book promo | Mindy Baker Books

This wonderful new book in the Love Letters from God series is another treasure, helping children to understand the depth and significance of the Easter holiday.

It is divided into 7 sections emphasizing different elements of the Easter story, each with a note to the reader from God, helping to apply each lesson to his/her life.

The sections are:

King of Kings–the Ride into Jerusalem

What Love Looks Like–Washing Feet

The Secret Supper–Last Supper

The Gloomy Garden–Gethsemane

The Darkest Day–Crucifixion

The Quiet Cave–Burial

The Super Surprise–Resurrection

I loved the depiction of Jesus showing what love looks like, washing the disciples’ feet.

I loved the pages that described heaven and how to get there.

And most of all I loved the description of God working inside the tomb.

“But inside that quiet cave God was working. If you tried to peek inside, you couldn’t see anything. If you stood outside and put your ear to the big stone, you couldn’t hear anything. If you tried to imagine what was happening, you couldn’t. But inside, God was doing something utterly amazing. Something only God could do.”

I love Glenys’ writing because although it is written for children, I still find a take-a-way for myself as an adult, too.

I am in a season of waiting for God. I need to believe that even though I can’t see it, hear it, or imagine it, HE IS AT WORK!

Thanks Glenys, for your writing. It touches and encourages souls of all ages.

I would highly recommend buying this book for any little readers in your home!

Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.

Glenys blog/website

Glenys on Twitter: @GlenysNellist

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Author Interview with Denette Fretz about upcoming title I WANT YOUR SMILE CROCODILE

December 2, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

I am thrilled to have Zonderkidz author Denette Fretz with me here today on my blog. She is the author of the Next Door Series, PIRATES ON THE FARM and CONRAD AND THE COWGIRL NEXT DOOR. Today we are going to discuss her newest book I WANT YOUR SMILE, CROCODILE. Here is a picture of the cover! So adorable…I love it!

This book will be released in April, 2018. You can preorder it now at this link:

Preorder on Amazon

And now to start the interview…Here we go!
Hi Denette!, Thanks for joining me. First of all, I notice that you include a lot of humor in your writing. What inspires your humor?

Hi Mindy, glad to be here. As a picture book collector, most of my best-loved stories are humorous. If I had to name a favorite book, it would be Judith Viorst’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day--but at the top of my list would also be Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter series, Helen Lester’s A Porcupine Named Fluffy, and Jon Klassen’s This is Not My Hat. I love humor, but kids do too–which make it an excellent vehicle for teaching biblical principles without sounding preachy or hackneyed.

I love humor, too. Do you have a favorite page in the story of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile that makes you chuckle each time you see it?

I brought a sneak peek into the book. Here it is!

Oooh! Thank you so much for bringing that!

The main character of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile is a spunky meerkat named Jack. Illustrator Jackie Urbanovic did a fantastic job of introducing the reader to Jack. With one illustration, she captured Jack’s attitude, while making him cute and loveable. Her portrayal always make me smile.

Truly adorable. I can see why that is a favorite! My next question is in regards to writing technique. Do you have any writing techniques that you use that help you to add bits of humor into the story?

If you were to read any of my manuscripts as straight text, the humor would be intermittent. It is the complement or contrast between text and illustrations that generate humor on almost every page of my three books. My favorite humor is when the text contradicts the illustration. For instance, in I Want Your Smile, Crocodile, Jack believes if he has a crocodile smile, kids will “stand in line and wait” for him to grin; however, the corresponding illustration portrays chaos as zoo visitors flee his new look.

To create humor, I start by knowing my main characters, setting, and problem very well. I then imagine detailed pictures of unusual or unexpected circumstances for the character in his setting. Because much of my humor is reliant on these visualizations, I juxtapose text and illustration suggestions when submitting manuscripts. I don’t think I would have sold any of my three now published manuscripts had I not relayed the pictures in my head. Of course, none of the humor would work without excellent illustrations. I have been blessed by two fabulous illustrators. Jackie Urbanovic and Gene Barretta, who brought to life characters and humorous situations through their wonderful, unique interpretations.

Thank you for sharing that helpful information. And I agree, you have had two fabulous illustrators! Another question I have is in regards to theme. In your previous books, your theme was “Loving Your Neighbor.” What do you hope that your readers will take away from your newest book?

In I Want Your Smile Crocodile, Jack covets features of other zoo animals, but discovers that “God’s great heart designed each part” of him. Every child is gifted by God for a purpose. My hope is that Crocodile helps readers understand that they do not need to imitate others, but are fearfully, wonderfully, and uniquely designed by their creator.

That is beautiful and such an important take away. I see that you are an elementary teacher. Do you use your books in the classroom?

