Author life, Fun for kids

Sing-Along and Story Time at Taylor University Homecoming

Story Time & Sing-Along

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.

Blurb about Layne’s book: (Link to buy on Amazon)

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.  

Blurb about my book: ( Link to buy on Amazon)

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.

Fun for kids, Kid Ministry, Mouse's Christmas Gift

Gingerbread Houses + Mouse’s Christmas Gift = Special Morning

I had a great morning today with Harbour Shores Church! A big shout out to Lora Schultze and her crew for all their efforts. It was an honor to share Mouse’s Christmas Gift with everyone!

#wewillmakeadifference
#wewillbealight
#wewillcelebratejesus

Fun for kids, Kid Ministry, Mouse's Christmas Gift

Mouse in a Matchbox – Craft Idea for Kids

This week I am heading to Springfield, Missouri to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brother and extended family. On Saturday, I am doing another Story Time Event with Barnes & Noble. 
This is the craft that I am bringing to share with the children. 
I can’t believe I haven’t shared this craft on the blog yet. 

Isn’t it cute?
And so easy to make!

The craft is one of four ideas in the FREE DOWNLOADABLE teaching guide that Zonderkidz helped me format. 
I purchased the matchboxes (and emptied the matches) at Meijer. ($1 for 10 boxes).
 I cut pieces of felt for the blanket, 
and I cut make-up remover cotton pads into two pieces for the mattress.
 The paper doll is from the download. It comes in three sizes, but I chose the smallest size, made a screenshot, and created a document so that I can print a bunch all at once on white cardstock. 
Finally, assemble it!
I tell each child that Mouse loves to hear their stories. 
I hope many children end up telling Mouse their stories in the days and months to come.
Mouse's Christmas Gift

Blog Tour #4 – Read. Discuss. Do! with Rebecca J. Gomez

A big thanks to Rebecca J. Gomez for reading Mouse’s Christmas Gift and creating a Read, Discuss, Do! activity to go along with the story. Click below to access her blog and learn more about the idea.

Read. Discuss. Do! with Rebecca J. Gomez on her blog

If you haven’t seen her Read, Discuss, Do! activities, you will want to look into more of them. She has fabulous ideas for how to spend quality time with your kids connecting over children’s books.

Mouse's Christmas Gift

Story Time and Crafts at Barnes & Noble with opportunity to donate to the Indiana Chapter of The Pajama Program

Countdown to Story Time at Barnes and Noble in Noblesville. I’ll be there all day, so come out and say hi! I’m very excited about helping The Pajama Program, which benefits foster children across this country by providing them new pajamas and new books. It would make my heart so happy to know that children in this situation were receiving Mouse’s Christmas Gift. You can purchase a book that day to give to the cause, or you can bring a pair of new pajamas to donate. All donations will go to the Indiana Chapter of The Pajama Program to benefit children in our state. (I live in Indiana)

Check out the organization The Pajama Program at the link below:
Link to The Pajama Program website