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Foundation of Love
You are SO Loved provides families of young children with reminders of God’s love and offers reassurance and comfort while encouraging them to embrace their unique qualities. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing You Are SO Loved was deeply personal and meaningful for me because I believe that every child deserves to grow up knowing they are unconditionally loved by God. In a world that can often be overwhelming and full of mixed messages, I wanted to create a source of reassurance and hope for families. The book encourages children to see their unique qualities as a gift and helps parents provide comfort and affirmation rooted in faith and truth. This message felt especially important to share, as it reflects the values and love I want every child to carry with them as they grow.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share with young readers and their families in this book?
In You Are SO Loved, I wanted to share a few key ideas that I hope will resonate deeply with readers and their families. First, the reminder that God’s love is constant and unconditional- no matter what challenges we face or how we may feel about ourselves. That foundation of love can bring peace and reassurance in difficult moments. I aimed to provide comfort and hope, not just for children but for families as a whole. Life can be tough, and I wanted this book to be a gentle reminder to lean on God’s love and each other, finding strength and joy in faith and connection.
The illustrations in your book are incredibly engaging. What was the collaboration with Noor Zaki like?
Collaborating with Noor Zaki was an incredible experience. Despite the time difference-me being in Virginia and Noor in Faisalabad, Pakistan- we worked together every morning at 5:00 am for a year. Noor truly brought my vision to life and elevated it in ways I couldn’t have imagined. She understood how important the message of You Are SO Loved was, and her illustrations beautifully captured the heart of the book.
The rainbow was a central part of the color palette, inspired by the Bible verse Genesis 9:11-17, where God places a bright rainbow in the sky as a reminder of His promises. To me, the rainbow symbolizes God’s unwavering love and faithfulness, a miracle we can still see today. It was essential to include it not just as a symbol, but as a thematic element woven into the book. As readers turn the pages, They’ll notice that each illustration transitions through the colors of the rainbow, creating a meaningful and visually engaging experience. Noor captured this vision perfectly, and I’m so grateful for her talent and dedication. Not only was I blessed with a talented illustrator in Noor Zaki, but I also gained a lifelong friend through the process. Working with her daily for a year allowed us to build a deep connection beyond just the book. Her passion and dedication to bring the message of You Are SO Loved to life was remarkable, and I’m forever grateful for her artistry and her friendship. It’s a bond that goes far beyond the pages of this book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m really excited about the next book I’m working on! While I have five concepts I’m exploring, the one I’m focusing on next will be Christian faith and equestrian-themed. It’s inspired by our horse, Simon, who has an incredible story. He was once neglected, injured, and rejected by his herd, but after we cared for him and nurtured him back to health, he transformed into a healthy, happy horse who now thrives in a loving herd family.
The book will highlight how love, care, and having someone believe in you can truly transform a life. Simon’s story will explore the idea that we all have scars-some visible on the outside and others hidden within. It will emphasize how God can heal those wounds, whether they’re physical or emotional, and how His love and redemption can transform us completely. Simon’s journey is such a powerful example of this, and I hope it will resonate with readers and remind them of God’s incredible ability to make all things new. Simon’s story is such a beautiful reflection of God’s love and redemption, and I can’t wait to share it. As for when it will be available, I’m still in the early stages, but I’m aiming to bring it to life as soon as possible!
Author Links: GoodReads | Barnes & Noble | Instagram | Amazon
You Are SO Loved provides hope to all children. It nurtures and strengthens confidence in every child who reads it. No matter what they do, see, hear, or experience, God will always be present, and will love them forever.
They will:
Gain understanding of God’s unfailing love for them.
Feel loved beyond measure.
Understand the truth of who they are and how precious they are.
Learn to build a genuine friendship with God and understand that we place our value on how deeply God loves us and on who He says we are, not on what the world says.
God put a bright rainbow in the sky to remind us all of His promises. Genesis 9:11-17
Experience Guided by Grace
It’s Christmas Tonight: Santa’s Visit follows a curious young girl who, in the stillness of a snowy evening, has a delightful encounter with Santa Claus himself and finds out the true meaning of the holiday. What was the inspiration for your story?
In a way, that’s a difficult question because inspiration just is. It comes from God. I wanted to write a Christmas verse and began playing with it. I remembered my own childhood when I was sitting by the window, looking at the dark garden with old trees covered in snow, and hoping for something amazing to happen.
And then, when I was working on the poem, I simply started writing and came up with some rhymes. And then, when the story reached Santa’s reply to the girl’s question, I had a feeling that I was writing it down while someone was dictating. Looking back at it, it was an experience guided by grace.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Chloé Nyíri?
Chloé is a very talented artist. She does something very few book illustrators do these days – draws and paints by hand on paper, with real watercolors. Her technique is beautiful and her art is a true reflection of her soul. Chloé is a lovely person. Also, she has a little daughter who is her inspiration, and she can truly relate to a child’s curiosity on a Christmas Eve.
Working with Chloé was a breeze. I simply shared the poem and told her to draw and paint as if it were her own. In the end, there were only one or two tiny revisions. The artwork was perfect.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
If we talk about the fun part, it was the bit where the girl is humming a tune she made up about Santa flying to the moon. That reminded me of myself and of my children who make up silly songs all the time.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Chloé and I are now working on a children’s story about a Border Collie dog who liked playing handball with his best friends – three boys. They play every day but then the boys grow up and move out.
