Interview with Children's Book Author Lee Ann Mancini

We're welcoming children's author Lee Ann Mancini to the DIY Mom Blog today. Lee Ann is the award-winning author of several faith-based kids books. She's currently on the virtual road with My Book Tour. Welcome, Lee Ann! 

In your own words, please tell us about your book:

The story starts on a lovely Easter day at Sunday school! God’s Easter Miracles highlights God’s love and provision to His children. The lessons learned are not only about Jesus’s resurrection, but also awareness of treating children with Autism with love and respect, taking care of God’s creations, and most importantly, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

No, this was an acquired desire later in my adult life. I saw the need for children’s material that taught children how to have a strong relationship with Jesus, not just hearing stories about Him. My writing path began when I started writing these stories for my children.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

I’ve been a volunteer most of my adult life and wrote several little articles for various volunteer associations. However, the first published book was Fast Freddy, which I wrote 20 years ago, when my children were little.

Where do your story ideas come from?

When my children were little, I observed different situations and conflicts among them and their friends, which motivated me to write stories that address these issues in a loving, compassionate way, according to connecting them with our Lord and Savior.

What do you think makes a good story?

For Christian children’s stories, it’s establishing characters the children can relate to that help to capture their imagination and touch their hearts in a loving way. Also, making the stories fun and endearing. They really like finding the hidden symbols that we placed upon each page.

What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy reading and walking. Also, preparing for my classes that I teach at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary in addition to volunteering at different venues and spending time with my lovely family!

Who would you say has been a major influence in your life?

 First of all, my mother, who taught me Godly morals at an early age. Also, Dr. Warren Gage, who has been a mentor in my Biblical studies and a source of guidance in my personal life as well. Both are examples of the Gospel.

What types of books do you like to read?

I love to read books that inspire, encourage and are uplifting. In addition to any books that educate me in the word of God.  

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

 I received my BA in Religious Studies, and my two Master’s in my 50’s!

What are you currently working on?

Our seventh book in our series, God’s Creation, deals with teaching children to be good stewards regarding God’s wonderful ocean creatures. Again, they are faced with a dilemma, but relying on Jesus and His guidance, they learn how to be loving and caring for not only God’s creatures, but also their friends and family. 

How can readers connect with you?

Readers can go to my website, GLMPublishing.net, our Facebook page is Adventures of the Sea Kids, and our Twitter is @GLMPublishing.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

I wrote these stories 20 years ago, with hopes of publishing them one day. After receiving rejection upon rejection, it wasn’t until the Holy Spirit prompted me many years after, to bring these stories out and work diligently to get them published. It was all God’s perfect timing. So, never give up, if it’s God’s will, it will be done!

God's Easter Miracles by Lee Ann Mancini - Character Interview with Jimmy and Giveaway

DIY Mom is participating in the My Book Tour virtual book tour for God's Easter Miracles by Lee Ann Mancini. Lee Ann's interview with one of the book's main characters, Jimmy, is an adorable way to show the true essence of this uplifting and inspirational book! You can read the DIY Mom book review here. 

• Publisher: GLM PUBLISHING (February 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0997332514
• ISBN-13: 978-0997332513 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Paul, Jimmy, Brian and the whole town witness God's Easter miracles in this unique story. God’s Easter Miracles highlights God’s love and provision to His children. The lessons learned are not only about Jesus’s resurrection, but also awareness of treating children with Autism with love and respect, and taking care of God’s creations.

As in previous books, God’s Easter Miracles establishes characters that children can relate to, while capturing their imagination and touching their hearts in a loving way. Written in a fun and endearing way, God’s Easter Miracles also provides interactive entertainment by including hidden symbols for children to locate throughout the book.

PURCHASE GOD'S EASTER MIRACLES ON AMAZON.COM

ABOUT LEE ANN MANCINI

Lee Ann Mancini’s desire is for children to begin to know and love Jesus from an early age. This passion led her to seek out books for her own children that portrayed an active relationship with Jesus in a relatable way. She knew communicating God’s truth through captivating words and compelling illustrations is a crucial part of establishing that foundation.

An adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, Mancini holds a master’s degree in Christian studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as Knox Theological Seminary. She holds a board position with the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and the Alexandrian Forum and maintains memberships with organizations such as the Christian Small Publishers Association and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Mancini is an active member in her local community, visiting schools to share the Adventures of the Sea Kids series with children, as well as speaking to women’s groups about the redemptive power of the Gospel represented through the types of brides of the church. Learn more about Mancini and the Adventures of the Sea Kids at glmpublishing.net.

God’s Easter Miracles Character Interview with Jimmy

Background: In God’s Easter Miracles, Jimmy’s character accepts Christ in his heart.

Q: I understand you have accepted Christ in your heart! How wonderful! What did you think of Jesus before you accepted him into your heart?

A: I knew Jesus was special because my mommy and daddy prayed to him. And every Sunday we went to his house and it’s called a Church. But, I really didn’t know Jesus. But He gave me a new heart!!

Q: How did Jesus give you a new heart?

A: Well, I went to Sunday school, and Miss Linda hid some Easter Eggs. I found the two special eggs!! So I got two prizes. Paul wanted one, and Miss Linda asked me to share. I didn’t think it was fair that I had to share with Paul when I found them not him! Miss Linda said it wasn’t fair that Jesus died for my sins. I went home and I felt bad. I didn’t know Jesus did that! So I asked Jesus to help me to be a good boy and be like him. The next morning, I woke up and I felt happy to give one of my eggs to Paul. It made me feel good to share it with him. Jesus changed my heart. He made it nicer! And because I believe in Jesus, I will live in heaven, forever! Mommy said heaven is so beautiful and her and daddy will be there too!

Q: Do you pray to him now that you believe in him?

A: Well, at night, I used to pray to him, but I didn’t really feel anything. But NOW when I pray to Him I feel He is listening to me and I love Him.

Q: Why do you love him?

A: Because he loves me, silly!

Q: Do you tell other kids about Him?

A: I told my baby brother and my friend, Bobby, who lives next door. I told them that Jesus was a real man who is God. They didn’t know, so they were surprised. I like surprising people, it’s fun!

Q: How did Paul feel when you gave him your egg?

A: He was SO happy! He was crying before when he didn’t get one. You know what He did?

Q: What did Paul do?

A: He gave his egg to Lenny who was in the hospital. Lenny was hurt. I prayed to Jesus for Lenny to get better. You know what happened then?

Q: What happened then?

A: Jesus gave Lenny a miracle! He was all better and could go home. Jesus gave me a miracle of a new heart and Lenny a miracle of being all better!

Q: Did you have a fun Easter?

A: It was the best Easter of all! I got lots of candy in my eggs and a chocolate Easter bunny, but the best gift was getting a new best friend. You want to know his name?

Q: What is his name?

A: Jesus, silly! 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Can Learn to Pray by Holly Hawkins Shivers is an Excellent 52-Week Devotional for Children and Their Families

I Can Learn to Pray is designed and written as a 52-week guide for children and their families to strengthen their relationship with God through prayer. The book is divided into seven comprehensive sections, with individual weeks within.

There’s a lovely foreword at the beginning of the book, written by the author’s father, author O.S. Hawkins. Ms. Shivers begins by chatting conversationally with parents to reinforce the importance of praying with our children. From there we go into the process of actually learning to pray.

There’s a wealth of valuable information packed into to this beautiful book. The author is gifted with the ability to explain prayer in terms that even the smallest child can relate to. Yet, she never talks down to her readers. She explains prayer in a variety of kid-friendly ways and uses examples to make her point beautifully. For example, what child doesn’t understand the different ways of communicating – texting, phone calls, sign language, walkie-talkies, etc.? The author uses this concept to explain that prayer is communicating with God.

The accompanying illustrations are adorable and colorful, and are actual prayers in themselves. The book is sturdy and I love that the pages are of excellent, glossy quality. This ensures that I Can Learn to Pray will last a long time. I also appreciate the “To_____ From____” page at the beginning of the book. Perfect for gift giving!

I would highly recommend I Can Learn to Pray to parents, grandparents and others. It would make a wonderful gift for Baptism, First Holy Communion, birthday or just because. At not even $15 it's well worth the money spent! Beautiful!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook by Judah and Chelsea Smith Is A Wonderful Book for Children

There are plenty of children’s Bible storybooks available, but I’ve found that many of them have a tendency to speak down to children. Oversimplifying the Bible and the story of Jesus in particular, can easily be chosen when teaching children. The “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook” doesn’t do this.

Even when discussing the true reason Jesus was born – to die for our sins – the authors don’t sugarcoat it. Yes, dying is a difficult subject to broach with any child, but the authors do not attempt to skirt around the issue and I found it an important and honest approach.

Clearly many of the passages call for further discussion between parents and children. But this is what’s so wonderful about well-written children’s books – they should provide the opportunity for an open dialogue with our children. And this book certainly does that.

There are scripture verses and prayers scattered throughout the book as well. These make a lovely accompaniment to the stories of Jesus’ life. The illustrations are simple, yet beautifully colorful and eye-catching. The book is sturdy and should last for many years to come even when used daily.

This book would make an excellent gift for even the smallest child. I would certainly be happy to give this to my grandchildren. I highly recommend “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook”!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *this book is scheduled for release Feb. 9, 2016.