Join up with the Hoofprints of Hope Team

In the world of horses, “Joining up” is a training program done with a loose horse in a round pen.  Watching an expert encourage a horse to change directions, canter, or come to them, all without a lead rope, is truly amazing. This kind of training can help the rider and horse become a team that works together in activities, such as barrel racing, gymkhana, or other horse activity.

In the world of books, authors need others to “join up” with them to be a team that will work together to spread the word about their book. The fun stories and information in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids will appeal to lots of kids.

Even horses enjoy Hoofprints of Hope! After all it’s all about them!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I’d love for you to “join up” with me to help Hoofprints of Hope gallop into the hearts of many young people and corral their hearts for the Lord.

This graphic tells what you can expect as part of my book launch team and below it is the link to join the Hoofprints of Hope Team.

                                           Join the Hoofprints of Hope team here

Don’t wait too long. The window for joining the team is closing soon.

Hoofprints of Hope Devotionals Have Arrived

I’m so excited to tell you that my book, Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids, is ready to gallop out into the world! And my copies have arrived! It was so much fun to open the boxes and hold the books in my hands for the first time!

Many, many thanks to all those at Tyndale Kids who who have worked so hard to make Hoofprints a gorgeous book with lots of fun information and beautiful photos of horses.

I hope Hoofprints will reach many kids and they will enjoy the stories and fun information about horses. My prayer is especially for that fun information to corral their attention and lead them to realize how much God loves them and longs to be their guide on the trailride of their life.

Would you like to help Hoofprints gallop into the hearts of kids?

Here a a few things you might consider doing:

• A huge help is to Join my launch team to share about Hoofprints on your social media and write reviews. Everything is explained and provided, so even if you’ve never been on such a team, you’ll learn just what to do! Here’s the link to sign up: https://forms.gle/zMtbki7wPLuoNKXx7
• Share about Hoofprints with friends and family
• Write a review
• Follow links to blogs , newsletters, or podcasts where I’m being interviewed and  follow those people if their work interests you. Here’s one of those: Penny interviewed me in her latest newsletter  https://www.pennyreeve.com/the-penny-drops    (Penny is a lovely children’s author who lives in Australia. I’ve interviewed her on this blog )
• Ask your local library or bookstore to include or carry the book
• Suggest to church, school, and homeschooling groups to invite me to visit either in person or online.

Thank you for following my blog . I really appreciate all of you! And whatever you are able to do to spread the word about Hoofprints! Molly would have cheered you on! And now Maple does!

The Challenges of Doing a Photo Shoot with a Horse

“How do you feel about driving out into the country to take pictures of me with a horse?” I asked Trish, the photographer who had taken my regular author photo. She had done a great job with that photo, which is the one you see on my website and blog and everywhere else that needs an author photo.

But my editor at Tyndale and I thought a picture of me with a horse would be a fun author photo for my Hoofprints of Hope Devotional. I just wasn’t sure Trish would agree to a photo shoot with a horse!

But she was up for the challenge!

So preparations began

We found a day when Trish had a lot of open time.

We needed the better light of early morning or late afternoon. I chose late afternoon.

We needed a good backdrop. There were some trees a little ways from the barn.

We needed a horse! Teddy, the horse I rode at that time, wasn’t mine, so I had to get the stable’s permission. They agreed, and Celeste, the barn manager, even said she’d get him all brushed and beautiful for me.

I needed to decide what to wear. The usual dress for an author photo would be too much, but my typical barn clothing wasn’t nice enough. I tried a few things and sent pictures to Trish for her opinion (I hadn’t stressed that much over what to wear since the last family wedding!) We settled on jeans, a blue tee shirt to match Teddy’s halter and lead rope, and an oxford-type over shirt.

Hair and makeup—casual with a little makeup

The day of the photo shoot

It dawned hot and windy, with thunderstorms predicted for the afternoon. Clouds were already popping up above Pikes Peak, but we decided to try to dodge the storms, as Trish was pretty booked up.

I got there early, so I could talk/guide Trish through the complex of barns and arenas. She did get lost, but as she texted descriptions of buildings she saw, I ran around to find her. Thank goodness for cell phones! But so much for my hair!

Trish, Celeste, and I conferred briefly and decided to go ahead despite the black skies and building storm clouds. The sun still shone, so Tricia unpacked her equipment and hauled it out to the treed area. All this time, Teddy was in his stall, anticipating his dinner and happily unaware of his coming picture debut. But we got him haltered and led him out to meet Trish.

