Daddy’s Favorite Sound is a wonderful new picture book by Brock and Kinley Eastman that would make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Filled with loving scenes of a daddy spending time with his daughter, the illustrations depict a warm, playful, and loving home environment. Little Lion is on a quest to figure out what Daddy’s favorite sound could be. Here are some of her guesses:
A whistle,
Milk slurping,
A slinky,
Car horn,
Mechanical horse at the grocery store,
Bouncy ball,
Carrot crunching,
Sound of the wind,
Mane trimmer,
Fire in the fireplace,
Coffee maker,
Deflating balloon,
Clapping,
Gargling mouthwash,
Or the words “Daddy, I love you.”
I’ll let you guess which one on the list is the correct answer!
The book is perfect for a special read-aloud with Daddy, and invites the readers to playfully make the noises of the book as they read. You can imagine how much fun this could be to read together! You can purchase the book at this link: Daddy’s Favorite Sound on Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Brock Eastman and his wife live in Colorado with their four kids, two cats, and leopard gecko. Brock is the author of The Quest for Truth series, the Sages of Darkness series, Showdown with the Shepherd in the Imagination Station series, and the novella Wasted Wood. He writes articles for FamilyFiction digital magazine and Clubhouse magazine. You may have seen him on the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast and on its Social Shout-Out. He was the first producer of and launched the Odyssey Adventure Club. Brock currently works for Compassion International, whose mission is to release kids from poverty worldwide. You can find out more about Brock and Kinley at Brock’s website: http:brockeastman.com
Today I am happy to interview Amy Houts, author of God’s Protection Covers Me. This wonderful book released this week on Tuesday, May 21st. I had a chance to get a sneak peek at this adorable book even before it came out, and I know it is one that toddlers will love. It is full of sweet animals and their homes, and it uses the metaphor of our houses to show the way God protects us. What a great truth for children to learn. Let’s ask Amy some questions…Amy, I’m so glad you could join us today. Thank you very much for being here!
Tell a little about your writer’s journey. How did you get started in writing?
I’m not one of those people who always knew I wanted to be a writer. I started writing when my daughter, Emily, was a baby and I was at home with her. I wanted something fun to do while she napped. About that time, my parents had started a newsletter for parents of young children. Because I had attended cooking school, The Culinary Institute of America, they asked me to write a monthly cooking column, “Preschooler in the Kitchen.” My daughter and I would cook something together and I would write about it. I continued to write that column for 12 years. I learned discipline in meeting writing deadlines as well as the joy of writing down my experiences.
Author Amy Houts
That had to be such a special time with your daughter. I am sure she treasures those cooking experiments! What are several more of your author highlights?
The first was my Christmas poem accepted for publication in 1985. I was paid $5. Someone else (besides my parents) thought my work was publishable. My dream come true–my first picture book, An A*B*C Christmas, was published by Standard in 1993. Writing several activity books featuring the cartoon character, Dora the Explorer, was memorable. As was working with educational publishers Pearson, Compass, and Stone Arch on assignment. In 2011 I started “Houts & Home Publications LLC,” publishing a few of my own books and board games. Writing Bible fingerplays (and more) for Group Publishing has been a joy. And, of course, my newest picture book, God’s Protection Covers Me, is so exciting.
You have had some very unique opportunities. I enjoyed browsing your website. It is such a fascinating snapshot of your many writing successes. I am curious, what was the inspiration behind God’s Protection Covers Me? What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Twenty five years ago, when An A*B*C Christmas was published, my editor from Standard, Diane Stortz, suggested I write about “God’s Big Umbrella.” I love that image! I tried, but it didn’t come together. Off and on, I would try to develop it, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that it finally worked. I hope my readers take away the feeling of safety, comfort, and joy that is offered by God’s protective care.
I saw that you have a workshops coming up with the SCWBI. Can you tell us more about it and how we could register to be apart of it?
I’m teaching a webinar 7:30-9 pm (CDT) Thursday, June 6 through the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators on “Writing for the Christian Market.” I’ll be talking about what I’ve learned in the past 35 years since my first poem was published. I’ve worked both on assignment and freelance writing books, articles, and more. Kris Weipert, editor of the magazine for children, St. Mary’s Messenger, will be co-hosting. You don’t have to be a member of SCBWI to attend. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. You can find out more information and sign up here.
That sounds like a fantastic webinar, I know I’m going to check it out. Finally, do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Through my small publishing company, Houts & Home, I’m working on a children’s book about women’s voting rights for centennial celebration in 2020. Based on the 1913 diary of a young woman from my hometown of Maryville, Missouri, it follows a trombone player in a ladies band who march on Washington.
What a unique idea! I can’t wait to read the finished product! Thank you so much Amy, for being willing to answer my questions!
If you didn’t know, I am hosting a give-away for a copy of God’s Protection Covers Me. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post, or on my review of Amy’s book that is posted on the Christian Children’s Authors blog. Click here for link to my post on CCA blog. You may enter twice (once on this post, and once on the CCA blog post). I will announce the winner on both sites. Contest ends Monday, May 27 at 6:00 pm. ***Note: this date is different than my originalpost. I am postponing it a few days to allow for more entries.
Congrats to Melissa Henderson! You win a copy of Amy’s book. Amy will be contacting you soon with all of the details!
Looking for a way to introduce your children to world cultures world missions? I recommend Operation World’s Window on the World. With over 90 countries and people groups highlighted, as well as a section for each major world religion, it is a wonderful tool for families who want to emphasize and pray for world missions in their homes. The newly revised edition includes up-to-date information on countries like Uzbekistan and India, two countries that are dear to my heart. I love how the colorful pages filled with photos not only include prayer points, fact files, and maps, but also tell how children in each culture live, what they wear and eat, and what they like to do. Window on the World is also available in e-book.
Snuggle Time Bible Stories is the latest in the Snuggle Time series by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Briscoe.
Reading together with a toddler is such a special connection point with them. You will definitely want to add this lovely book to your home library. As you read together, you will be introducing your child to many heroes of the faith including Noah, Moses, Samuel, and David. My favorite is the story of Jesus with the children. Here is a sample:
Some children came to Jesus One bright and sunny day. “He’s busy!” the disciples cried. “You’ll have to go away!”
But Jesus called the children And sat them on his knee. “I love you all,” he softly said. “And you belong to me.”
All of us, adults included, need to be reminded of the Savior’s love and of the fact that he calls us his own. What simple, but beautiful words, describing a marvelous truth.
Thank you, Glenys, for another wonderful story book in this series.
About the author: GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England. Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.
A big thanks to Laura Sassi for her friendship and willingness to host me on her blog. She had several questions for me about the inspiration for Mouse’s Christmas Gift and more. Check out my answers on her blog at this link:
