Interview with Diane Stortz

I am very excited to share this interview with Diane Stortz. Diane is an author and former editorial director whose heart's desire is to "tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 78:4). Her most recent release is I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God.





What is unique about this Bible storybook?
The focus of the book is on the names and descriptive titles of God in the Bible. So every story shows how either an Old Testament or New Testament name tells us more about who God is. For example, the story of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, shows us that God is The LORD Who Heals. Each story also contains a short devotion about the name and what it means for a child's daily life. There's also a prayer, a "Learn More" section, and a "What Happened Next?" section that links all the stories together from Genesis through Revelation.

How did you come up with the idea for this book? 
"I'm not sure! Some time back, I was introduced to the idea of reading the Bible to get to know God -- as opposed to studying it for information or as rules to be followed. Since this book is designed to help children get to know God better, I suppose the idea actually began forming then.

You've written the Bible storybooks besides this one. Why is this type of book important to you?
I love creating engaging books based on the Bible that children want to return to again and again! An age-appropriate Bible storybook makes such a good entry point for children to engage with God's Word. When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he noted that Timothy's faith began with this mother and grandmother and with the Scripture they taught him: "From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Sometimes parents get introduced to God and the Word through a good Bible storybook too!

I hope you will take a few minutes to check out this lovely new book from Diane. It would make a perfect gift for a baby shower, birthday, or Easter!

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God

ISBN-13: 9780529120663

I'd like to thank Diane for this interview and pray many blessings on her writing and the lives it will touch.

Three Reasons to Give Children Books for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming! Many children will be showered with cards and candy. Both are sweet expressions of love, but books also offer a great Valentine's Day gift option. Here are three reasons to consider books for a child or preteen's Valentine's Day treat.

1. Books can be shared between parent and child or between grandparent and grandchild. Children crave time with the adults in their lives. Sharing a book is a great way to spend time and a perfect invitation to discuss the important things of the Bible.
2. Books can teach the nature of God's love. Whether the recipient is a preschooler listening to a Bible storybook, a beginning reader reading an easy text Bible story, or a tween completing a devotional, books are a fantastic way to introduce or reinforce the concept of God's love.
3. Children can enjoy books again and again. Young readers love being able to read books on their own. They love rereading the same books, savoring the success of becoming an independent reader. What joy to give a book to a beginning reader for Valentine's Day! What a privilege to give the child a book that affirms God's love for him. Middle grade readers also love books. They are at such a critical time in life. Suddenly, they must decide what they believe and what choices they will make when mom and dad are not always with them. Offering the right books can help middle graders make God-honoring choices.

Will you share a book with a child this Valentine's Day?

I pray that you and your family will have a sweet Valentine's Day spending time together and enjoying words that bring your child closer to God.

Carol

A portion of this post appeared first on the Christian Children's Authors blog. Have you visited us there?