Blog Archives
Lamba’s Journey with Jesus
This sweet little picture book tells the story of Lamba, a curious baby lamb born on a cold night in Bethlehem. As he grows, Lamba’s natural wanderlust leads him on unexpected adventures—from meeting baby Jesus in the manger, to witnessing the events in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday, all the way to discovering the empty tomb on Easter morning. Through Lamba’s eyes, kids are gently guided through key moments in the life of Jesus.
As a mom who reads a ton of bedtime stories (and has heard “read it again!” more times than I can count), this one really warmed my heart. The writing is simple and rhythmic, which makes it easy for my little one to follow along. And the fact that it’s all told from a lamb’s point of view is genius. My kid was instantly hooked. It gave him someone small and innocent to connect with, and the way Lamba gets a little lost but always finds his way back—it just tugged at my heart. It reminds me of how we all sometimes stray and still get called home with love.
But what really got me was how the story weaves in the big parts of Jesus’s life without making it too heavy or confusing for young minds. It felt spiritual without being preachy, gentle without being watered down. The illustrations are bright, expressive, and just the right mix of realism and whimsy. Lamba’s eyes are so bright and expressive.
Lamba’s Journey With Jesus is the kind of children’s book I’d keep on our shelf year-round, not just for Christmas or Easter. It’s perfect for faith-based families who want to introduce Jesus’s story in a way that’s approachable and heart-centered. I’d recommend it to moms of toddlers and early elementary kids, Sunday school teachers, and honestly, anyone who wants to see the gospel through fresh eyes.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0DNRQW7N8
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
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.
The Power of Prayer
In Jesus, Take the Wheel, young readers follow a woman who experiences multiple challenges as she travels, and they learn important lessons in faith and the power of prayer. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’m a mom to a four-year-old and a two-year-old. We go to the library once a week and always check out a big pile of books. We also own a massive amount of books at home. And yet, throughout my constant exposure to the kid-lit world, I’ve never read a book quite like Jesus, Take the Wheel. I wanted to read a story to my children about the power of prayer and how faith strengthens us when life brings challenges. I couldn’t find one, so I wrote it.
It was important for me to write a story that could positively impact both children and adults in different ways. Those are my favorite kind of books.
I wanted children to understand the basic concept of prayer and that Jesus supports them. Plus, kids love to read about vehicles.
For adults, it’s more layered. I hope it makes them pause, reflect, and trust in God’s plan. Often, it’s only through hindsight that we gain clarity about our struggles. When a problem appears, we usually need to learn a life lesson, or there’s an unexpected blessing. We can’t know where life will lead us when we are knee-deep in a problem. But God does. I thought it could be a beautiful moment for an adult to remember this perspective when reading to a child.
My ultimate hope is that Jesus, Take the Wheel brings comfort to anyone who reads it.
Is there anything from your own life included in Jesus, Take the Wheel?
Oh yes. It’s very loosely autobiographical. I met my husband on New Year’s Eve. The night had gone awry, and I was walking around in the most cynical mood. Then I turned a literal corner, and he was right in front of me. In one moment, I believed everything had gone wrong, and in the next, I met my soul mate.
We also experienced years of infertility. If you read the book, you’ll understand the nod to that. However, I wrote it in a way where it could also apply to adoption.
I look at my two incredible children and understand that God sent them to me at the perfect time in my life. I wanted to have kids much earlier, but God’s plan was so much better than my own.
I thought the illustrations in your book were wonderful. Can you share a little bit about your collaboration with Marissa Napolitano?
Marissa Napolitano is an incredible talent! She’s so gifted. I worked with her on my last book, Christmas Begins With Christ, so we’d already established a good working relationship.
Before we began the project, we discussed my vision for the book in-depth on the phone. I made a storyboard with illustration ideas for each page that would complement the text. I shared that storyboard with her, and she contributed her ideas. I let her run with it if I didn’t have a specific plan for a spread. She always delivered stunning work.
I really wanted to represent Jesus with light, and she nailed that. I was so blessed to have her illustrate the book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have two more ideas for children’s books but haven’t written them yet. My next one will most likely be about Easter.
I’m also plotting an adult fantasy trilogy. I’ve started outlining the first book chapter by chapter, and it’s been such a joy to do!
I stay busy between being a nurse and a mom. Once my kids go to bed, I find pockets of time to write. My pace is slower because I wear many hats, but it’s been a beautiful adventure. I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Will you take the wheel?
It’s not going my way,
And this isn’t ideal.
“I don’t understand,
But I know you have plans.
So I put all my fears,
Into your loving hands.”
Follow the POP of a car’s tire, the ROAR of a plane’s takeoff, and the HONK of a train trip gone wrong. When a woman’s travels don’t go as planned, she prays to Jesus. He answers by showing her how His divine plan is so much better than her own.
Both children and adults will delight in this rhyming tale about the power of prayer, faith, and God’s love. Beautifully illustrated with vibrant vehicles and touching moments, Jesus, Take the Wheel is the perfect gift for holidays, baby showers, adoptions, baptisms, and birthdays. Targeted for children ages 3-9.
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
The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle
Daniel Petronelli’s The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a Christmas story of faith and hope. A drought has plagued the little town of Shiloh. There is no water, and there are no Christmas trees, and the villagers don’t know which one is worse. A spirited group of boys takes it upon themselves to sneak over the mountain to the town on the other side. They plan to take home a Christmas tree, but a terrible blizzard interrupts up their plan. Stuck in the blizzard, the boys find themselves panicking. A mysterious figure soon appears and gives them a helping hand. His help becomes significant for the whole village in ways they never expected.
The book is well-written with fun page borders and pleasing illustrations that add depth to the storytelling. It’s a heartwarming story–exactly the kind you’d want to read with children around the Christmas season. It speaks about God and about how faith can be found in even the most trying moments. Its wholesome content makes this a must-read for families.
The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a high-quality children’s book with a narrative that embodies the essence of Christmas. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of faith, hope, and kindness during the holiday season. Its combination of well-crafted storytelling, engaging illustrations, and a meaningful message makes it special. This children’s book is a delightful addition to any Christmas reading list. The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is a wonderful gift for children and adults alike, spreading the joy and magic of Christmas throughout its pages.
Pages: 74 | ISBN : 978-1737485513
LITERARY TITAN 