Tag Archives: christian picture book

Aug8

Interview with Lee Erica Cruz

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As the summer starts to come to a close, I’d like to add in one more recommendation of a book that will help inspire your child at the start of the school year and all year long. Lee Erica Cruz loved to write as a child. It was her escape to create stories she could get lost in. Now, she is doing the same for other children as an author. “The Walking Butterfly” is a children’s book that encourages children to “spread their wings” to know how wonderfully gifted they are. The book helps children discover that they can have a purpose and to step out into the world in faith.

Lee Erica Cruz is the author of the new children’s book, “The Walking Butterfly”.

I got the chance to talk to Lee Erica Cruz about her memories of reading as a child, her writing projects and what inspires her, and words of wisdom for aspiring authors.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite memory as a child was reading “Dick and Jane” books. They took me on adventures that inspired my own creative writings as a child.


2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite author was Charles Dickens. I was influenced to achieve great things through my gift of written expression, because he had come from a background of lesser education. I also applauded his work in philanthropy with women and children.


3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lee Erica Cruz: My father taught me to just write my heart out and not overthink. It helped me to write freely and efficiently because I did not keep stopping to worry if what I wrote was grammatically correct or if I was descriptive enough. He would tell me to keep the creative process flowing – you could always go back and fix the details later.


4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Lee Erica Cruz: I would love to continue to write stories for children to inspire them to know their God-given gifts and be motivated to pursue their aspirations.

5) What were the reasons you enjoyed writing as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: I grew up during difficult financial times for my family. I would write hundreds of small books on scraps of paper my father brought home from work. It was a way for me to express my feelings and a way to dream of all the places I wished I could go.


6) What would you tell an aspiring junior author about writing their own story?

Lee Erica Cruz: Do it. Simple as that. We all have a story to tell and an audience waiting to hear it. You are as unique as your fingerprint.


7) What things helped you overcome your personal battles growing up?

Lee Erica Cruz: I’ve overcome anxiety and fear. These two things kept me from living out what was on the other side of that wall . . . Life.


8) What or who inspires you?

Lee Erica Cruz: The life of Jesus inspires me. Most of his life he was rejected and looked down upon. Through it all he kept spiritually poised, humble, merciful, and loving. In Him, I have found my strength, salvation, joy and peace.


9) What other areas do you share your passion for creativity?

Lee Erica Cruz: I write and sing. I just released a gospel album called “Releasing The Butterflies”. I also love being crafty and making my own personalized gifts for people.


10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lee Erica Cruz: Writing to me is healing and freedom.

Blurb for “The Walking Butterfly”:

“In a world filled with differences, we all are trying to find our place. Each of us is uniquely created, and wonderfully made. However, in this world, our differences can make us feel separated and alone. This story is about learning to embrace what makes us different and seeing the beauty and purpose in it. God gave us a fingerprint that no one else has so that you can leave an imprint that no one else can. It’s time to break through and fly!”

“The Walking Butterfly” is available at Amazon.com as a print or ebook edition.

For more information on Lee Erica Cruz, visit her on her social media at:

Instagram: @sheisabutterfly
Facebook: @sheisabutterfly312
YouTube: Aleeza

Nov20

Interview with Carmel Noel

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For those needing guidance and hope during these hard times, I’ve found a book that may give your little one comfort. Carmel Noel has written a book in which Jesus guides a young boy and his pup. She lives with her family in a small town in Pennsylvania, but has traveled extensively even studying abroad at Ulster University. “Minnie & The Better Den” weaves the story from a path of darkness to light while giving hope to others. I had a chance to talk to Carmel about her early childhood reading memories, what authors influenced her, and what projects she has planned in the future.

1) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Carmel Noel: As a child I always had a book in my hand. I loved reading books written by Beatrix Potter, Kenneth Grahame, and many others, but I would definitely say that I was most influenced by Joan Elste, author of “True Blue”, who lived just up the road from my family and me. She always welcomed my sisters and I into her home, and would show us what she was working on at the time. She was a massive influence to me because she was so open about where she was and her intentions- love and transparency are two essential things when it comes to writing for children, and I strive to always demonstrate both of those things with my writing just as she did.

2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Carmel Noel: The tough subjects are really what I feel called to write about. Abuse, loss, heartache are things that people try to talk children through, but without an aide, it can be hard for parents to know where to start. I spend a lot of time reading the Bible, and highlighting verses that I know people will find comfort in when they are facing these difficult situations. My future writing projects will likely be like “Minnie & The Better Den” in that they will hold many biblical truths that can help parents lead children through hardship.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Carmel Noel: When I write I want it to help someone, somewhere, somehow- to show them even an ounce of the love God has for them; writing is a mission that is sitting on my heart, demanding my attention.

