Little Lamb Books Spotlight on The Christmas Color by Tori Higa

Interview with Tori Higa about her book, The Christmas Color:

Congratulations on writing your first book! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Tori: I didn’t learn until I was an adult what the symbolism of red means at Christmastime. I was blessed to have both of my kids learn about it in their kindergarten classes a few years ago. I felt inspired to write a book about the significance of red so that all kids will be encouraged and reminded of the importance of the color and what it means – the gift of Jesus and how red can remind each of us of His ultimate loving sacrifice.

Alexis: What message are you hoping to get across to your readers with this book?

Tori: I want my readers to enjoy seeing all of the traditional red we have during the holidays and through that, I want them to stop and think of the meaning behind the color. I want readers to know deep in their hearts that Jesus came into the world to live and die for them and to be raised again.

Alexis: What was the most fun part of writing this Christmas holiday story?

Tori: I think the most fun part had to do with the inspiration of the whole book. It came to me when I wasn’t looking for it, so it was a welcome surprise. Everything flowed so naturally that it felt like I just had to write it. It was also fun to brainstorm all of the red things at Christmas and see how I could tie them into the story.

Alexis: Why is the color red such an important part of this story?

Tori: The color red really is the main character of the book. I tried to illustrate it as the main character as well as write about it in that way. I feel like it’s so important because all of the little red details throughout the book point to Jesus. It drives home for us that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Alexis: Not only are you a debut author, you’re also an amazing illustrator! What was your inspiration as you created the pictures for this book? What program or method did you use to illustrate?

Tori: Thank you so much for saying that! It was a dream to illustrate. I love a simple and clean aesthetic, especially with this story, because I feel like it showcases the color of red the most. Your eye has no place to rest except for on the shades of red. I would say that my inspiration was my collection of vintage fabric that I have had for years. I did all of the line work with soft charcoal pencils, which I love so much, and then I scanned them into Photoshop and manipulated them from there as needed. I then did digital collage work once I figured out how I wanted the lines to look.

Alexis: Did you listen to Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song inspired you the most?

Tori: What a thoughtful question. I wish I could answer “yes”, but to be honest, I really don’t listen to music as I write and I didn’t listen to Christmas music during the illustration process. I wish I would have! “Mary, Did You Know” is my favorite Christmas song year after year, though, because it’s a fresh and creative way to look at the Christmas story. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it.

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

Tori: I love that you ask this question because it’s a dream to think of children and parents coming together as they read it. I want it to be a springboard for the season that families can notice red things together while they are out and about and then talk about it’s true meaning. Also, I believe that any time families sit down and read together is time well spent. It helps build strong bonds and to think that my book could play a small part in that truly warms my heart.

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

Tori: The Christmas Color was a delight and a joy to write and illustrate from start to finish and to think of kids and families sharing in that joy is a huge honor that I don’t take lightly. Thank you for taking the time to interview me with your thought provoking questions. I enjoyed it!

~*~
Author Bio:

I (Tori Higa) am inspired by my faith, family & friends, coffee shops, people- watching, and all things vintage. 

I have always loved making art and recently began pairing my handcrafted pictures with the stories I write to share with young kids. 

I consider it a high honor to make books to inspire kids and encourage their faith journey. 

I currently live in California with my husband, two kids, and a playful puppy.

~*~
Book Blurb for The Christmas Color by Tori Higa:

Why is the Christmas color red? The answer takes us right to the heart of the matter. 

From Santa's red clothes to Rudolph's shiny red nose, from the berries we pick to sweet peppermint sticks, the color of Christmas is red!

But why do so many of our favorite traditions come together in this particular hue? Debut author-illustrator Tori Higa has an insightful answer that will warm your heart and remind readers young and old of the true reason for the season.

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Connect with Tori:
Website: www.torihiga.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torihigacreates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torihigacreates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToriHigaCreates
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/torihigacreates/

Little Lamb Book Spotlight on "God’s Blessings of Fall (Bountiful Blessings)"

Interview with Jean Matthew Hall about her book, 

God’s Blessings of Fall (Bountiful Blessings):

Congratulations on writing this book “God’s Blessings of Fall” for children! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Jean: I love God’s creation in the natural world. I find the Fall season to be especially beautiful. I want young children to appreciate the beauty and gifts of Fall, too.