Another project we’re working on together is a book about pregnancy and motherhood. So, hopefully, we’ll soon have plenty to share with our readers even though we don’t have a release date planned yet!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Bookbildr | Chloe Nyiri Illustrations | Amazon
Prepare to be transported to a cozy and magical Christmas evening in “It’s Christmas Tonight.” In this heartwarming rhyming story, join a curious young girl in her home as she has a special encounter with none other than Santa Claus himself. As the snow falls gently outside, she can’t help but pose the timeless question, “Santa, what makes Christmas truly unique?”
Santa, with his twinkling eyes and hearty laughter, sits down with the girl in her warm living room, sharing a magical revelation about the essence of Christmas, illuminating the profound significance of this holiday.
Beautifully illustrated by a traditional watercolor artist from Hungary, Chloé Nyíri, this picture book makes the perfect Christmas gift.
Mommy and Me Micro-Moments: 5-minute Devotions for Moms & Kids
Mommy & Me Micro-Moments is a collection of 35 quick, interactive devotionals designed for busy moms to share with their children. Each devotional takes just about five minutes, offering a chance to bond while reflecting on faith, love, and gratitude. The book is divided into four themes: Silly Moments, Crayon Moments, Ask Me Moments, and Tender Moments, with simple activities that include prayers, Bible verses, and fun exercises aimed at fostering deeper connections between mother and child.
What I loved most about this book is how accessible it is. Kemper knows that moms have packed schedules, and I could tell she really gets what it’s like to try and carve out quality time with kids amid the daily chaos. The activities, like “1, 2, 3 Guess With Me,” where you make goofy guesses with your child (who will likely burst out laughing when you throw in unexpected words like “monkey”), are easy to jump into. It’s not the kind of devotional that feels intimidating or too serious, which makes it approachable even on days when you’re feeling frazzled.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the book balances fun with faith. The “Crayon Moments” activities, like drawing outlines of your hands together and talking about how God holds us in His, felt really meaningful. One of my favorites was “In the Palm of My Hand,” where I traced my hand and my child’s hand, symbolizing how much they grow and how God’s love grows with them. It’s the kind of activity that you can look back on, and it gives you a tangible memory to keep. Kemper makes sure that while you’re having fun, you’re also sneaking in those sweet spiritual lessons.
I have to mention the prayers for moms tucked at the end of each day’s devotional. These little silent prayers felt like a personal lifeline. In “Silent Prayer of Gratitude,” for instance, the honesty about the frustrations of parenting hit home. She reminds us that even those little moments of chaos are seen by God, and that perspective was a relief on the tough days.
Mommy & Me Micro-Moments is perfect for moms who want to grow closer to their kids and their faith without needing an hour or two each day. If you’re a mom with young children and you’re looking for a light, fun way to connect with your child while sprinkling in some spirituality, this book is a gem.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0D4RZMSXB
The Voice of God
Silvia Ledon’s The Voice of God gracefully navigates the realm of spiritual awareness for young readers. This narrative centers on a young girl’s journey in sensing the divine in her everyday experiences. Whether it’s in an affectionate embrace or the simple utterance of ‘I love you,’ she perceives God’s omnipresence in her life.
Ledon’s prose is succinct yet rich in its ability to calm and soothe its audience. It’s a testament to her skill in crafting a narrative that’s accessible to children while providing a sense of serenity. The book’s illustrations by Diana Canales Rojas are a notable highlight, boasting vibrant and engaging visuals that enrich the reading experience. A particularly thoughtful addition to this work is the ‘let’s talk about it’ section at the end. This interactive element encourages meaningful dialogue between children and their parents, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection to the themes presented. Ledon’s book is not just a story but a gentle guide for young minds exploring the concept of a higher presence in their daily lives.
Silvia Ledon’s The Voice of God stands out as a gentle yet impactful exploration of spirituality for children. Its blend of engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and interactive discussion points creates a well-rounded experience. This book serves as a catalyst for deeper conversations between young readers and their caregivers. It’s an enriching addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CS9HJ9ZC
Jesus Take the Wheel
In Jesus Take the Wheel, Gina Kirkland masterfully explores the transformative power of prayer, presenting a narrative that resonates deeply with both adults and young children. As readers follow the journey of a woman whose day veers off course, Kirkland skillfully illustrates how prayer can lead one back to the right path, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This theme taps into a universal sentiment, offering comfort and understanding to anyone who has experienced the chaos of a day gone awry.
Kirkland’s narrative is both poignant and relatable, effectively conveying the message that each challenge is a stepping stone in a larger, divine journey. The book is a testament to the author’s ability to connect with her audience through themes of faith and trust. The illustrations are nothing short of mesmerizing, adding an artistic depth that enhances the reader’s experience. They don’t just accompany the text; they enrich it, offering a visual feast that speaks volumes in itself.
The choice of rhyme is particularly striking, transforming the reading experience into an engaging and rhythmic journey, especially appealing to young readers. This stylistic choice not only makes the book accessible but also adds a layer of charm and whimsy.
Jesus Take the Wheel is a comforting companion for those days filled with unpredictability and challenges. Kirkland has not only written an engaging story but has also crafted an experience that is both uplifting and grounding, reminding readers of all ages of the steady hand of faith guiding them through life’s tumultuous journey.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CNNCDWK8
LITERARY TITAN 