Little Lamb Books Spotlight on Cairo’s Christmas Journey

Interview with Janet L. Christensen about her book, 

Cairo’s Christmas Journey:

Congratulations on writing and publishing this Christmas story! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Janet: I have always loved the Christmas story…the bright star beaming, hosts of angels singing, and a tiny baby resting in a lowly stable. But I wanted to retell it in a new way, with a slightly different message…and a super fun main character, of course!

Alexis: In what ways do you hope that this holiday story will bring parents and children together as they read it?

Janet: This story is fun and engaging to read. There is a lot of action along the way. I know that I enjoy reading it to little ones as much as they enjoy hearing it. It is just one of those stories that begs for fun voices and dramatic reading. It is a great experience for everyone, and I hope it proves to be a story that gets read over and over as we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior.

Alexis: Tell us about Cairo. How did you come up with this character’s name? What is Cairo’s mission? How far will this character have to travel until he reaches his destination?

Janet: Cairo is a tiny cricket that has used his gift of music to help others find rest. He has traveled far and wide and is currently working with a bunch of shepherds outside of Bethlehem. These poor shepherds have some sheep that don’t like to go to sleep at night. Cairo uses his gifts to help them fall asleep. On the night Jesus is born, an angel comes to Cairo to ask him to play his music for the restless newborn Messiah. While the shepherds are just a few miles outside of Bethlehem, when you are only an inch tall, that is nearly an impossible journey. But nothing is impossible with God.

Alexis: What are the hardest and easiest parts of Cairo’s journey to Bethlehem?

Janet: Cairo runs into all sorts of challenges on his trip. From a cluster of grumpy blackbirds, to a sticky situation with an anthill, there is not much about Cairo’s journey that isn’t hard. But along the way he meets some new friends…friends that are just as willing to share their gifts with Cairo as Cairo is to share his gifts with the Messiah. Cairo soon learns that these helpers that God sent him along the way can help smooth out even the bumpiest of journeys.

Alexis: Why does Cairo want to play a song for the newborn Messiah? Will this be an original song that he composed? Or a tune that’s already known?

Janet: Cairo loves to play his music, and when the angel asks Cairo to play for the new baby, he is honored, even though the journey is daunting. Cairo’s music is something unique and special to him. It is a brand-new tune…a soothing tune…one that only Cairo can play. Cairo’s music has been bringing rest to the rowdy sheep night after night. He is happy to share that gift with the new family in Bethlehem.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in this story?

Janet: The angel has asked Cairo to do a big job. Being just a tiny cricket, the journey into Bethlehem could take days. But Cairo needs to get there that night. The angel tells Cairo that God will send him all the help he needs to get there. Cairo has to believe that God will help him on his journey. Cairo’s big faith and his new friends get him to his destination.

Alexis: What lesson are you hoping to teach young children through this story?

Janet: I want kids to know that even though they are small, they have so much to offer to God and others. Maybe, like Cairo, their gift is music...maybe they like to help their grandma make cookies…maybe they are a fast runner. Whatever talents they have, those talents make them special and God wants them to share those talents with His world, to help make it a better place.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Janet! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Janet: Thank you so much for having me! It was my pleasure. Cairo’s Christmas Journey is available for purchase at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and many other booksellers. Blessings for a joy-filled Christmas season to you and all of your readers!

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Author Bio:

Janet L Christensen is an award-winning writer, speaker and encourager that loves to captivate audiences with inspiring stories.

Whether it is with the stories she writes or with the stories she tells with the help of one of her puppet friends, Janet is sure to deliver an entertaining message of hope and love.

When she is not writing, Janet enjoys living the life of a pastor’s wife and leading children’s or women’s ministry projects.

She is the proud mother of two teenage sons and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sully.

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Blurb for Janet's book Cairo’s Christmas Journey:

Cairo, I have a job for you. 

It's a special night and Cairo is a cricket on a mission: he's on his way to Bethlehem to play a lullaby for the newborn Messiah. 

If only Bethlehem weren't so far away!

Our miniature hero isn't sure he has what it takes to make the journey. But with the help of a new crew of friends, Cairo sees God always finds a way.

On this holy night, Cairo's adventure shows us that it's in sharing our gifts that we truly glorify the newborn King.

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Connect with Janet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetlchristensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janet_l_christensen_author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_l_christensen