Alexis: What was your inspiration behind this story?

Jean: When my grandson, Mikey, was about four years old we were playing in my backyard one fall day. He was so delighted by the falling leaves and having such a wonderful time that I wanted to capture that feeling for other children.

Alexis: Why did you choose the Fall season to be the theme of this book?

Jean: There are four books in the Bountiful Blessings series. God’s Blessings of Fall was the first one we published. Hopefully the next book will be coming out soon.

Alexis: How does your real-life faith in God impact your storytelling?

Jean: Wow! That’s a mouthful. Every manuscript comes out of the mind God gave me, the imagination He blessed me with, the hope and joy and peace He gives me. I hope the manuscripts all reflect His gifts, His love, His redemption to those who read them.

Alexis: What role does belief in God play in this fictional story?

Jean: The animals, the colors, the signs of the season of fall are all gifts to us from God’s Hand. I don’t think I can write anything without remembering that it all comes from Him.

Alexis: How do you tell this story? Do you use main characters or do you tell it through your voice as the narrator speaking about all of the elements that make up the Fall season?

Jean: I told this story as a narrator. I am trying to give the reader a panoramic view of the natural world around them in the Fall of the year.

Alexis: What lessons are you trying to teach children through this book?

Jean: That all the beauty around us is a gift from our loving God. It all flows from His creative heart to ours.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope that parents will bond with their children as they read this book?

Jean: Each great picture book is designed to be an experience shared between adult and child. I hope many parents and grandparents spend chilly afternoons cuddled up with their kids, reading and oohing and ah-ing over God’s Blessings of Fall. I also hope they make it a Fall family tradition to read it to their kiddos at Thanksgiving to remind their kids to be grateful to God during that season.

Alexis: What is your favorite feature about the Fall season? Why?

Jean: Oh, my goodness! The colors, the smokey/musty smells, the chilly winds, warm sweaters and hot teas.

Alexis: Do you have a favorite Fall treat that you like to indulge in every year, such as pumpkin flavored drinks from Starbucks or cinnamon apple flavored candy from the store?

Jean: I bake! During the fall I try every apple, pumpkin and squash recipe I can find. And then, I share the goodies with people I love.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jean! Would you like to share closing comments?

Jean: Thank you, Alexis, for letting me share about God’s Blessings of Fall. Your readers can purchase it on any online book store. Or, they can go to www.littlelambbooks.com to buy it.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a pre-teen Jean dreamed of being an architect or an interior decorator. 

As a high school student she dreamed of being anything BUT a teacher. As a college student she dreamed of being a vocalist. As an “over-fifty” woman she dreamed of writing stories for children. But, as life unfolded it seemed that none of those dreams would come true.

But, Jean spent twenty-six years teaching children and teens–and loving it! Then twenty more years teaching women’s Bible studies. She never designed a house, but she lived in, and decorated on a shoestring, more than a dozen houses. She never performed before thousands, nor recorded any music. But she sang hundreds of times leading people in praise to the LORD. Now, she is working hard and trusting God to lead her down the road to traditional publication.

In 2016, Jean signed her first book contract with Little Lamb Books for the Bountiful Blessings series of four picture books about the seasons. The Blessings of Fall was released in September 2019.

Sometimes our dreams come true in ways we couldn’t imagine. Jean’s have. Jean has spent most of her adult life singing songs, reading books, playing games, cutting, coloring and gluing with children of every age. And she has loved it! Creating encouraging board books and picture books is her idea of fun, but her favorite times are those she spends with her own eight grandchildren.

Both things are HUGE blessings!

It is Jean’s daily prayer that The Christ within her shines through the cracks and broken places of her dreams, and that Christ shines through the things she writes to uplift, encourage and inspire others through: 

Poems and devotionals for adults and children 

Picture books and board books 

Stories and poems for children’s magazines

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About the Book:

The whoosh of the wind, the crunch of the leaves, squirrels skittering about, the aroma of freshly baked pie: these are God's blessings of fall!