In addition to the storm threat, we discovered that a horse show was in full swing in the complex, with horses and riders warming up in an outdoor arena near us. Poor Teddy, as if he wasn’t already distracted by hunger and stormy winds! But we were determined—we forged ahead!

The photo shoot

Wind is whipping up dust. Black clouds are closing in.

I’m holding an unhappy Teddy, who is eyeing the horses in the nearby arena. I haven’t brushed my hair since I tore around trying to find Trish. (with the wind, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway)

Trish is calling out directions to turn this way or move Teddy over or put my arm around his neck, and clicking away on her camera.

Celeste is stationed behind Tricia and is jumping up and down and waving her arms trying to keep Teddy looking at the camera. I wish I had a video!

Then all of a sudden, a horse and rider from the show appear and ride right between Trish and Teddy and me. Trish freezes, Celeste rushes toward the rider, Teddy jumps about a foot, and I just about lose him. But the rider left, and we regrouped and soldiered on.

Believe it or not, despite many challenges, and thanks to a skilled photographer and a patient barn manager, we made it! Celeste led Teddy away to his well-deserved dinner, I gave Trish a big hug for being such a trooper, and then went to give Teddy some carrots.

A week later a bunch of great photographs arrived in my inbox and I could look back on a fun memory of what it took to get them! Every time I look at the one we chose for the book, I smile because Teddy and I look so calm!

Before You Go

Congratulations to Karen G. for winning the copy of God’s Gentle Care by Glenys Nellist. The book is on its way! Thanks to all who visited and commented on this lovely 3rd book in the Bedtime Blessings series.

Grab the Deal!

Pre-order sale on Hoofprints of Hope Devotional at Tyndale  Pre-order from Tyndale, and  save $3.40 off the list price.

Interview with Becca Wierwille about her Scout and Barnaby Mystery series

Please welcome Becca Wierwille to the blog today. I met Becca recently, and as we talked, I knew I wanted to tell you about her and her books. I’ve been teaching middle grade kids for a long time, and I know they’ll love her many books!

Today we’re going to talk mostly about Becca’s Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, featuring a 10-year-old main character and a big friendly dog! And it seemed a good time to revive the corgi question part of our interview. Like Molly, and in true in-charge corgi fashion, Maple insisted she was old enough to help! Don’t miss Maple’s fun and insightful interview with Scout and Barnaby near the end.

Welcome, Becca, please tell us a little about yourself.

Becca: I’m the award-winning author of the Road Trip Rescue series, the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, and other stories that show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. I also cohost a Christian book podcast for kids called Ice Cream with Authors.

I live in Pennsylvania with my family and love helping others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary (especially since I was born with only half of my right arm!).

Your Ice Cream with Authors podcast was how we met, and I really enjoyed being a part of it. It was so much fun to talk children’s books together!  Did you always want to be a children’s book author?

Becca:  I always loved to write, but I never imagined I could ever be an author myself! I didn’t have the opportunity to meet a lot of authors growing up, and it felt like an impossible goal (even if it would be a dream job!).

But after my husband and I got married, I started researching the publishing industry, and I felt like God was calling me to write stories for a middle grade audience (ages 8-12). Since then, my Scout and Barnaby Mysteries have expanded the age range I write for, reaching readers as young as six—or even younger when families enjoy the books together as read-alouds!

I think it’s terrific that the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries expand the middle grade audience! I love that dogs are a big part of all your stories. Have there been some special dogs in your life?

Becca: Yes! Our family often had a dog or two growing up, and my family also has one now. The three that have stuck with me most are:

• Barney, a large, gentle Lab who was with us for much of my childhood.
• Esther, a spunky corgi/Jack Russel terrier mix who was my first dog of my own.
• Georgia, the beloved beagle/Aussie mix who is part of our family now!

Barney, Esther, and Georgia sound like wonderful companions. Is Barnaby based on any of them?

Becca: Barnaby is partly inspired by Barney, though they are also quite different from each other. Barnaby is a Saint Bernard mix, so he’s much larger, and he’s more energetic than I remember Barney being. But like Scout calls Barnaby, Barney was “a large dog of unknown origin.” We didn’t know exactly where he came from, what his history was, or what other breeds he might’ve been mixed with.

Fun fact: You can find a photo of Barney on the dedication page for book one in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, The Case of the Four-Legged Friend.

Molly, although much smaller than Barnaby, arrived like that and ended up being a great companion!  The Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are set at a summer camp. Was going to summer camp a part of your childhood experiences?

Becca: Yes, going to camp each summer was a wonderful part of my childhood! Blueberry Creek Wilderness Camp, the setting in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, was inspired by a Pennsylvania wilderness camp that I attended both as a camper and as a counselor. It’s been a joy to look back on those memories and experiences as I write.

