Last week, I packed my bags and headed to Wheaton, Illinois, for the Write to Publish Conference at Wheaton College, organized by the fabulous Becky "Blue" Antkowiak.

Like most writers attending a conference, I expected to come home with pages of notes, a few new connections, and enough ideas to keep me busy for months.

​I wasn't disappointed.
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What I didn't expect was for the conference to become part professional development, part family history tour, and part reminder of why I love being part of the writing community.

Learning, Growing, and Filling the Creative Well
One of my favorite things about writers' conferences is that no matter how long you've been writing, there is always something new to learn.
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This year was no exception.

I enjoyed learning from Twila Belk about finding the funny in everyday life and weaving it into our writing. She shared practical tips for spotting humor that might otherwise slip right past us. In return, I unintentionally gave her a live demonstration.

While sitting across from her at dinner and talking about newsletters, I somehow managed to say "lead maggots" instead of "lead magnets."

If you're wondering whether a room full of writers will notice a mistake like that, the answer is yes. Yes, they will. Laughter is a great way to connect with people you have just met.

Twila also taught a session on newsletters that offered great ideas for building stronger connections with readers.

Another highlight was attending three AI sessions taught by Rhonda Robinson from Focus on the Family's Parenting and Marriage website. Writers wear a lot of hats these days, and Rhonda showed how AI can serve as an assistant in everything from brainstorming ideas and creating outlines to developing content pillars and refining marketing strategies.

I've already been using AI in many of these ways, but Rhonda challenged me to be more intentional with my prompts and more organized in my approach. I left with plenty of ideas to implement.

Tim Shoemaker's "Meet Me in the Middle" session provided valuable insights into creating a stronger reader journey throughout a novel. Since I'm continuing to work on a middle-grade manuscript, I found his advice especially helpful.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Athena Dean Holtz's (from Redemption Press) session on creating companion products for books. Since I love finding ways to extend the reading experience beyond the final page, her presentation sparked several ideas that are already bouncing around in my notebook.

And because I've always loved historical fiction, I couldn't resist Jenny Cote's session on research. She shared both traditional and unconventional ways to uncover historical details and mine facts that bring stories to life. As someone who can happily disappear down a research rabbit hole for hours, I found her session fascinating.

Writers Are My Kind of People
As much as I enjoy the sessions, one of the greatest gifts of any conference is the people.

One unexpected blessing was spending time with fellow author Amanda Judd. Although we're both from the same hometown, conferences have a way of slowing life down just enough to allow for deeper conversations. I enjoyed getting to know Amanda better, learning more about her writing journey, and hearing about the work she's doing. And, drats, we forgot to get a photo together. 
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I also met writers from all walks of life, each with their own stories, dreams, and publishing journeys.
There's something refreshing about spending several days with people who understand the excitement of finishing a manuscript, the frustration of marketing a book, and the completely normal habit of talking to fictional characters as though they're real.

I had the opportunity to sell and sign a few books, which is always a blessing. Meeting readers face-to-face never gets old.

The conference also provided opportunities to connect with industry professionals, including Rachael Pfeiffer from Focus on the Family's Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, and Carol Tetzlaff from Redemption Press.

Conversations like these remind me that publishing is ultimately about relationships. Books may begin with words on a page, but it takes a community of people to help those words reach readers.

A Detour Down Memory Lane
While the conference itself was wonderful, some of my favorite moments happened outside the conference schedule.

My husband, Jim, once lived in Wheaton, so we decided to skip a few evening dinners and keynotes and explore some of the places that were meaningful to him.

As we drove through town, I had the opportunity to see Wheaton through his eyes.
We visited places where he once lived. We revisited locations tied to family memories. And somewhere between one stop and the next, I discovered there were still stories from his past that I'd never heard before.

One of my favorites involved a golfing buddy who asked to borrow Jim's golf clubs. Jim told him no.
Apparently, in the golfing world, that's a serious offense.

Who knew?

What began as a writer's conference became a glimpse into my husband's life BC—Before Cindy.

The Mall Adventure We Didn't Know We Needed
Of course, no trip would be complete without a little exploring.