Children will love getting up close to the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. See an owl swoop to her nest in the hollow tree. Watch a mouse roll an apple all the way home. A spider weaves a web, while bear prepares for a long winter's nap.

With lyricism and whimsy, debut author Jean Matthew Hall celebrates the beauty of this magnificent season and the One who created it all.

~*~
Connect with Jean:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JeanMatthewHallAuthor/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jean_hall/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/jeanmatthew_hall/

Romantic Reads: Sing A New Song

Welcome Candee Fick to the blog!

She's here to share an excerpt from her book, Sing a New Song.

Enjoy!

~*~

Excerpt from Chapter 3 of Sing a New Song by Candee Fick:

“Gloria? We need a rope to hang across this wall as an extra clothesline so we can spread out in here.” Brittany propped her hands on her hips and surveyed the cluttered dressing room.

“You want me to go buy a rope?” Gloria shook the wrinkles out of a red blouse and slipped it onto a plastic hanger.

“No, silly.” Brittany rolled her eyes. “Since you know the janitor, I thought you could go ask him.”

Seriously? She did not just go there.

Brittany tried for an innocent look, but her smirking lips gave her away. “After all, you know where he keeps the mop bucket, so maybe there’s some rope in there too.”

The reminder about her accident with the mop bucket had been deliberate.

And catty.

“Oh, and while you’re there, ask him for a new light bulb for over the makeup mirror. I noticed one burned out.”

Don’t react. Pretend it doesn’t matter. Gloria hung the blouse onto the rack with more force than necessary, lifted her chin a bit, and attempted to glide out of the room.

Once in the hallway, she hurried toward the office area as her temper rose with every step.

After two weeks of rehearsals, she should have earned the respect of her fellow singers and overcome her bedraggled first impression. Gloria might have a few more solos or featured choreography spots than Brittany, but Brittany had been given the responsibility for their costumes.

Why would the other girl want to knock her down?

Must be jealousy.

Which meant Gloria still held the upper position. So as long as she continued to act professionally and did her job well, it really didn’t matter how petty Brittany wanted to behave in return.

The only one who would look bad would be the underling.

Feeling marginally better now that she had a strategy, Gloria approached the supply room. The sooner she found what she needed, the sooner she could return and prove that Brittany’s words had no effect on her.

The door to the office next to it opened, and an old woman in a dull, gray-colored maid’s uniform stepped out, followed by Nick. Once again, the janitor was dressed in jeans and a company T-shirt instead of the expected coveralls.

“Gloria. Didn’t expect to see you here. Allow me to introduce you to—”

“I need a light bulb and some rope.” 

His eyes widened at her interruption. 

“Oops. Sorry.” Her eyes drifted from Nick’s faded smile to his protective hand on the back of the woman who looked a bit like Aunt Bee from fictional Mayberry. Of course, the man would have to be nice to everyone.

The shorter woman grinned, showing gaps between her teeth. “Call me Granny. They all do.”

Gloria eyed the embroidered name on the woman’s uniform: Rose. Wasn’t there a line in Romeo and Juliet about a rose by any other name smelling just as sweet? Well, she caught a whiff of something, and it wasn’t a rose. Probably body odor.

Over the woman’s shoulder, Gloria caught a glimpse of Gavin Sherwood coming down the hall, talking to someone on his phone. He paused beside them, grinned, and spoke to the older woman. “Hi, Granny.” Then, with a squeeze of Gloria’s shoulder and a wink, continued past them toward the backstage area and the dressing rooms.

Where she should be. 

Instead, she had been sent on an errand, and it seemed she couldn’t complete it until she had been properly introduced to a maid. 

Gloria forced a polite smile as she stuck out a hand. “I’m Gloria.”

“Pleased to meet ya.” The woman’s handshake was as firm—and as sweaty—as her Southern accent was thick. 

