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Join Valerie Fentress as she chats with author Gayle Boss about the Children's Edition of her award-winning Advent book, All Creation Waits.
We talk about the history of Advent, the importance of modeling calm and quiet to our kids. As well as the question of when the Christmas Tree goes up.
Find out more about Gayle and her books at the links below.
Happy Reading!
Gayle Boss
Amazon.com: All Creation Waits ― Children's Edition: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings for Children: 9781640608283: Boss, Gayle, Spitz, Sharon: Books

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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Kylie Beavers, the author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure, Rise of the Living Wood. They discuss Kylie's background, living on a farm, and her connection with nature. They also explore the incorporation of faith in children's literature and the challenges of writing a fantasy book without magic. Kylie shares her inspiration for 'Rise of the Living Wood' and the journey of the main character, Bramble. She also talks about her writing journey, favorite books, and current reading list. Finally, Kylie reveals her future projects and where to find more information about her and her books.

Takeaways
Living close to nature and connecting with the outdoors can be a source of inspiration for writing.

• Incorporating faith in children's literature can provide a counterbalance to the darkness and confusion present in some content.
• Fantasy books can be written without magic, focusing on the elements of make-believe and fiction.
• Using animals as main characters in fantasy allows readers to see the world from a different perspective.
• Publishing a book at a young age can be daunting but can also be a step toward faith and reliance on God's guidance.
• The 'Rise of the Living Wood' series aims to convey messages of hope, fearlessness, and the significance of light.
• Trilogies provide a complete and satisfying storytelling experience, allowing for the exploration of multiple themes and character arcs.
• Writing can be a journey of self-discovery and growth, and anyone who writes can consider themselves a writer.
• Favorite books can have a profound impact on a writer's style and storytelling approach.
• Reading a variety of books, including middle-grade and non-fiction, can broaden one's perspective and inspire new ideas.
• Future projects from Kylie Beavers include the release of 'Journey to Amber Forest' and a novella for the Livingwood Chronicles series.

Chapters
00:00-Introduction and Background

01:07-Living on a Farm and Connecting with Nature

03:08-Incorporating Faith in Children's Literature

05:13-Writing a Fantasy Book without Magic

07:48-Using Animals as Main Characters in Fantasy

09:15-Inspiration for 'Rise of the Living Wood'

11:41-Taking on the Task of Publishing at a Young Age

12:31-The Message of 'Rise of the Living Wood'

13:56-The Journey of Bramble and the Trilogy

15:47-The Start of the Writing Journey

16:46-Favorite Books and Reading Recommendations

18:35-Current Reading List

21:04-Future Projects

22:05-Where to Find More Information

Find out more about Kylie and her books on the links below.

LivingWoodChronicles | Kylie Beevers | Substack

Happy Reading!

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Summary
In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews JJ Levan, the author of the picture book 'He Made You to Be You.' They discuss JJ's inspiration for writing the book, which focuses on a neurodiverse child and their exploration of their day. They also talk about the importance of normalizing neurodivergent experiences and the challenges faced by families with neurodivergent children. JJ shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with autism and offers advice for parents facing a new autism diagnosis. She also discusses her upcoming project, 'We Saw Mice,' which aims to promote understanding and acceptance of disabilities. Throughout the conversation, JJ emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and finding beauty in the midst of challenges.
Takeaways
The book 'He Made You to Be You' explores the experiences of a neurodiverse child and emphasizes the message that God is with them and loves them unconditionally.
Parents of neurodivergent children often struggle to find books that address their child's unique experiences. JJ Levan wrote the book she couldn't find, aiming to provide support and understanding for families in similar situations.
Acceptance and trust in God are crucial for parents facing a new autism diagnosis. It is important to remember that God hears and sees them, and he loves their child.
JJ Levan's upcoming project, 'We Saw Mice,' aims to promote awareness and acceptance of disabilities, particularly among children. The book will encourage readers to believe that friends with challenges can shine every day.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Favorite Things About Spring
03:10 Introduction to the Book 'He Made You to Be You'
08:21 Inspiration Behind Writing the Book
11:41 Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Siblings
16:23 Advice for Parents Facing a New Autism Diagnosis
20:04 JJ's Journey to Becoming an Author
23:49 The Most Impactful Book in JJ's Life
26:12 Upcoming Project: 'We Saw Mice'
28:10 Where to Find More Information about JJ and Her Books

