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Book Review and Author Interviews

The Sparrow and the Tortoise

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It is my honor to review a new picture book by Randal Gilmore entitled The Sparrow and the Tortoise.  It is a “thoughtful tale of a sparrow’s journey to discover what is real and what is just a reflection.”

From the beginning of the story, the reader is aware that there is a deeper meaning behind the tale and is challenged to think about his/her perception of reality and personal belief system.  Contrasting the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura and the God of Christianity, readers are invited to pause and think about what they believe and why they believe it.  

Having traveled to Japan, I loved all of the culture embedded into the pages of the book.  Japanese poetry, landmarks, and elements of nature give the book a unique flavor.  I think it will make an excellent discussion starter for ESL classes, or a springboard for discussing world views and spiritual beliefs.

You can purchase the book on Amazon:  The Sparrow and the Tortoise

About the author:
Randal Gilmore is the Pacific Rim Regional Director of Word of Life International and Field Director of Word of Life Japan.  Previously, Randal served as a Senior Pastor for 35 years.  Randal holds a M.A. in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University.  He is on track to complete a D.R.E. from Trinity Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana, in the summer of 2016.  Randal is the author of numerous books, magazine articles and blog posts, and serves as a frequent conference speaker.  Randal and his wife, Dale, are blessed to be the parents of five sons and two daughters-in-law, and grandparents of eight.

If you are interested in teaching ESL to Japanese people from a Christian perspective, check out this free resource that will transform your approach:  http://funneling.life

You can follow Randal Gilmore’s blog at:  Randal Gilmore’s blog

Author life

Big News

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I’ve been waiting to make this announcement, but it is official.  My book, Mouse’s Christmas Gift, will be published in October, 2018 by HarperCollins Zonderkidz.  The illustrator will be the very talented Dow Phumiruk.  I am so excited to see this book come to life! The countdown begins!

Mouse's Christmas Gift

Widow Barthomew’s Strawberry Jam

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Widow Bartholomew brings a jar of strawberry jam with her for the Christmas Eve party.  I wanted strawberry for the color–it seemed Christmasy and festive, even in a small community hit by hard times.  At the link below you can find directions telling you how to make your very own strawberry jam.  Good luck!  I would love to hear how it turns out!  And of course, if you have a recipe you would like to share–feel free!

Author life, Mouse's Christmas Gift

Mouse-sized World

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I’ve been thinking about what Mouse’s living quarters must look like in Parson’s church.  I picture it similar to the scene in the children’s book by Audrey and Don Wood entitled, The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear.

As a child, I loved the book series The Littles, by John Peterson.  I read each of those books over and over!  I also had a doll house.  I don’t remember actually playing with the doll house, but what I loved to do was make my own furniture and accessories for it.  You know, like take a sticker and “frame” it for the artwork on the wall. Or use a toothpaste lid stuffed with a dab of play dough for a “vase” that a little twig could stick into. Or find a little box and a fabric scrap and fashion them into a bed.  You get the idea.  The illustrations in The Littles books inspired me, and I loved to think of what a miniature world would look like.  Nowadays there is Pinterest.  I browsed for awhile and came up with a few projects to share.  I’m pretty sure Mouse would love a few of these in his living quarters.  Aren’t they adorable?  Which project looks fun to you?

Author life

THE HOPE OF HEAVEN by Alan Hallene Jr. with Erin Keeley Marshall

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In 2008, Alan Hallene Jr. discovered the lifeless body of his 22-year-old son.  Alex had committed suicide. While Al waited for the authorities to arrive, he had ten minutes alone with his young son.  During that wrenching time, God sent him eight visions of heaven, where the father and he son would someday reunite. Al recounts those life-changing visions in The Hope of Heaven, released on 
March 10, 2015

The Hope of Heaven is a very different kind of “heaven book.” Rather than an argument for the existence of heaven or the account of an out-of-body experience, Al gives readers a glimpse of life beyond the tragedies we endure.

“I did not go to heaven.  I was the one left behind and the one who received clear messages from God in the aftermath of my son’s death.” Al Hallene Jr.

“The story points to Jesus as Savior–and not just a general Savior but one whom we each need to acknowledge our personal need for.”  Erin Keeley Marshall

Alan M. Hallene Jr., PhD. is the father of three grown sons, one whom he anticipates reuniting with someday in heaven.  While working on The Hope of Heaven, Al was on leave from his teaching position at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  He has also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Iowa, and is President of NorthHill Consulting, LLC.

Erin Keeley Marshall is the author of Navigating Route 20-Something and The Daily God Book.  She spent the early years of her career as an editor for Tyndale House Publishers and has edited and written for several publishing companies throughout the United States.  She lives in Arkansas with her husband, Steve, and their two children.

Hope of Heaven website

Erin Keeley Marshall website