“Now, Princess, what was this about a light bulb?” Nick’s voice held a sharp edge, almost as if he were jealous of Gavin’s harmless flirtations … or frowned upon her stilted acknowledgment of the old maid.

Never mind what he thought. She had a job to do. “One of the bulbs is burned out in the women’s dressing room. And Brittany wants some rope to hang along one wall as a clothesline to hold more costumes.”

“How many costumes do y’all have?” He frowned.

“I haven’t counted them yet.” She pointed back down the hall. “I left the others still pulling things out of bags.”

“Hmm.” The rest of Nick’s opinion remained a mystery as he ducked into the supply room to fulfill her request, leaving her alone with the other woman.

A hideous hippie outfit beat an embroidered maid uniform any day of the week.

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business?” Granny’s archaic yet elegant words seemed so out of place near shelves holding boxes of toilet paper.

“Is that Shakespeare?”

The maid shook her head then pointed to the door Nick had opened. “He shall stand before kings. He shall not stand before mean men.”

Sure, the janitor was diligent and did his job, but that didn’t translate to royalty status. Perhaps Granny’s mind slipped away from reality now and then. Gloria had heard it could happen when people got up in years.

“Here you go.” Nick’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts as he handed her a light bulb. “I’ll bring the rope along with my tools in a few minutes, after I walk Granny back to the hotel. I figure you girls might need help so it doesn’t fall down halfway through a show.”

“You don’t have to—”

A raised eyebrow interrupted her words, allowing the truth to sink in. As the janitor, he had likely had to fix things after previous groups used the dressing rooms and therefore didn’t want them to create more work for him later.

“That’s probably a good idea.” She swallowed her pride. “I’ll tell Brittany you’re coming.”

~*~

Author Bio:

Candee Fick is a multi-published, award-winning author. 

She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. 

When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

~*~
Back Cover Blurb for Sing a New Song:

The pampered diva is about to meet her match.

Songbird Gloria Houghton has always needed to be the center of attention, but the spotlight has shifted. Seeking fame and a fresh start, she finds a new stage in Branson, Missouri…only to risk being replaced by a manipulative rival. If Gloria can’t be the star, who is she?

Jack-of-all-trades Nick Sherwood is just one leaf on a vast family tree that includes a restaurant chef, hotel owners, and even the headline act at a family-owned theater. He’s seen how fame can blind a person with jealousy and is more than content to stay in the background thank you very much. If only he wasn’t so fascinated—and irritated—by the newest addition to the staff.

After a disaster of a first impression and financial difficulties land Gloria in the humblest of jobs—with Nick as her boss—it might be time for her to learn to sing a new song.

If you like strong families, country music, and redeemed villains, then you’ll love this next chapter in The Wardrobe series by Candee Fick. Pick up Sing a New Song and step into the spotlight for yourself.

~*~
Buy Candee's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Reader Review of Sing a New Song on Amazon:

4.5 stars

Oh how I loved Gloria’s much-awaited-by-me story. She’s the character we want to purse whomp in the first two books and in book three we just want to give her a hug. To Gloria, her identity is all wrapped up in being the star of whatever show she’s playing in … until life knocks her down a few pegs and introduces her to what truly satisfies, the Source of true worth, and more belonging than she could ever have dreamed. The journey is humbling – for Gloria and even for those of us reading her poignant, sweet, witty, and romantic story at Fick’s talented pen.

As I read of Gloria’s Branson adventures with the Sherwood family, I couldn’t help but hum the tune to accompany the Reckless Love lyrics that remained in my mind through the greater part of the book. I thought of it as “Gloria’s song” from beginning to end. In a way it’s Nick’s song too … but I’ll let you discover that part on your own

Speaking of Nick, he’s a swoony hero whose twinkling eyes and teasing grin had me falling for him faster than Gloria trips over that mop bucket. His tenderness toward her as she navigates one hurdle after another with a new humility is equally swoonworthy – as is his faith in God. And his family is a mix of absolute adorable, fun characters and a couple that need to get their priorities aligned more clearly. Speaking of fun characters, y’all will love Granny!

