parenting | Mindy Baker Books

Board Book, Book Review and Author Interviews, Children's Bible, Giveaway, Kid Ministry

FIVE FUN FACTS about MY TENDER HEART BIBLE

March 13, 2023March 12, 2023 admin

I’m so thrilled to welcome my friend Laura Sassi to the blog today. She is here to tell us five fun facts about her latest book published by Paraclete Press. You will also find details about the opportunity to win a copy of MY TENDER HEART BIBLE at the bottom of the post.

FIVE FUN FACTS about MY TENDER HEART BIBLE with Laura Sassi

Here is what Laura had to say:

Fact #1: Writing My Tender Heart Bible was a dream project. From the time my children were little, God planted an idea in my heart — to write my own rhyming Bible story collection. Because rhyming text is appealing to little ears, I believed it would lend itself beautifully introducing littlest ones to deep truths in a short fun format. It only took 15 years or so, ha-ha, for that idea to become reality!

Fact #2: I had written only FOUR of the TWELVE when I pitched the idea to Paraclete, but had the whole collection in mind. When they said, “Yes!” I was able to then write and polish the final manuscript within the time frame of a couple of months. This was possible because I had been so prayerful and thoughtful in my planning. I wanted to make sure that both individually, and as a whole, the stories conveyed several key themes including that God loves them, that He is good, that God Keeps His promises, even we grumble or fuss or break ours, and that He has a plan to redeem us through His son Jesus.

Fact #3: Each rhyming Bible story is paired with a Bible verse, a Heart Moment, and a beautiful illustration with lots to notice. I chose this format for several reasons. First, I included Bible citations so that little readers and their families would know that these aren’t just any stories – they are stories from God’s Word. Second, illustrations with lots to point to and ponder were also important so that children could really immerse themselves in the story (and hasn’t illustrator Sandra Eide done a marvelous job!) Finally, I wanted each story experience to conclude with a Heart Moment of prayer because when we encounter God’s love and God’s word, it touches our hearts and begs us to respond!

Fact #4: My Tender Heart Bible is not your typical board book. Yes, the format is board book, but the content has way more text than a traditional board book. Thematically, it’s also much richer, with much more to ponder than a typical board book. Each spread is a story unto itself and, unlike most board books which are designed to be read in one sitting, I envision families picking just one out of the twelve to read at a sitting. Gauging from the kids and families I’ve shared the book with so far, it’s suitable for a nice broad range of ages – birth to up eight years old – which is perfect for reading as a family with multi-aged siblings.

Fact #5: The publisher has created some awesome resources to go with the book. Because My Tender Heart Bible is the first of a series (ooh, I could have made that Fun Fact #6!), Paraclete Press has created a website for all things My Tender Heart at https://mytenderheartbooks.com. There you will find free downloadable resources for My Tender Heart Bible including book-themed illustrated printable memory verse cards, greeting cards, and other fun things like a book trailer and an inspirational video. The website also lists upcoming book events and even has a contact page. I hope you will check it out.

Mindy here: Thank you so much, Laura! I loved hearing your 5 fun facts about your book. I love the project and think it will be a treasure for years to come. Best wishes!

Check out this beautiful interior photo!

About Laura Sassi:

Laura Sassi finds great joy in writing picture books for children. She is the author of seven published books for children with the eighth and ninth scheduled to release in 2023. She loves visiting schools and engaging with writers, parents, church groups and more at special events. You can interact with her at her website (Link below).

Book trailer

Author website

And now for the Give-Away!

RULES TO ENTER:

First, make sure you are following @mindybakerbooks and @LauraSassitales on Instagram.
For one entry, leave a comment on this blog post or on any @mindybakerbooks Instagram post about My Tenderheart Bible (This week’s posts only).
For an additional entry, tag a friend on one of the Instagram posts. (one additional entry per tag) or share the post to your stories tagging @mindybakerbooks and @laurasassitales.
For 10 entries, sign up to receive my mini-magazine.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, March 15, at 6pm EST
Winner will be announced March 16 on this blog and on @mindybakerbooks Instagram account.

You must be living in the continental United States to win. Paraclete Press is sponsoring this give-away and will mail the winner the book. A big thank you Laura Sassi and to Paraclete Press for this offer.

Book Review and Author Interviews, Instagram Round Ups, Parent and Child Connection

Instagram Book Review Round-Up #1

June 13, 2021June 13, 2021 admin

I’ve been posting a lot of new content on Instagram–you can find me @mindybakerbooks, but I wanted to have a way to share it on the blog, too!

