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Building Our Faith
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God teaches children all the different ways they can offer praise to God in their daily lives. What was the inspiration for writing this book?
The series started with the first book, when my seven year old grandson, now eighteen, said to his mother, “Mama, I want to see God”. After, Mama, I Want to See God was published, I decided to include the entire family in the series with a Daddy book and a Grandparents book. My goal was to show families through each of the books that we, (children and adults) are all works in progress as it relates to building our faith.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sharon Grey?
The art collaboration with Sharon was awesome. This book was the second book that she and I have worked on together. My publisher requires that I create a storyboard for my books, providing concepts about what I envision for each page. Many times, I needed Sharon’s insight regarding my ideas. Sharon was always willing to rework a sketch if it wasn’t quite what I was looking for. I appreciate and admire Sharon’s expertise and experience in bringing to life the pages of my book.
I loved the scene where they talked about praising God even when things go wrong. What was your favorite scene in this book?
I have two favorite scenes in the book. The first is when the children want to know the best time to praise God. This is one of my favored settings in the book because my mother is depicted on that page. The other scene is when granddad and the children are praying at the dinner table. And, my father is portrayed on that page. My parents were indeed the best grandparents that any child could have!
Do you have more books planned for the Families Growing in Faith series? If so what is the topic and when will it be available?
I actually have three additional works that I started writing years ago. I’ve been so busy with my first three books, as well as other works in progress that I haven’t had time to get back to those stories. I believe they would fit well in the series, Families Growing in Faith. All I can reveal at this time is that each of the stories start with “God Knows . . .” I’m not sure when they will be available. But, be on the lookout!
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In the third book of this lauded series, Families Growing in Faith, Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God follows inquisitive children who learn from their loving grandparents that praising God brings joy.
Grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as parents, guardians, and caregivers will love the rhyming stanzas and tender illustrations of a child’s natural curiosity and growing discovery that we can express praise through the good and the bad; anywhere or anytime; and with singing, dancing, shouting, and clapping.
This engaging story will empower children in fostering habits of praise and thankfulness.
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is the third book in the Families Growing in Faith series. This beautiful children’s book follows children as they question their grandparents about how and when they should praise God. They want to know what praise is and how they should go about offering praise to God. The answers they get sometimes surprise the children, and they are astonished at all the ways that they can show God thanks and praise each and every day.
Author Vanessa Fortenberry, with illustrator Sharon Grey, tells the heartwarming story of children, from all ethnic backgrounds, asking their grandparents about God. Each page shows a different family and asks a different question. The rhyming stanzas will engage and entertain young readers and make for fun family reading. Each situation can be read and discussed as its own topic, making this a great study book for young children as well. Kids will love seeing how things they love to do each day, like singing, dancing, and attending church, are all ways that you can praise God.
The illustrations are done in a soft portrait style using a combination of bold and muted colors to create dynamic images that will capture the attention of children looking through this book. The diversity of scenery and subjects makes it so that each child can find a situation they can personally relate to in this fantastic book.
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is a beautifully written picture book that captures the meaning of faith and love for God. The lyrical story combined with the memorable images create a children’s book that preschoolers and kindergarteners will love to read over and over again. Adults will find the story meaningful and will want to read it as much as the kids. This lovely book will teach praise and worship in a gentle and engaging manner.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B08SJ1N7M6
LITERARY TITAN 