The Scout and Barnaby Mysteries

Middle grade kids will certainly connect with that authentic camp setting. What was the inspiration for the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries?

Becca: I had many families who loved my first series, Road Trip Rescue, but were also interested in something geared toward readers who were not ready for a full-length middle grade novel. They were interested in stories that could be more accessible for readers who were still gaining confidence.

So, I wanted to write a series that could be a “bridge” between chapter books and longer middle grade works. To help fulfill that goal, the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries feature a larger font for emerging readers, stay short at approximately 15,000 words, and include illustrations by award-winning illustrator Brad Smith.

Plus, I had many readers who told me they loved reading mysteries, which made me eager to give mysteries a try. I thought a girl and a canine sidekick would make a fun pair.

And what if that dog ate a dictionary at the start of the series and could then understand words, enabling him to be a much better sidekick?

These elements together led me to create the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries!

What a great idea to bridge the gap between chapter books and full-length MG books! Please tell us a little bit about the series.

Becca: The Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are funny, heartwarming Christian chapter books for kids ages 6-10. These lightly illustrated mysteries star a girl named Scout and her unusually perceptive dog, Barnaby. They team up to solve mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp using her love of big words and his super sniffer.

The series begins when Barnaby eats Scout’s dictionary—and after that, he can understand words!

In book 1, The Case of the Four-Legged Friend, Scout must find Barnaby’s home before he’s sent to the animal shelter.

In book 2, The Case of the Midnight Mystery, Scout and Barnaby must figure out why strange things keep happening at wilderness camp—in the middle of the night.

And in book 3, The Case of the Duct Tape Disaster, Scout and Barnaby must figure out what happened to a camp counselor’s carefully crafted duct tape dress.

Scout is a character kids will identify with, and who doesn’t love a big friendly dog!! Kids will enjoy following along with Scout and Barnaby as they solve mysteries!  Can you tell us a little about upcoming stories in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries?

Becca: Books 4-6 in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are scheduled to release in 2027, but for those who want to order early copies and get their books in 2026, I’ll be running a Kickstarter campaign for preorders in July. You can learn all about that and join the fun on my campaign page here!

Here’s a little about the next three books in the series:

• The Case of the Ice Cream Incident (book 4): A slip and slide of melted ice cream. An empty freezer. Can Scout and Barnaby prevent another dessert disaster?
• The Case of the Blueberry Bandit (book 5): Disappearing blueberries. Pies that will never be made. Can Scout and Barnaby find the blueberry bandit before the week ends?
• The Case of the Whitewater Woes (book 6): Rapid waters. A sunken raft. Can Scout and Barnaby catch the raft wrecker before the trip is canceled?

Ice cream, blueberry pies, and rafting—what fun! Do you have a favorite illustration from the book?

Becca: It’s hard to pick one favorite! Brad Smith has done such a phenomenal job bringing this series to life through his fun illustrations.

One of my favorites is from the end of book 1, The Case of the Four-Legged Friend, where Scout and Barnaby are reading together. It’s a really sweet illustration that shows how much their relationship has changed. You can find it in the last chapter!

Brad’s illustrations really capture the heart-warming fun of the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries! What age kids will enjoy this series?

Becca: I say the series is geared toward ages 6-10. However, I’ve had kids as young as 4-5 enjoy it as a family read-aloud, and I’ve had kids older than 10 enjoy it as well—as long as they don’t mind reading about 10-year-old detectives.

I know the early to middle grade kids I teach would love this series! Where can they learn more about you and all your books and your FREE ebook or audiobook? 

Becca: Readers can learn more about me and my books on my website, beccawierwille.com. You can also sign up for my email newsletter for some fun freebies, including a family devotional and a free ebook or free audiobook of book 1 in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, The Case of the Four-Legged Friend!

Maple’s Corgi questions

We had a tradition on this blog that Molly, my Artsy Corgi, got to ask some corgi questions in interviews. Molly passed away about a year ago, and I’ve missed her questions.

But now a little corgi girl named Maple is panting to take over and ask Scout and Barnaby some corgi questions!

Maple: Scout, you didn’t like Barnaby much at first. What changed your mind about him?

Scout: Honestly, I don’t know how it happened! At first, I was completely APPALLED by his appearance at camp. After all, he ate my dictionary. But soon, after we spent some time together, and after I felt like he really understood and cared about me, things started to change.

I’m glad you two are friends now. We all need friends. Barnaby, how did you get your name?