I do! When I taught first grade, I used my Next Door Series books as read-alouds, at the listening station, and to help teach the concept of loving your neighbor. Now that I teach art, I use my books to talk about the career of illustrator. Also, at the beginning of each school year, I use the characters, setting, and plot from Pirates on the Farm to speak to third grade students about story elements and arc in fictional writing.

I bet your students love to see and hear about your books. I know I would if I were them. I can’t believe its time for the last question already. I was wondering, do you have any other projects “in the works” that you are able to share about?

Although I don’t currently have any other titles being published, I am working on new adventures for Jack…in hopes that readers love him as much as I do.

Well, best wishes in all that you do. I want your smile, Crocodile looks like a beautiful book full of heart and a great underlying message of truth for kids. I really appreciate you being willing to take the time to join me today on my blog.

If you would like to stop by Denette’s website, here is a link.

Denette’s website

About the author:
Denette Fretz’s passion is creating imaginative, engaging stories that help children understand and apply biblical principles. A veteran elementary educator, Fretz resides in Medford, Oregon with her husband, a sassy cat, and a spastic Jack-A-Bee.

Other titles by Denette Fretz:

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Jackie Yeager, middle grade debut author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

November 11, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

Book summary:

An eleven year old and her four teammates (The Crimson Five) discover a world full of spinning bunk beds, floating playgrounds, and an invention task more complex than anything they’d prepared for at home. These kids are on a competitive adventure in a world of magical realism where anything is possible.

Jackie, so glad you can join me today! I can’t wait to hear your answers to my questions.

First off, I love the behind-the-scenes information when it comes to how authors get their inspiration. I have read that you based SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB off of an Odyssey of the Mind Competition in which you were involved. I would love to know, what is the Odyssey of the Mind Competition?

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving competition. Kids work in teams of 5-7 and are supported by one or more volunteer coaches—usually a parent. They work through the school year on a one of five long term complex problems. On competition day, the team presents their solution to a panel of judges in the form of a skit. That day, they also solve an on-the-spot type verbal, hands on, or verbal/hands on problem that they are not given until they walk into the judging room. The program helps to develop team work and creative problem solving skills and is available in many schools around the country. My kids were lucky that there was a strong Odyssey of the Mind program already in place in their school district.

So your own kids were in this competition and you were the coach?

When my daughter was in fourth grade I coached her team and continued to do so for several years after that. When my son was in fourth grade I began coaching his team as well. The kids had a lot of fun through the years and I did too.

Sounds fun! Can you tell us what happened with that team and how you used it as a springboard for the novel?

In 2011, the first year that my son’s team worked together, they placed first in the regional competition and earned a chance to compete at the New York state competition. It was an amazing experience and the kids were just thrilled to be competing there. In a shocking turn of events, the team placed second at the NY state competition earning them a chance to compete at the World Finals along with 850 other international teams and teams from around the US. It was an amazing experience for all of us—not just for the kids and me but for all of our families too, one I’m sure none of us will ever forget. It was like being at the Olympics of Imagination, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, parades, and incredible performances by kids from all over the world!

At the time, I had been querying another middle grade novel, without much luck. It was during and after our trip to the World Finals that I realized that this could be the bases for an incredible story. It took me a year after that to formulate an idea, not really an Odyssey of the Mind Story, but a story of five kids who compete in something on a larger than life scale. It eventually became the backdrop for THE CRIMSON FIVE books.

That is fascinating. I am also curious whether there is a scene in the novel that you are most proud of or that was most difficult to write?

There’s a heartbreaking scene between Kia Krumpet (the main character) and her Grandma Kitty that was particularly difficult to write. It’s a scene where I hope to show the moment in a child’s life when he or she realizes that a family member (like a parent or grandparent) is not perfect—that moment when that illusion is shattered. It happens to every child at some point in their life and can be a defining moment for them.

Now you have my interest piqued! I will enjoy reading how you handled that delicate scene.

Is there a takeaway you hope your readers have after reading your book?

I’m all about positive thinking and dreaming big. One of my favorite quotes by Kia Krumpet is, “I know my chances stink, but somebody has to win. I pick me.” That quote is not meant to show that Kia is conceited but rather that her dreams are bigger than her present reality and she’s not afraid of them. I hope if there’s one thing my book will inspire readers to do, it’s to Dream Big!

That is beautiful! The sky is the limit when we dream big! Love it!
When will SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB be available for pre-order?

The publication date is January 9, 2018 but it’s available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also through any independent bookseller on the IndieBound website. Here are the links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Indie Bound

Trailer on Jackie’s website

Finally, I’ve heard that there is a sequel! Is that true? If so, can you share the title of the sequel and its release date?

The sequel to Spin the Golden Light Bulbis Flip the Silver Switch and it’ll be released on July 10, 2018 almost exactly six months later.