“Minnie & The Better Den” is a charming, heart-felt book of a puppy finding Jesus through the guidance of his young owner. His new owner, Rain, adopts Minnie the Puppy. Minnie starts to learn about Jesus through Rain, but Rain’s aggressive father, Thump, tries to oppose the relationship between dog, boy and Jesus. Told in a way that highlights the humanity of Jesus, this story of hope will help guide any young reader from a place of darkness to the light.

“Minnie & The Better Den” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Dec16

Interview with Charity S. Nyirenda

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With Christmas just a few weeks away, I’ve been looking high and low for fabulous Christmas books for kids. This is a great time to get read alouds for your home library or for your classroom. I’ve found the perfect gift for this time of year, and had the chance to interview the author. Charity S. Nyirenda writes spiritual books to help motivate and empower through nature. She has written the book, A Dose of Kindness, as part of the “Adventures of Zaan” series. It focuses on this time of year being a giving and caring season. Charity I had the chance to ask Charity about childhood reading memories, the writing process, and what other projects she has in mind.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Charity S. Nyirenda: I always loved it when my grandmother read to my siblings and I. I always looked forward to “story time” as she called it.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Charity S. Nyirenda: Luvvie Ajayi is my favorite author at the moment. She has influenced me greatly because of how authentic she is and how she always encourages a writer to WRITE.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Charity S. Nyirenda: I usually write bits and pieces throughout the day whenever I get inspired or have some random thought. I put them all together and voila! A chapter is made.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Charity S. Nyirenda: Empowerment, inspiration, positivity, motivation. Anything in those lines.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Charity S. Nyirenda: Freedom!

ADoseOfKindnessCVRA Dose of Kindness is a Christmas story that focuses on helping you find the meaning of Christmas. For Zaan, it is more than receiving gifts, it’s celebrating Jesus’s birthday. This beautiful story follows Zaan’s journey to find something kind and caring to help celebrate Jesus’s birthday.

A Dose of Kindness is available at Amazon.com.

This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

 

 

May2

Interview with Celeste D Hightower

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As we start into the beautiful spring season into summer, you may start thinking about what books would be good to have for those hours you need to keep your child occupied. Celeste D Hightower might have an answer for you. She is an author that has created a picture book based on her Christian persona used to inspire children’s guidance in faith. Her book, Big Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit, will help guide how to create positive outcomes at home and school. I had a chance to talk to Celeste D Hightower about her book, how being a preacher’s daughter and foster parent have inspired her, and what to expect in future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Celeste D Hightower: I’m a preacher’s kid. So, we read the Bible a lot growing up. I thought for sure the moment I had a chance to stop, I would. LOL However, that upbringing grounded me in many ways.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in the future?

Celeste D Hightower: It will always be faith based. As a Christian and a foster parent, I see firsthand the positive impact a relationship with God can have on children.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Celeste D Hightower: Writing is a way to develop a story that will captivate children’s imaginations.

BigBabcvrBig Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit helps children learn to build a positive relationship with God. It teaches that the positive thoughts deep inside is God’s way of speaking to them. God loves and supports his children, and wants them to follow his word. This book will entertain your child as well as help them make positive choices with scripture reinforcements. It’s hard to do what is right, but with the Super Holy Spirit and Big Baby’s help, a child can learn to conquer the world.

 

Big Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit is available at Amazon.com.

Also available as an audiobook and Spanish edition.

Jan28

Interview with John D. Zomer, Author of “Jesus Loves You More Than You Possibly Imagine!”

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If you would like to share the joy, love and happiness of Jesus with your child, here is a great picture book for you. John D. Zomer is the author of “Jesus Loves You More Than You Possibly Imagine!” He is a former college basketball bench rider, avid golfer, and jack-of-all-trades. Recently a father in 2018, John had his life changed dramatically a few years ago and wants to share the grace and love he found through Jesus. I had a chance to talk to John about his childhood reading memories, favorite authors and books, and what he is planning for future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

John D. Zomer: I remember the excitement of learning new words and seeing new pictures and just enjoying the many stories I read as a child.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

John D. Zomer: Dr. Seuss “The Cat in the Hat”. I appreciated the rhyming and story aspects and looking at the peculiar illustrations and colorful characters.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

John D. Zomer: I actually have four more books in production. I usually like to jam out with some music and get my mind stimulated, and it usually flows pretty naturally somehow.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

John D. Zomer: I have a series in production that is going to be topical with grace, love, forgiveness, and giving as the story lines, with cool rhyming aspects and awesome illustrations!

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

John D. Zomer: Words hold such power. I love expressing Jesus in and through me.

book cover“Jesus Loves You More Than You Possibly Imagine!” is a picture book that allows parents to share the power and teachings of Jesus. This heartwarming presentation of Jesus and his message of endless love will make the perfect read-aloud before bedtime for any Christian child.

“Jesus Loves You More Than You Possibly Imagine!” is available at Amazon.com.