Barnaby: Scout gave it to me! She had all sorts of creative ideas for names with three syllables, like Finnegan and Abraham and Reginald. But I’m glad she chose Barnaby. It’s perfect for me!

I like your name, too!  Scout, what is your favorite snack?

Scout: Ooh, that’s a tough one! Marco Marino, the camp cook, makes the best desserts. But I have to say, it’s hard to beat his homemade blueberry pie. That’s why Barnaby and I knew we had to investigate when a criminal mastermind tried to come between campers and their pie in book 5, The Case of the Blueberry Bandit.

I sure hope you catch that criminal mastermind!  Barnaby, what is your favorite snack?

Barnaby: I love ice cubes! And raw carrots. Those are snacks I’m allowed to eat. And I love human snacks, too, when I can get my paws on them. There’s nothing quite like a meatball or a stick of beef jerky!

Woof! I love to race after ice cubes as they slither and slide over the floor! Scout and Barnaby, what is your favorite thing to do together?

Scout and Barnaby: We love to solve mysteries together! And we also read together. I (Scout) read to Barnaby from my favorite mystery series, Evangeline Eggwhistle, Detective Extraordinaire.

Thank you, Maple, for all the wonderful questions!

 Woof, Woof, means thank you, Scout and Barnaby, it was great to get to know you!

 And thank you, Becca, for telling us all about your fun and heart-warming Scout and Barnaby Mystery series!

Links to learn more about Becca and her books.

Links:

• Website: https://beccawierwille.com/
• Newsletter (sign up for free books!): https://beccawierwille.com/newsletter/
• Kickstarter campaign for Scout and Barnaby Mysteries 4-6: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beccawierwille/scout-and-barnaby-mysteries-books-4-6-in-a-funny-kids-series

Learn more about the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries: https://beccawierwille.com/scout-barnaby-mysteries/

Before You Go

My Hoofprints of Hope Devotional releases September 8th, but you can pre-order it now on Tyndale here   or on Amazon here

And while you wait for your copy, you can use this link to download a FREE Hoofprints of Hope Activity Packet that Tyndale’s design team and I have put together to go along with the Hoofprints of Hope Devotional! There’s a crossword puzzle, a prompt for writing a story about a reader’s dream horse, a horse craft, and much more that horse-loving kids will enjoy.

If you’re giving Hoofprints as a gift, download the packet and tuck it in with the book to make an even more special gift!

God’s Gentle Care 3rd Book in Glenys Nellist’s Bedtime Blessings Series

God’s Gentle Care, the third book in Glenys Nellist’s Bedtime Blessings series released this week! And I’m so happy to tell you about it and announce a Give Away of a copy of this beautiful picture book.

First a little about Glenys

Glenys grew up in a small village in northern England, but now lives in Michigan, USA where she writes wonderful, faith-filled books for children. She loves to write in the great outdoors, while sitting under a tree or at the edge of a river. Her very favorite place to write is on the houseboat her husband built. You can learn more and connect with Glenys on her website, here

 

The Bedtime Blessings Series

The Bedtime Blessings series is written in lyrical verse. Glenys began writing poetry as a child and believes, “We remember rhymes for life (think about the permanence of Nursery Rhymes) and a skillfully crafted rhyming book invites the reader to predict the rhythm and to anticipate its rhymes.”

Each book in the series also features a different type of animal families and is inspired by a Bible verse.

The first book, God’s Perfect Peace, is based on 2 Thessalonians 3:16 and cute forest animals reassure little children of God’s peace that surrounds them as they drift off to sleep.

God’s Great Love, the second book in the series, has Ephesians 3:18 as its anchor and uses jungle animals to remind children of the height, depth, length and breadth of God’s amazing love. You can read more about this book in an earlier interview with Glenys here

God’s Gentle Care

Like the first two books in the series, God’s Gentle Care has a gentle rhyming text and an inspirational verse. In this book the verse is  [God] cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Farm animal mammas with their adorable babies illustrate how God cares for each little one. Children will see sheep and pigs and ducks, and many more.

I, of course, love the cover image of a mamma horse and her foal, but I also love this illustration and the rhyming text that goes with it. The image of God covering each of us with His protective wings is such a powerful one in the Bible, and Glenys’ text and the illustration of a hen and her chicks has captured that in a way children can understand.

Imagine you are snuggled

Underneath God’s gentle wings

Can you hear the lullaby

That our God gently sings?

A very special last page of each book

Glenys has ended each book with a very special page that encourages parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to end the reading of the book by speaking a blessing over their child or children before they go to sleep. There are spaces for the child’s name and suggested blessings you might use as you trace a cross or a heart on the child’s palm or forehead.