Ooh–congrats on the sequel, as well! 2018 is going to be a special year for you. I’m so happy for you! Finally, I’m sure everyone is so curious to know…what happens when you spin the light bulb?

I definitely cannot give that one away. Kia and her teammates would be disqualified from the competition if I did! But…January 9^th is coming fast, so at least you won’t have to wait too long to find out!

Well, I tried 🙂 I can’t wait to read the book and find out!

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mindy. It was fun answering your questions!

You’re welcome! I’m hoping you’ll join me again sometime soon! I want to ask you about some writing tips…

Sure thing!

In the meantime, best wishes on this fabulous book and its sequel!

Author blog: www.swirlandspark.com (Jackie has a BOOK NOOK where she recommends great middle grade fiction, and SCRIBBLE TIPS where she gives helpful writing advice, along with her fabulous blog entries)

Twitter: @JackieYeager

What is Magical Realism? It is realistic fiction that includes an element or two that relies on the reader believing in magic or the possibility that it could happen in the future through science. Jackie’s book is futuristic magical realism relying on the possibility of things being different in the future.

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

About the author:
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could. When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games. She does a lot of cheering! She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals. They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Interview with Glenys Nellist and Book Review of ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

November 1, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

On Christmas Eve, many families read Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Now, thanks to Glenys’s beautiful words, they can share the story of Jesus’ birth to the familiar rhythms of an old classic.

In my opinion, Glenys has a natural gift and flair for rhyme and rhythm.
Here is a sample from one of the darling pages:

“Now donkeys, now cows, now pigeons, and sheep,
Now oxen and mice in the manger did peep.
His eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples so sweet,
As they nuzzled his fingers and cute little feet.”

One of my favorite rhymes describes the shepherds:

“They ran to the stable and peeked through the door,
And saw something never imagined before!
There, in a manger, a baby boy lay–
No blankets, no pillow, his bed made of hay.”

It is a wonderful book! If you would like to buy it, here is the link on Amazon:

Link to buy ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas on Amazon

And, as a treat to all of you, Glenys is here today to answer some of my questions.

Hi Glenys, welcome! I’m so glad you could join me on my blog! Let me congratulate you on your newest book (well at least I think it is your newest) ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas. I absolutely love the cover with the three wisemen. But it is the rhyme and content of the words that I admire the most.

But, since I can’t wait anymore to hear your answers to my questions, let’s get started…

First, do you have a process you use in order to tell God’s story in such new and creative ways?

Well before I begin any new project, I pause to ask God to help me and to be with me as I write. Since I believe that God’s creative, Holy Spirit is limitless, and IN all of us, I always pray that God would show me a new, creative way to share the story.

That is beautiful. God definitely answers that prayer! In my opinion, you have a special way with word choice, rhyme, and rhythm. Besides that being a natural gift, is there anything else you have done to improve that skill?

I do three things in particular: Firstly, I pay attention to other writers, such as Crystal Bowman (who is the queen of rhyme), to see how they do it. Secondly, I always read my poems out loud because it helps to see if the words fit and flow. The third thing is that I literally count the syllables on my fingers,to make sure that the rhythm of each verse is consistent and concise.

I can picture the counting on the fingers thing, because I have tried it. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who does this! Another question I have is, Looking back over the last three years as an author, how has God surprised you?

When I look back on the last three years, I am completely and utterly amazed that one little book became a series of four (soon to be five!), which led to another series (Snuggle Time) and more titles beyond that. I can honesty say that although I work hard as a writer, I don’t really know how that happened. The only possible explanation is the principle of Ephesians 3:20 at work in my life: God is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I could ever ask or imagine.

God has done an immeasurable blessing. And as your friend, I have had a chance to see how genuine you are. I love how your beautiful heart shines through everything you do. I am sure may people reading this are wondering, what advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Pray a lot, work hard, be patient, and NEVER give up.

That sounds like great advice! I do want to know, what is the most rewarding part for you in writing picture books for children?

For me, the most rewarding part is reading my words to them. Children are a great audience! Also, because I’m British, but live in the USA, when I visit schools here to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the British author.” Then, when I visit schools in England to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the American author!” It is so cute, and a total win-win for me!

I can see how that would be very rewarding. Also, I would love to visit Britain! I have been there before, but I can never get enough travel. And btw, I do love your accent. It is very charming!

My last question is…What’s next? Do you have any new projects that you are able to share with us?

Well EASTER LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD will be on the shelves in January, along with two cute titles for Mother’s and Father’s Day, called GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL and GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL. I’ll also be making an exciting announcement soon, but I can’t say any more about that at the moment!

Three new books around the corner is so exciting! And I can’t wait for your announcement. Well I guess I will wait, but it will be exciting 🙂 So thrilled for you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you all the best! Thanks, Glenys!

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.

Glenys Nellist’s Website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author