Bottom Line: Sing a New Song is a love song to music shows (a la Branson or Gatlinburg), family, grace, and of course God who rejoices over us with singing. Gloria and Nick have a simmering chemistry right from the start and it only gets better from there! I’ve loved all the books in this series so far, and I think this one is the best yet!

~*~
Connect with Candee:
Website: https://candeefick.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandeeFick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candeefick/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candee-fick
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/

Little Lamb Books: Company Spotlight

Writing Books for Kids from a Faith Perspective
A guest post by Rachel Pellegrino

As a faith-based children’s publisher, I can tell you without hesitation that there is a hole in the market for faith-based fiction for young readers. There are numerous devotionals, journals, coloring books, and other non-fiction titles to choose from, but what families are looking for are entertaining books to rival what kids are learning about from friends, finding at school book fairs, or picking up in local bookstores.

In fact, walk into any major bookstore, and you will find shelves of interesting books for kids that tell stories of dystopian worlds, royal contests, and magical mutants. There are wonderful board books about the alphabet and counting and picture books and early readers that are seasonal or solve mysteries or teach new recipes. And, all these books are well-written and encourage the reading habits of children.

But, for families longing for more stories founded on biblical principles, it can be challenging to find even one shelf in a local bookstore where they can find wholesome, clean, and faith-oriented books that they don’t have to scan first, especially as children become tweens and teens.

The count is even less for those books that tell children it’s okay to lean on Christ, okay to love the Lord who made them, and okay to pray when they are afraid, lonely, or worried…far less that offer biblical references for encouragement, strength, joy, and love.

Why is this?

I don’t have all the answers. But, I do know that this is why I launched Little Lamb Books. As a premiere publishing company, our mission is to shepherd the next generation of faithful readers by striving to produce three to five fiction titles a year for elementary, middle grade, and young adult readers. We want to put picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels that weave engaging plots with interesting characters in the hands of kids and encourage conversations about an almighty God that loves them and made them unique.

There is a hunger for stories that affirm a biblical worldview and celebrate God’s presence in our world as well as for stories that answer the need for colorful, entertaining, and yes, even humorous examples of characters overcoming obstacles, engaging in positive family relationships, and shining a light in a dark world, especially now, when nothing feels “normal” around us.

We need more writers wanting to grow in their God-given talent and build on their calling to write by creating wonderful fiction that enriches the imagination for the readers and inspires their love for reading while incorporating scripture, values, and salvation.

Our children read books to be entertained, to see themselves in the characters, to travel to new places, and to laugh and not feel alone. We need to give them those kinds of stories while encouraging discussions about challenging situations and believing in a God they cannot see or cannot touch.

As writers, we need to write stories for the elementary readers forming their own opinions and viewpoints with grace and dignity, integrity and kindness.

We need to write stories for middle grade girls and guys learning to stand up for themselves among their peers and how to value truth amidst the onslaught of virtual messages that distort the truth on a daily basis.

We need to create stories for high schoolers longing to be seen and heard, those young adults who value new worlds where love is real, friendships are valued, and diversity is accepted.

We need more faith-based fiction for elementary, middle grade, and young adult readers, and I know that at Little Lamb Books we are doing everything we can to make those books a reality. If you’d like to help us by contributing to our Kickstarter campaign, please visit here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Rachel Pellegrino is the owner and publisher of Little Lamb Books, an award-winning publisher of children’s books. 

Launched in 2015, Little Lamb Books has produced almost a dozen titles, all of which have won national awards, including two golds in the Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Rachel is passionate about collaborating with fellow publishers as well as empowering authors to be successful. Based in Texas, Rachel talks with her hands, offers individual author coaching, prefers Pepsi to coffee, and has a growing plush lamb collection much to her daughter’s delight.

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Connect with Rachel:
Website: https://www.rachelpellegrino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaePelleTX/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raepelletx/

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Follow Little Lamb Books:
Website: https://littlelambbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlelambbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_lamb_books/

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Support Little Lamb Books:

Kickstarter Campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlelambbooks/little-lamb-books-publisher-of-childrens-books