Links and the Giveaway

Here again is the link to Glenys’ website

Glenys and Paraclete Press have graciously provided a copy of God’ Gentle Care for a giveaway. Just place a comment by Friday, July 10^th. Continental US addresses only, please.

Before You Go, Don’t miss this additional Freebie!

 My book, Hoofprints of Hope Devotional: 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids is scheduled to release September 8th! Visit the Hoofprints page on my website to learn more about the book and download a free activity packet that goes along with the book. It has a horsey word find, a horse craft, and much more that young people will enjoy. Great for a little relaxing off-screen time this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Sue Irwin about her New Book Hey There Bluebird Why Do You Chirp?

Today I want to introduce you to someone new to my blog. Sue Irwin is an author friend, who has a delightful board book titled, Hey There, Blue Bird, Why Do You Chirp? releasing soon. Welcome, Sue, to the picture lady blog!

A Little About Sue

Q: Please tell us a little about yourself and how you began writing.

Sure, Kathy! First, I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading your author interviews, and I’m so excited to chat with you today. Thank you for inviting me!

My husband Jon and I live in a small town in Ontario, Canada. With fruit farms and vineyards all around us, every season is beautiful, and most days, before settling down to write, I go for a walk. Except in the winter. Then, I hibernate.

I started out wanting to become a teacher. But on my first grade report card, my teacher wrote, “Susan likes to write stories on her own.” So, I guess the desire to write was there early on.

My dream of teaching did become a reality, and although the idea of writing for kids was always in the back of my mind, I didn’t pursue that goal, until as an adult, I took a few writing courses at my local community college.

How wonderful that your first grade teacher recognized your gift, and you now use that gift to write books for children!    Q: What was your favorite thing to do as a child?

I loved to play school, ride my bike, and have fun with friends. But the one thing I enjoyed most was reading. The public library, church library, and school library all became favorite hangouts.

I loved those things, too!  Q: What were some of your favorite childhood books?

When I was really little, part of my bedtime routine involved listening to my mother read from a big book our family called “The Bible Story Book.” I loved hearing the different stories, and looking at the illustrations. It didn’t matter which story she read, I always insisted on looking at the picture of King David on his throne before we closed the book for the night.

When I was about seven, I received a chapter book called Mattie Mae as a reward for Sunday School attendance. I read that book so many times, I practically had it memorized. I “improved” the book though, by adding color to its black-and-white line drawings, and I enhanced a couple of blank pages with Bugs Bunny stamps. I still have the book today – and was delighted to see that used copies are still available for purchase (probably more pristine than mine!). Later, I moved from enjoying adventures with Mattie Mae to solving mysteries with my good friend Nancy Drew.

It must have been fun to add color to those line drawings.   Q: What do you like to do for fun?
I’m interested in a great variety of things, which might explain why my writing covers so many different subjects. Writing nonfiction for kids is at the top of my list of fun things to do. I love to spend my days researching and recording facts I’ve uncovered, then sharing what I’ve learned with kids.

But when I’m not at my desk, I like to spend warm, sunny days in my garden, and I get a special kick out of hanging up my laundry outside. I also enjoy going for rides with my husband in his classic car – especially when the invitation includes words like “gourmet burgers” or “ice cream.” And in the evenings, year-round, I have fun cheering on my favorite athletes on TV, or whenever possible, in person.

You do have a variety of fun interests! And that curiosity is a great asset for authors!    Q: What is something not too many people know about you?
This won’t come as a secret to anyone who is familiar with my writing. But people who don’t know me are often surprised to learn that I’m a huge hockey fan.

This fact even surprised my brothers when my first middle grade nonfiction book was released. As a kid, I enjoyed traveling with my family to various small towns to watch my brothers play. There’s just something about the sound of the skates slicing across the ice, the bright lights, the chill in the air, and the fast pace – and now, the memories of cheering from the stands with my parents, little sister, and friends. I’ve loved everything about the sport from the first time I saw it played.

A Little about Hey There, Bluebird, Why do You Chirp?
Your description of the sounds and sights of a hockey game make me want to go!  Q: What was the inspiration for Hey There, Blue Bird, Why Do You Chirp?

I was working on memorizing Psalm 145 – a psalm all about praising God. When I reached the tenth verse, which says, “All your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you,” I wondered how the animals might thank God, and what they’d thank him for.