Find out more about JJ LeVan and her book on the links below.
J. J. LeVan | Autism (jjlevan.com)
He Meant You to Be You - Kindle edition by LeVan, J. J. , Newton, James. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Happy Reading!

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Summary

Kelly Wilson-Mize discusses her picture book, The Beautiful Story Within Me, which explores the theme of not judging a book by its cover and emphasizes the value and worth of every individual. The book incorporates a gospel message and is suitable for readers of all ages. Kelly shares her personal journey as a writer and the inspiration behind the book. She also talks about her experiences interviewing well-known Christian personalities and her love for books and reading. Kelly reflects on the impact of early childhood experiences on her writing aspirations and offers recommendations for reluctant readers. She discusses the challenges of self-publishing and shares her plans and projects.

Takeaways

The Beautiful Story Within Me is a picture book that conveys the message of not judging a book by its cover and emphasizes the value and worth of every individual.

The book incorporates a gospel message and is suitable for readers of all ages.

Kelly Wilson-Mize drew inspiration for the book from her experience as an elementary librarian and her observations of books that were never seen or appreciated by children.

Kelly shares her personal journey as a writer and her love for books and reading, including her experiences interviewing well-known Christian personalities.

She reflects on the impact of early childhood experiences on her writing aspirations and offers recommendations for reluctant readers.

Kelly discusses the challenges of self-publishing and shares her future plans and projects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author

02:05 The Inspiration Behind the Book

04:08 The Gospel Message in the Book

06:20 Personal Journey and Reflections

08:33 The Role of Animals in the Book

09:03 Writing Journey and Experience

11:29 Interviewing Christian Personalities

13:49 Early Writing Experiences

16:49 The Power of Second to Fourth Grade

17:18 Favorite Books

18:50 Recommendations for Reluctant Readers

22:09 Challenges of Self-Publishing

24:17 Future Plans and Projects

25:26 Where to Find More Information

26:11 Conclusion
www.valeriefentress.com
The Beautiful Story Within Me - Kindle edition by Wilson Mize, Kelly, Brayer, Mark. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Kelly Wilson Mize — A Grace-Filled Journey Toward Perfect Peace~writing

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Summary

In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, host Valerie interviews author Jennifer Bosma about her latest children's book, 'God is Three in One.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of explaining the Trinity to children, and the importance of faith-based literature. Jennifer shares her journey to becoming an author, her plans, and insights from her podcast, emphasizing the need for Christian principles in parenting and education.

Takeaways

Jennifer Bosma's book simplifies the complex concept of the Trinity for children.

The inspiration for the book came from a conversation with her granddaughter.

Writing in rhyme helped convey the message of the Trinity in an engaging way.

The book includes a salvation prayer and further study resources for deeper understanding.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of teaching Christian principles at home.

Her journey to becoming an author began in fourth grade with a manuscript.

The Bible is Jennifer's favorite book, providing peace and guidance.

Jennifer's podcast aims to support and encourage women and mothers.

The illustrations in the book were a collaborative effort with a talented artist.

Future plans include more books and continued podcasting to reach families.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Bosma and Her Book

02:25 Inspiration Behind 'God is Three in One'

05:08 The Complexity of the Trinity Made Simple

09:30 Further Study and Salvation's Prayer

16:24 Jennifer's Journey to Becoming an Author

22:10 Future Plans and Podcast Insights

Jennifer Bosma | Christian Children's Book Author & Blogger

God is Three in One: Jennifer Bosma: 9781637972281: Amazon.com: Books Front
Parking Spot Podcast — Jennifer Bosma

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