The moment I have been waiting for has finally arrived! I am so excited and very overjoyed to announce that I will have a middle grade novel published by Chicken Scratch Books on November 4, 2025.
Here is the cover art created by a talented artist named Timothy James Hantula. I Absolutely love how he depicted the main character!
It is a lower middle grade fantasy adventure story based in a Mesoamerican-like imaginative world of my own creation that builds hope and courage rising from destruction. I can’t wait to share more about his upcoming release in the weeks ahead.
Here is the back cover blurb:
Soledad is a victim of the Phoenix’s evil plagues, just like the rest of her former village. But she’s also different. She’s hiding with her mother’s flute, which the Phoenix is determined to find.
After a friend’s betrayal, she flees along a new path, high into the mountains, where she discovers the truth about what has really happened to her people. She realizes her knowledge, together with the power of the water and the magic of the flute, can help them all.
But this realization brings a whole new danger. Before she can unite her people and face the Phoenix, Soledad will have to find the strength to forgive and learn again how to trust.
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Look for the book at this site. I think you can even pre-order it!
Will you celebrate with me today? I’m definitely counting down the days until its launch. If you would like to help me on my launch team, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Hey everyone! I am thrilled to welcome best-selling author Laura Sassi to my blog today. She has so much creativity and talent…I just love all of her publications. Today I am featuring her newest realease, Little Ewe.And, thanks to Beaming Books, I am giving away a copy of Little Ewe (details at the bottom of this post).
I have to tell you Laura, in case you didn’t know, I am a huge fan of your writing, and I also consider it an honor to call you a friend! Thank you very much for joining me. I know everyone is excited to hear your answers to my questions!
Thank you so much for having me, Mindy. It is wonderful to be here.
First of all,where did the idea for Little Ewe originate? What inspired you to write Little Ewe?
The little lamb, who I have named Little Ewe in my story, is inspired by one of my favorite of Jesus’ parables. Known as the parable of the lost sheep, or the parable of the ninety-nine, Jesus’s story is about a shepherd who realizes one sheep is missing, so he leaves the flock to find that one and bring it safely home.
As a child I loved this beautiful reminder that, like the shepherd in the parable, Jesus came to find the lost and, oh my, how wonderful it feels to be found. My hope is that, like Little Ewe in my story, readers of all ages will sense the comfort and joy of knowing that our Shepherd, too, wants to find us and care for us when we are lost.
That is such a wonderful Bible story. I am so glad that the Savior cares for us and searches for us when we are lost. Let’s talk writing for a moment. I am curious about your writing process. How do you shape a manuscript into its final form?
I let ideas percolate for a long time before writing by making lists, playing with possible plot twists, settings, points-of view etc For Little Ewe I also wanted to honor the original setting of the parable – the hills where Jesus walked – so my percolating stage included investigating to make sure the wonders my protagonist discovers along the way would have indeed been native to that time and place. My list included sparrows, figs, frogs, spiders and more!
Because of all this time spent pre-writing, once I was ready to write, I wrote the entire (early version) in one sitting. But, the story, at that point was far from publishable. For starters, the earliest versions were far too long, involving not just a numeric climb, but also a countdown, which caused issues with pacing. Resolving these issues and making sure the story was the best it could be took time, lots of it.
So, in addition to ample percolating, I would say the use of a time filter is a key part of my writing process. Once I have a draft I’m happy with, I set it aside for several days, or weeks, before taking a re-look. This way, I approach each revision with fresh eyes. I repeat this process again and again until every word and moment pushes the story forward in a fun, meaningful way. I also ask for feedback along the way from my critique buddies. This has been the process for each and every story. It works!
I love the word percolating. And that is very good advice. I know it is easy to rush things instead of making sure that the story is as top-notch as it can be. I am also curious, what is your favorite illustration from the book and why?
It’s hard to pick a favorite spread because I think they all work together so well to enhance the story’s mood. However, at school visits, I’ve noticed that littlest readers, who feel sad when Little Ewe gets lost, especially love that next-to-last spread where Shepherd finds her. You can almost feel preschoolers’ relief at the sight of Little Ewe so snug in Shepherd’s hug. I also love the tender way Tommy depicts that moment, which is glowingly enhanced by his choice of sunset hues to capture the warmth of their reunion.
Laura’s favorite illustration
That is a beautiful illustration. I can really feel the love of the shepherd for his sheep. Laura, you have been doing this for awhile and have published many titles. What is your favorite thing about being a picture book author?
Good question. My favorite part of being a picture book author is the opportunity it gives me to connect with others through the sharing of story. This answer, of course, is maybe cheating a little bit, because this sharing of story involves many stages. First is the stage of joyful observation, where I get to look at the world through my writer’s glasses, writing down little sparks of inspiration that might lead to a story.
The next stage, at least for this picture book writer, is playing with those ideas in my notebook. Then comes the stage of writing and polishing and sending the stories off to my agent who sends them to publishers. Then, if I’m blessed to have a story published, I get to enjoy the final stage of sharing that story with the world – through events etc. So, I guess I should really say that I love everything about being a picture book author! It’s my joy and my jam!
I love these pictures of you sharing your stories with the world. Your events look so interesting! If you are interested in doing an event with Laura, you can contact her via her website. Finally, one more question, do you have any future news you would like to share with us?
Yes! I have a new book coming out with Zonderkidz just in time for Easter 2022. It’s called BUNNY FINDS EASTER and it’s a board book, perfect for Easter baskets. Stay tuned for the cover reveal…coming soon to a blog near you!