The psalms are inspiring, and we’re glad Psalm 145 inspired you to write Hey There, Blue Bird    Q: Please tell us a little bit about the story.
Hey There, Blue Bird tells the story of how twelve animals thank God for the things he has provided for them, and in the end, a little child joins them in celebrating God’s love.

It’s not a seasonal book – it can be enjoyed year-round. But with its emphasis on giving thanks, it makes an ideal Thanksgiving-time read-aloud. The last line points readers to the very best gift of all, making Hey There, Blue Bird a suitable book to enjoy at Christmas and Easter, too.

It does sound like a book children and those who love them can enjoy all year!  Q: What age is Hey There Blue Bird for?

It’s a board book for children from birth to five years.

What a good choice for your story. Board books are such fun for little ones!  Q: What part of the book was the most fun to work on?

The start of a new project is always fun for me, but this one was a delight from start to finish.

Hey There, Blue Bird came to me in rhyme. So, after figuring out the format, I found myself coming up with just the right words and rhyming couplets… at just the wrong time – in the middle of the night.

In the past, whenever this happened, I’d rehearse the lines as I tried to get back to sleep. But this time, I got up immediately to jot down my thoughts. I was thankful that helped me sleep soundly, knowing I wouldn’t need to recall the words in the morning.

Other times, ideas came while I was working on a completely different writing project, or walking. It was fun to see the original manuscript come together one little step at a time.

Then, working with my agent and editor, I was thrilled to see Agnieszka Wajda’s illustrations bring the story to life.

Children will love the catchy rhythm and rhyme as well as the bright illustrations! Q: How can Hey There, Blue Bird, Why Do You Chirp? help parents guide their children into a love of God and the Bible?

Hey There, Blue Bird begins and ends with a Bible verse, and focuses on creation’s expression of gratitude for God’s blessings. With its rhyme and repetition, and a touch of gentle humor near the end, it shares the message of God’s love in a fun way for little children.

B&H Kids provides free downloadable resources to accompany the book. Parents and caregivers can access the “Parent Connection” – a useful tool for initiating conversation, a matching game, and more at heytherebluebirdbook.com.

Parents and children will enjoy those colorful and free downloadables.   Q: Where can readers learn more about you and your upcoming projects?

Readers can find out more about my upcoming middle grade devotional, Animals Making Headlines: 30 Devotions about Brave, Cute, Friendly, Rebellious Creatures (Kregel, 2027), and other projects, plus details about my author visits and some of my own favorite reads at my website: www.sueirwinwrites.com.

Q: Where can readers find your books?

Wherever books are sold! I love to support my local Christian bookstore and encourage others to do the same. Links to various outlets are provided at my website and at Blue Bird’s website.

Thank you so much, Sue, for being on my blog. I know readers have enjoyed learning more about you and what inspired Hey There, Bluebird, Why Do You Chirp?

Before You Go

My book, Hoofprints of Hope Devotional: 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids releases September 8th.

Learn more about Hoofprints of Hope Devotional on my website.

Updates on that come out in my newsletter, so if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll automatically receive a free guide, Making Art Museum Visits Fun for the Whole Family.

You can also visit Molly’s and my updated website where you’ll find resources for kids and adults and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

 

Don’t Miss this Big Pre-Order Deal for Barnes & Noble Members

Do you like a good deal? I sure do, and when I learned about this BIG pre-order deal for Barnes & Noble members, I had to let you know about it!

Here’s the deal:

25% OFF PRE-ORDERS for Barnes & Noble Members
Premium Members Get an Additional 10% Off their Preorders

 

So if you’re a B & N member, and pre-order a copy of Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids between today (Tuesday, June 23rd) through this Friday (June 26th), you’ll get 25% off its original price.

That’s right–25% for members, and an additional 10% off for premium members!!

 

 

 

What else is in the deal?

This special deal includes, not just Hoofprints,of Hope, but ALL new releases–adult books, kids’ books, fiction, nonfiction, print books, ebooks, and audio books!

Early Christmas shopping

It’s not quite July, but Molly would be raring to do some early Christmas shopping! How about you?

Here are those links again:

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional-kathryn-oneill/1149589367?ean=9798400501630

All new releases  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/collections/books/coming-soon

 

 

 

My Working Space and My Writing Buddy for Hoofprints of Hope Devotional

Every writer needs a space that works for them and often a special writing buddy. I had both as I worked on  Hoofprints of Hope Devotional. It’s been a super fun project and In this post I’m going to show you my writing buddy and the space that worked for me.

Molly, My Writing Buddy

One of the biggest joys was Molly, my rescue corgi. She always lay nearby, quietly helping me keep going through all the research, all the writing, and all the revisions. She’d let me know when it was time for a break.