So I created this ROUND-UP!

I plan to create more Round-Ups in the weeks to come.

For a sneak peek inside all of these books…check out the individual posts on my Instagram page @mindybakerbooks. I usually share a few photo spreads from the books I review.

Here are 6 books that I have reviewed in the past few months! Enjoy!

El amor es bondadoso by Laura Sassi and illustrated by Lison Chaperon–Little Owl wants to by Grammy some chocolates but ends up discovering what love is really about as in the Scripture 1 Corinthians 13. It really is a charming book! ¡Es un libro tan dulce y precioso…perfecto para niños que hablan español! **I recently went to a Zoom writer’s workshop hosted by Write2Ignite and Laura Sassi was the presenter. I won this book as a prize!! Woo hoo! It is available in Spanish or English (Love is Kind)

Firebird by Misty Copeland–I love the beautiful example of mentoring and being a role model in this gorgeous picture by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers. The illustrations capture the elegance and beauty of dance and the text shows the importance of dedication and hard work! You will be inspired…I know I was! It even made me spin and twirl a few times 🙂 But also it made me think of the children in my life that I want to cheer on to greatness!

Honeybee by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann–Looking for a great non-fiction summer picture book? Try this title! The stunning illustrations will draw you in and the masterfully written text will keep you reading and learning because it is full of interesting information about– you guessed it– honeybees!

Song of the Old City by Anna Pellicioli and illustrated by Merve Atligan is a delight! Think “circular story” like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie but with an Istanbul flavor that is dripping with fun cultural details that will whisk the reader to a far off land!

Rock by Rock–The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand by Jennifer Bradbury and illustrated by Sam Broughton is a true story of a man from Chandigarh, India who created a hidden art garden from the bits and bangles he collected on the city streets. Although Nek is no longer alive, his beautiful creation exists today and has become one of India’s treasures. I love the illustration style!I think this is a fascinating true story that can spark your child’s imagination. What could they create from the recycle bin? Why not gather some bits and bangles and create a masterpiece together–Nek Chand style!

Learn Arabic Words by MJ York–I love languages. One of my daughter’s just graduated with a minor in Middle Eastern studies and has learned to speak Arabic. Although I am normally drawn to Spanish materials, I thought this would be a fun way to connect with her and expand my horizons. When my kids were young, I found that they absorbed new language words so easily! Picture dictionaries like this one are a great way to infuse a little bit of new language into your family’s vocabulary and can spark great cultural conversations!

If you read these titles, let me know what you think of them!! Happy reading!!

Book Review and Author Interviews, Illustrator Interviews

Interview with Illustrator Gail Yerrill about her work on new release GRANDMA SNUGGLES…and a GIVE-AWAY!

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 admin

Hi everyone! This is such a special week here at Mindy Baker Books as we celebrate the launch into the world for Grandma Snuggles, written by best-selling author Glenys Nellist and illustrated by the very talented Gail Yerrill. It is a new release by Zonderkidz. I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s interview with Glenys. You are in for such a treat today to hear the inside scoop from artist and illustrator Gail Yerrill about her lovely work.

Let’s get straight to it. Welcome, Gail. I’m so excited to chat with you. Thanks for being here. I was wondering if you could describe the process you go through in illustrating a book from concept to final art? What were some of the illustrating challenges you faced along the way with this project and how did you overcome them?

I am given a brief with a description of characters and outline ideas and a paged layout of the story. Initially I would normally do character sketches which need approval. I will then do roughs for each page layout and the text is either in place or you have to leave room, and all aspects of the design of the pages are factored in at this stage. Once the rough sketches are approved I will then progress to the full colour art. Normally you would get approval on the first one or two to make sure you are getting the correct look. This project was one of my easier ones as the words gifted themselves immediately to me as images ☺

That is fascinating. I am also curious, Do you always work in the same medium for your illustrations? If not, what is your favorite medium and why? How do you know which medium is “right” for each project?

I mostly use watercolour and more recently I have been combining this with photoshop to create fluffy textures or to give an enhanced look to my illustrations which you can’t get just using traditional methods. Sometimes a publisher will be looking for something that will require a different medium but usually all watercolour based.

You definitely have a a special flair to your work. It is lovely! What was it about this particular project that resonated with you and made you want to work on it?

The words were so beautifully written and made me want to go and give my Grandma a cuddle. I miss my Grandma as I spent a lot of time with her as a child. I hope there’s a lot of Grandma cuddles for children everywhere!

