Blog Archives
A Reason for Gratitude
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy follows a little spider and his cricket friend as they discover what it means to choose joy. Where did the idea for this book come from?
As I was looking at a homeschool curriculum that included teaching the fruits of The Spirit, I wanted to highlight that joy is more than just fleeting happiness. Given that children easily recall animal stories, I got the idea for Spiker and his friends to show children how to find joy in commonplace events.
Are any of your own childhood experiences included in Spiker’s story?
I remember complaining a lot as a kid when things didn’t go my way! One day, I overheard someone tell another that I griped too much. Realising that I wanted to be different, I asked God to show me how. It took a long time, but I am never more joyful than when I get to do something for someone else!
What were some themes you felt it was important to include in your book?
The themes that I felt were important to include in this book were:
Things will not always go as planned, but there is still a reason for gratitude
Treasure friendships and kindness
Help others to enjoy life too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am hoping to publish Pari the Panda Learns about Patience in a few months.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy
I just finished reading Spiker the Jumping Spider Learns About Joy by J.M. Ashmore with my little one, and it was such a sweet surprise. The story follows Spiker, a cheerful little jumping spider, and his cricket buddy, Crispin, as they learn what it means to have joy—even when things go wrong. From thunderstorms to getting lost and even helping a crying grasshopper with a hurt knee, the two friends (plus a few others they meet) figure out that being glad and doing nice things for others is what true joy is all about. It’s based on the idea that joy is one of the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and it sneaks in those gentle faith-based lessons in a fun, relatable way.
As a mom, what really got me was how naturally the story worked in those big feelings and life lessons. The way Spiker builds a silk tent to shelter them while Crispin sulks had my daughter wide-eyed. It’s such a simple but powerful message—make the best of a situation and find something good, even if it’s small. And that scene under the peach tree where Spiker wants to complain but then finds a buffet of ants? We both laughed at how fast he changed his tune. I’ve seen my kids do the exact same thing when they realize things aren’t that bad. The illustrations are absolutely charming as well. They’re colorful and soft and do a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters.
I also really appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from everyday disappointments and frustrations kids face. When Sully the spider is sad because he can’t jump like the others, or when Gerry the grasshopper cries after bumping his knee, the story slows down and shows kindness, problem-solving, and how friends support each other. It reminded me to pause and ask my own kids how they’re feeling, even over the little stuff. Plus, there’s something precious about the way Spiker realizes that “the best way of all to have joy is to do something nice for somebody else.” That’s something I want my kids to really take to heart.
This children’s book is a gem for kids around 3 to 7, especially if you’re looking for something uplifting that gently weaves in Christian values. It’s got heart, humor, and just the right touch of silly bug antics. Parents, Sunday school teachers, or even grandparents looking for a read-aloud with a meaningful message—this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0BSQPK29K
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.
Author Link: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 