Time for a break, Mom

Molly is gone now, and I miss her a lot, but a little corgi named Maple is making life fun and a little hectic. Maple is a little young to hang out for long, but she’s learning!

Maple with her toy we’ve named van Gogh, because she’s chewed off one ear and it’s yellow, van Gogh’s favorite color

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Work Space

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional took a lot of research, so I’ve been thankful for a space where I could keep my laptop out and ready to go. Not for me the coffee shop—I need quiet.

Although I need quiet to write, writing can get lonely, so I’ve added books and things that remind me of special times and places. These make it a place where I love to research and write.

My desk first thing in the morning

My desk once I was doing research and writing

The messy side of the room where I plan art lessons

Dark chocolate helps for lesson planning and writing!

student artwork and some of my many ducks, Mona Lisa and van Gogh

My artwork

Books about Christianity and creativity

Horse stuff as well as my Bible and history of Christianity books

I love chunky pencils and 4-color pens!

I decorated the three binders of horse research notes with beautiful horse pictures

scenes from my home town

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my writing space that helped me write Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids!

Before You Go

Here are some links to where you can pre-order my Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids.

Pre-order today and help spread the word about Hoofprints and it’s fascinating horse facts and stories, as well as devotions to help middle graders and high schoolers want to  ride along with the Lord on a great trail ride!

Tyndale.com: https://www.tyndale.com/p/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional/9798400501630

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional-kathryn-

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9798400501630&tag=tyndalehous06-20

The Horses that Inspired Hoofprints of Hope Devotional

Horses I’ve loved inspired me to write Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids! My dream of a horse of my own hasn’t ever come true, but in moving around as much as we have, I’ve been able to get to know many horses and learn from them. Hoofprints of Hope Devotional came into being because of the knowledge and inspiration I gained from many of those horses. Here I tell about just 4 of them.

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional has Knowledge and Fun Facts about Horses

When I first began riding, I only knew a little about just a few horse breeds like thoroughbreds and Arabians. I’d read about them in books by Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley.

Then I met Webster, a big, gentle Hanoverian. I learned that Hanoverians are what the horse world calls warmbloods. Horses are mammals, so they all have warm blood, but cold-blooded, warm-blooded, and hot-blooded have become ways of describing the temperament and breeding of horses.

1898 painting of a Hanoverian horse similar to Webster, public domain

Hot-blooded horses like Arabians and thoroughbreds tend to be spirited and fast.

Cold-blooded horses like Clydesdales and Shires are big, strong workhorses. They’re calm and patient, able work for long hours.

Warm-blooded horse breeds like Hanoverians, Trakehners, and Dutch Warmbloods are comparatively new breeds developed by crossing hot-blooded and cold-blooded horses to create what are often called sport horses. They excel at equine sports such as jumping, dressage, and eventing.

Webster and I were both new to dressage. He had been a hunter/jumper, and I had done some jumping. So we became partners, learning the basics of dressage together.

I met Chico, an American Quarter horse, at a barn in Oklahoma. American Quarter horses were bred in colonial days to be all-round horses that could pull a wagon or turn on a dime to round up cattle. They are said to have cow sense—the ability to anticipate what a cow will do. Quarter horses today still do work on ranches, but also do well in many horse activities.

Chico was born on a ranch in Colorado, and trained to work cattle, but ended up with a friend of mine who rode lower levels of dressage.Though he wasn’t bred for dressage, Chico gave it his all. I loved him because he was always willing to try and work hard. He was also a great trail horse! Because of their versatility Quarter horses are one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Kathy with Chico

The fun facts and information about different horse breeds, activities with horses, famous horses, the amazing way God has created horses, and much more in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional will grab kids’ attention. They’ll learn about dressage as well as barrel racing and other sports!

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional has Bibical Insights Learned from Horses

Nick was what we call an OTTB, or “off-track thoroughbred.” Many thoroughbreds don’t race very long, especially if they’re not too successful. At that point they’re often sold to become jumpers, dressage horses, eventers, or pleasure horses. Nick was quick and intelligent and tried to anticipate what I wanted before I ever gave him the signal or “aid.” That’s not a good thing for a horse to do; they need to wait for their rider, who is their leader who keeps them safe and has a plan.

Nick posing in front of a flower garden

I often think that we’re like that with God—trying to do something we think is good without waiting to find out what His plans are. The Lord is our leader who knows what’s best for us.