Grandmas and cuddles are a great combination! I share your hope that this book will draw children to spend time with their grandmothers.

I know this will be difficult to choose, but do you have a favorite illustration from this book? If so, what is it and why?

Ooh that’s a tough one! I think the cover is my favourite as it really has that cute snuggly feeling in it that reminds me of my Grandma and how I feel about my own children!

I think that is my favorite, too. We will be highlighting that in a post later in the week! On your website, I noticed that you have a vast array of artistic accomplishments:

Accomplished children’s book illustrator
Author-illustrator of your own titles
You have your own adorable licensed characters (Twinkle the Penguin was my favorite)
Etsy shop
You do artwork for greeting cards and stationery

The list seems endless! Is there an artistic accomplishment that you are the most proud of? What artistic role/task do you enjoy the most? Is there anything left to accomplish on your “artist” bucket list? What sparks your creativity as you contemplate new projects?

That’s very kind thank you! I just love creating and experimenting with all materials and it’s my passion. I love illustrating words and bringing them to life. It would fabulous to be as successful as Glenys! I am also creating ceramics and intend to make illustrated pieces to hopefully compliment my book work. I love challenges!

Well you have certainly accomplished many challenges already. Do you have a “life” bucket list of adventures you would still like to accomplish? What are a few items on that list?

My life wishes are really quite simple ones, to be happy and healthy and to appreciate everyone around me and give my children the best I can. I would also love to travel the world and absorb all the fantastic variety of culture.

I think many of us can relate to those wishes. I see you have just completed a workshop in your home called the Wood End Studio. What are your hopes and dreams for this space?

We have just finished renovating the old double garage to use as my new studio space, I am aiming to do more ceramics and to teach.

Ooh, I wish I lived closer so that I could take a ceramics class. Sounds really special! I guess my last question is if you have any “news” that you would like to share with us about upcoming projects?

I am working on another fantastic book project at the moment but unfortunately its under wraps at the moment, but I was able to give a sneak peek at one of the sketches- it really is a cutie! Hope you like it!

I love sneak peeks! I feel so honored to be able to showcase this! It is adorable. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit me today and answer my questions. I wish you all the best on your future endeavors.

Remember that I am hosting a Giveaway this week. Here are the guidelines:

Here are the guidelines for the give-away!

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 an extra entry, become a follower of this blog.

For even more entries, tag a friend on any Mindy Baker Books INSTAGRAM post this week through Thursday! (Tag as many friends as you like for multiple entries)

I hope that all of you enter to win! Good luck!

Reminder of all that is happening next on Mindy Baker Books this week!

Wednesday: Videoclip of Glenys and Gail’s workspaces…a peek at where the magic happens!

Thursday: A special post showing Glenys and Gail’s favorite illustrations from the book.

Friday: I will post the WINNER OF THE GIVE-AWAY.

Link to buy book

Gail Yerrill website

Glenys Nellist website

Gail Yerrill on Instagram

Glenys Nellis on Instagram

Mindy Baker on Instagram

Book Review and Author Interviews, Kid Ministry

Book Review of QUINN SAYS GOODBYE by Christie Thomas

September 13, 2019September 13, 2019 admin

Cover of Quinn Says Goodbye — Quinn Says Goodbye

In Quinn Says Goodbye, written by Christie Thomas and illustrated by Sydney Hanson, Quinn meets a new friend, an injured firefly named Blink. She and her mother help the firefly heal. Quinn doesn’t understand why one evening, when she wakes up, Blink is gone. Mama is there to help comfort Quinn and reassure her that God promises to always be with us.

Quinn Says Goodbye is designed to help children cope with grief and loss. It includes a section in the back with conversation starter questions for parents and caregivers, to assist with those difficult discussions that occur in life.

I thought Quinn Says Goodbye was a sweet story, and I loved the illustrations. Quinn’s big eyes!! And the use of light was really eye-appealing. I was inspired to make a Pinterest Board of Owls and FIreflies. Maybe you will like one of the pins and want to try a craft with your child. Here is the link to the board.

I had the opportunity to meet Christie at a writing conference in May. She is full of ideas and energy, with a contagious smile and laugh. I really enjoyed getting to know her!

Christie, I wish you all the best with this book and all of your writing endeavors!

You can purchase book on Amazon and at other book retailers.

About the author:

Christie Thomas writes about cultivating authentic faith in the home. She is the author of Quinn’s Promise Rock and the interactive devotional book Wise for Salvation. She has also written for various websites, including the MOB Society and For Every Mom. Christie lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and three boys. You can visit her website here.