Littles of the world—whether they’ve heard of Jesus and what He did for them or not. I wanted to create a story that uses something familiar, like a bunny and jellybeans, to show children how deeply loved they are and how the message of Easter speaks to that love.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny, I wanted to focus on a few key educational elements that would resonate with children. First, I wanted to show the concept of transformation and how change can lead to something beautiful, just like the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It’s a simple yet powerful way to explain growth and renewal.
Another important aspect was introducing children to the idea of God’s love in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. I wanted to show that we are always loved and can change for the better. The connection between jellybeans and the Gospel is a fun way to help children understand that God’s love is sweet, abundant, and available to all. I also wanted to spark curiosity about Easter and its deeper meaning, making it accessible to kids who may not be familiar with the story of Christ’s resurrection.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alicia Renee?
Working with Alicia Renee on The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny was an absolute dream! We share a passion for little ones knowing Jesus, and that made this collaboration a perfect fit for bringing the story’s message to life.
I sent Alicia the manuscript and told her I wanted her to have the creative freedom to bring the illustrations to life as she saw fit. Having worked with her before on my book Angel on Assignment, I already knew the incredible talent she possesses. She transformed my words into illustration notes that sounded amazing, then brought the story to life in such an incredible way. The illustrations are truly stunning, and I genuinely love working with her.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m excited to share that my next book, Where Would You Go with Magical Balloons?, is already illustrated and just needs to be designed for print. This book is especially close to my heart as it was created to celebrate National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month on the National Day Calendar. This initiative celebrates another day in the life of a child with an incurable disease or a life-altering illness, offering them a moment of joy and hope. It’s an uplifting story that encourages kids to dream and embrace the gift of today, with balloons as a symbol of happiness and possibility. After all, who doesn’t love to see a bunch of balloons? You can’t help but smile when you see them! I think this month can equally have an impact on the giver as much as the young one receiving the balloons. I’m looking forward to this book complementing the month celebrated in June and helping spread joy and hope during National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month.
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Little Larva should be in Egg Land with the other caterpillars, but she wandered off…
Now dangling from a mischievous boy’s windowsill, her cocoon trembles. Then unexpectedly, a colorful bag of jellybeans changes everything.
Inspired by the boy’s transformation, Little Larva takes flight, spreading the good news to Mr. Easter Bunny and beyond.
Join Little Larva, Little Lad, and Mr. Easter Bunny as their story begins a new tradition in Egg Land: Easter baskets filled with the colorful message of God’s love, one jellybean at a time.
What you’ll find inside:A FUN EASTER STORY – A rhyming tale of a butterfly, a boy, and a born-again bunny.
JELLYBEAN GOSPEL POEM – A colorful way to explain the life-changing message of the Gospel to children.
ABCs OF SALVATION – Introduce little hearts to the simple steps of Salvation. ~Accept, ~Believe, ~Confess. Includes Bible verses.
IDEAL FOR YOUNG READERS – Designed for ages 4-8, for grades K- 3, this picture book engages readers to explore faith, and the miraculous change made possible because of Jesus.
This book is perfect for children’s church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and grandparents who wish to introduce little hearts to the love of Jesus.
Discover the sweet message of faith and transformation in this whimsical Easter adventure—share the joy of the Jellybean Gospel with a child today!
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny
In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush, readers are invited into a whimsical yet spiritually rich tale where caterpillars in Egg Land hang their cocoons in anticipation of a greater purpose of awakening to help Mr. Easter Bunny prepare his Easter baskets. But among them is one curious little larva who chooses a different path. Her reasons are never fully explained, adding a gentle layer of mystery to her journey. She settles near the windowsill of a young boy’s room, unknowingly selecting a place filled with turmoil.
This young boy, frustrated and distant, often clashed with his family. He was disrespectful toward his parents and sister, struggled in school, and neglected his responsibilities at home. Though his family spoke to him with concern and love, their words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Then, one Sunday, as the family prepared for church, the boy reluctantly agreed to go. That decision would change everything.
During the sermon, something stirred within him. The message of the Jellybean Gospel broke through his resistance. He learned of Jesus and how he died for our sins, rose again, and offered salvation to anyone willing to receive it. Each color of the jellybeans symbolized a truth: black for sin, red for Christ’s blood, white for purity, and a new beginning. This vibrant symbolism touched the boy’s heart. He repented and embraced a fresh start.
The little larva, witnessing this remarkable change, was so moved that she shared the story with Mr. Easter Bunny himself. Inspired, he decided that every Easter basket from then on would include jellybeans with each color, a reminder of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.
This story is nothing short of wonderful. It beautifully captures the essence of Easter and presents it in a way that is accessible and heartfelt for children, without coming across as overly preachy. The use of jellybeans as a teaching tool is both clever and engaging. It’s a concept that sticks and is simple enough for kids to understand, yet powerful enough to leave a lasting impression, even on adult readers. Personally, I now see jellybeans through a new lens, each color telling a piece of the Gospel story.
Alicia Renee’s illustrations are a perfect match for the narrative. Bright, cheerful, and in line with Easter’s pastel palette, her artwork brings every page to life. Each illustration enhances the text, offering young readers a visual treat that deepens their connection to the story. Renee’s whimsical style complements Roush’s message with charm and heart.
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is not just a seasonal read, it’s a timeless tale that can be shared year-round. With a blend of faith, fun, and vibrant imagination, this book will leave children and adults feeling uplifted and inspired.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DWKRJ71Z
LITERARY TITAN 