Brumby was an average-size bay horse of an indeterminate breed. I rode him when I was part of a 4-horse dressage quadrille or drill team. Brumby was a well-trained lesson horse, except for one quirk. He didn’t like to work, and if he was out in a large pasture, he would hide.

There were a lot of bays in that herd, so I had to get close to identify Brumby by his three white socks. By that time, he’d usually managed to slink away to find a tree or two to hide behind. It once took twenty minutes to find him, and he knew I had carrots.

Quadrille team –all bay horses

The weekly hunt for Brumby reminded me that sometimes when we’ve sinned, we want to hide from God. We do that even though we know He loves us and has given us the greatest gift of all—forgiveness in Christ Jesus, if we just stop hiding and confess our sin.

Jesus used many things from nature to teach truths about God, and each devotion in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional has verses and a spiritual message we can learn from horses. Each devotion also has space for readers to journal their thoughts. My prayer is that these devotions will encourage readers to walk more closely with God.

Knowledge about horses together with inspiration and encouragement from God’s Word

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids is a fun read that will also help readers go deeper with God!

This saying is often attributed to Winston Churchill,  but no one knows for sure who first said it:

“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man”  [or a woman, boy, or girl]

Learn more about the inside of Hoofprints of Hope Devotional on my website! Where there are also links to retailers to pre-order Hoofprints of Hope Devotional.

 

Before You Go

If you’d like to get in on the last 2 monthly Horse Lovers’ Giveaway packages on my newsletter, just click on the signup button 

Teddy and I have just 2 more Horse Lovers’ GIVEAWAY packages in our newsletter to celebrate the upcoming release of Hoofprints of Hope, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids.

That’s because very soon we’ll be starting the launch of Hoofprints of Hope. We hope you’ll be watching for more details about that and how you can help spread the word to family and friends!

Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Hope for Horse-Loving Kids, Idea to Book

It’s almost here!! My Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids releases from Tyndale Kids soon, so I want to begin sharing a few things about how I came to write a book about horses and its fun journey so far.

BEFORE I do that! Please give a big Whinny for—the Hoofprints’  COVER REVEAL!

I love the photo of those beautiful horses and the colors and cute horsey designs

And many happy and appreciative nickers to Dan Balow of the Steve Laube Literary Agency for believing in me, and for the talented editors and designers at Tyndale who have loved this project and have been working hard to help me bring it into the world.

My Love of Horses

I have always loved horses! My grandparents had a farm, and way before my time Grandpa delivered meat in a horse-drawn wagon all around my Maine coastal town, even to the artist Winslow Homer. But by the time I came along, there were just some sheep, a cow or two, and some chickens.

The wagon was still there in the barn, though, and we used to play in it, pretending horses were hitched up to it.

I also rode my green bike to the library every week to hunt for books about horses. I loved Marguerite Henry’s horse books, like King of the Wind and Misty of Chincoteague, as well as Walter Farley’s black stallion books .

Here’s an excerpt from my author note in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids:

“I must have been about ten when I decided a horse would fit in an abandoned shed in my yard. I clawed through clinging cobwebs to clean out that shed, sure I could convince my parents to get a horse. I couldn’t, but I still dreamed of having a horse of my own someday.” Hoofprints of Hope Devotional

Between too many moves and the busyness of teaching and helping my pastor husband, I never have had a horse of my own, but the Lord has provided the opportunities for me to ride most of my life and enjoy getting to know and love lots of horses. I’ve done a little jumping, a little trail riding, but mostly I ride dressage.

Writing Devotionals

I began writing devotionals, first for adult publications, such as The Quiet Hour and Light from the Word, but as a K—12 teacher, I wanted to write for children and soon began writing nature features for Clubhouse Jr, and other kid’s publications.

So when I began thinking about a devotional book for kids, I knew horses would be a great topic. Kids love horses, and would enjoy lots of information about different breeds, horse activities, famous horses, and how special God made horses. My hope and prayer is for my Hoofprints of Hope Devotional to grab readers attention and lead them to insights about God’s love and care for them and encourage them to gallop through life with Him!

That’s how the idea was born. But of course, there’s lots more to the story, so come back soon.

The Continuing Journey, I hope you’ll help me celebrate!

Next time you’ll learn a little about the horses that helped inspire me to write Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-loving Kids.

Pre-Ordering

 In the meantime, here are some links to where you can pre-order my Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids.

Why pre-orders? Pre-orders are super helpful to help build interest in a book!

Tyndale is now offering a 20% discount for pre-orders.https://www.tyndale.com/p/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional/9798400501630

You can also pre-order on Amazon, of course, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9798400501630&tag=tyndalehous06-20