Ooh! Congratulations! That is wonderful news! I can hardly wait to see the cover and hear more about it. Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to join me and answer my questions today! I am sure all of my readers will really enjoy this interview!Best wishes!
About the author:
Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. She is the author of five picture books including the best-selling GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), which was a 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist; GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015); DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling Children’s Books, 2018), which won First Honor Book for the 2019 Best in Rhyme Award; LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018), which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book; and LITTLE EWE: THE STORY OF ONE LOST SHEEP (Beaming Books, 2021). In addition to books, she’s published over one hundred poems, stories, crafts, and articles in various children’s publications. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie.
And now, drumroll please, details about the GIVE-AWAY!
Beaming Books has graciously provided one copy of Little Ewe to be awarded to someone who lives in the continental United States.
There are several ways to enter:
For 10 entries, follow this blog! (If you do, you will receive a free mini-magazine called “Make the Time!” It has loads of “togetherness” ideas for parents and caregivers of little ones.
For one entry, comment on this blog post!
For one entry, comment on any Instagram post this week that pertains to this contest.
After entering using one of the three methods above, an entry will be given if you follow both @mindybakerbooks and @Laurasassitales on Instagram. If you already follow both accounts, you will still receive the additional entry.
Tag a friend or friends on any Instagram post this week that pertains to this contest. One entry per friend tagged.
NOTE: No entries will be accepted after 6pm EST on Friday, May 21, 2021.
Winner announced on Saturday morning 5/22/21 on both this blog and my Instagram account! Happy entering!
It has been so fun this week celebrating GRANDMA SNUGGLES don’t you agree? Monday we spoke with author Glenys Nellist. Yesterday we checked in with illustrator Gail Yerrill. Today I am posting a video giving you a peek into the workspaces of both Glenys and Gail. I It will help you picture them as they create their marvelous work. Check out this video below:
Wasn’t that fun? Thanks so much Glenys and Gail for giving us a tour!
Remember that I am also hosting a GIVEAWAY this week. Here are the guidelines:
Follow @GlenysNellist, @Gail99art, and @mindybakerbooks) on Instagram. (Must follow all three) Links available at the end of this post..scroll down.
Leave a comment on this blog post (or any post this week). Or leave a comment on any Instagram post this week.
**NOTE: This giveaway is sponsored by Zonderkidz (Thank you, Zonderkidz!) and only open to residents of the USA who have a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
For even more entries, tag a friend no any Mindy Baker Instagram posts this week through Thursday! (Tag as many friends as you like for multiple entries.)
I hope that all of you enter to win!
Tomorrow’s post highlights Glenys and Gail’s favorite illustrations from the book.
Friday I will post the WINNER OF THE GIVE-AWAY.
Make sure to enter and spread the word. See you tomorrow!
I teach Children’s Church on a weekly basis at Hamilton Hills Church in Fishers, Indiana. During the COVID19 outbreak, we have not been able to meet. So…our leaders began creating fun video content for families. I thought I would share the content I created here on my blog. I hope it blesses you!
I can’t believe it has been 25 years since college graduation! Time flies!
In honor of 25 years since graduation, a friend of mine (and fellow published author) Layne Ihde and I are teaming up and doing an event for kids and families at Taylor University Homecoming! I can’t wait!
Here is the description of the event:
Layne Ihde ’94 and Mindy (Anderson) Baker ’94 team up for a family-friendly Story Time and Sing-along at Taylor University Homecoming on October 5 at 3p.m. Layne will read his book Pippin, No Lickin’ and sing songs with the kids. Mindy will read her book Mouse’s Christmas Gift and do crafts with the kids. All ages welcome! Both books will be available for purchase before and after the event and can also be purchased on Amazon.com.
Layne’s Bio:
Layne Ihde ’94 writes stories. He has written and published forty songs, releasing three albums and two EPs internationally on independent labels, getting placement on television shows and performing across the country. He also writes sci fi and fantasy short stories and is working on a fantasy novel. He has written five children’s books, the first of which is Pippin No Lickin’ based on the life and fictitious adventures of his favorite pet cat. Layne Ihde lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and their cat, a white tabby named Lizzie. He feels it is the perfect place to foster and incubate his creativity and story writing in all its forms.
Pippin the cat wouldn’t take a bath. Because he wouldn’t, all kinds of funny (and stinky!) things start happening to him. In hilarious and unforgettable ways, Pippin is challenged with realizing his actions not only affect himself, but others, too. Will his parents and classmates get him to change his mind?
Pippin, No Lickin’ addresses the consequences of personal actions with young readers. This colorful and endearing story establishes with children that parental wisdom is for their own health and safety and helps them develop an understanding of selfishness. Pippin’s adventures even teach colors to very young readers along the way! Parents and children alike will enjoy this introduction to an immediately classic and memorable character in Pippin the cat.
My Bio:
Mindy (Anderson) Baker ‘94 was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from Taylor University. She has served alongside her husband in full-time Christian ministry for over twenty years. Mindy currently resides in Indiana with her husband and three children where she is a high school Spanish teacher. She is passionate about her faith, family, people, travel, books, and living life to the full.
In Mouse’s Christmas Gift, written by Mindy Baker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, one tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town when Parson gets sick and the usual Christmas Eve service is cancelled. Mouse never gives up hope as he prepares the nativity set and lights a small candle in the window to signal the villagers. Mouse’s small act of faith sparks a chain reaction of hope and love, demonstrating that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. This adorable book, with a cover adorned with foil and glitter, captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy of doing for others during the holiday season.