We visited Yorktown Center and Oakbrook Center, where shoppers go to do some serious shopping, and I have to admit, I was impressed. As someone who remembers when malls were the place to be, it was refreshing to see vibrant spaces filled with people shopping, eating, and simply enjoying being together.

And the food? Let's just say my conference diet didn't exactly go according to plan. 

We enjoyed Sticky Fingers pizza from Pie Life Pizzeria and the familiar comfort of Panda Express while taking in the artistic atmosphere of the Yorktown Center food court. Oh, and there was this amazing Mexican restaurant in a strip mall near our hotel. Super delish! 

Coming Home Inspired
As I unpacked my suitcase and sorted through pages of notes, I realized that Write to Publish gave me more than new ideas and industry insights.

It reminded me to keep writing.

This year's conference provided opportunities to learn from talented instructors, connect with fellow writers, meet publishing professionals, and spend meaningful time with my husband exploring a place that shaped part of his story.

That's a pretty wonderful combination.

Now it's time to put those notes, ideas, and lessons to work.

I remember years ago, when my youngest daughter disappeared after telling her she couldn't have any snacks before dinner. She was only two, and I knew she had to be in the house somewhere. Finally, I found her ... in the bathtub, curtain closed, finishing up what had been a full box of fruit roll-ups.

You know those moments when a child makes one tiny mistake and instead of asking for help, they somehow turn it into a full-scale cover-up operation?

Well. Welcome to Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up by Betsy Childs Howard.

This picture book gets kids.

Under the Bed: Where Good Ideas Go to Panic
Most children know exactly what it feels like to make a bad choice and then immediately think, “Maybe if I hide it hard enough, it will magically disappear.” Spoiler: the marker on the wall never disappears. It just ends up hidden behind a growing mountain of books, toys, and guilt.

This story takes a very real childhood moment and wraps it in humor, grace, and one absolutely relatable cover-up attempt after another.

And judging by the Amazon reviews, families are loving it for exactly that reason. Parents shared that the story opened up meaningful conversations about honesty, confession, forgiveness, and why hiding mistakes usually makes things worse. Which feels like a lesson some of us adults could still use as well.

Under the Bed: Where Good Ideas Go to Panic
Arlo is supposed to be resting quietly in his room. But when he notices a tiny mark on the wall that sort of looks like a smile, curiosity kicks in.

One little line turns into another. And another. And suddenly, Arlo realizes he has made a very big mistake. Now, does he go tell his mom right away? Oh no. Absolutely not.

Instead, he launches into full cover-up mode.

Toys get stacked. Objects get moved. Hiding spots get tested. Arlo burrows under the bed, carrying the kind of stress only a child with a freshly decorated wall can understand.

And somehow, every attempt to fix the problem just makes it bigger.

Kids will recognize themselves in this immediately. Not necessarily the wall art portion… although maybe that too. But definitely the feeling of trying to undo a mistake before anyone notices.

What I loved most is that the story never feels preachy. It feels human. Small-child human, specifically.

The Mind Behind the Marker Mess
Betsy Childs Howard has a real gift for taking big heart issues and making them understandable for kids without making the story feel heavy.

She captures that growing knot-in-your-stomach feeling perfectly. You can practically feel Arlo’s nervousness building with every new layer of his cover-up. But she balances it with enough warmth and whimsy that children never feel overwhelmed by it.

This isn’t one of those stories where kids walk away feeling shamed for making mistakes. It’s a story about what happens after mistakes — and how honesty, forgiveness, and grace can untangle even a really messy situation.

A lot of reviewers mentioned how naturally this book sparked conversations with their children afterward, and I can absolutely see why. It creates an easy opening to talk about honesty without sounding like a lecture disguised as a bedtime story.

The Illustrator Behind the Tower of Toys
Samara Hardy absolutely nails the emotional side of this story. The illustrations are expressive, playful, and packed with details kids will love spotting. But what really stands out is how visually the story grows right alongside Arlo’s panic.

Also, I feel fairly confident that children are going to spend extra time studying the giant pile of toys, trying to identify every stuffed animal, book, and game involved in the cover-up operation. The artwork keeps the story light while still helping kids recognize emotions like worry, guilt, fear, and eventual relief.

The STEM Element: Cause, Effect, and Terrible Engineering Choices
This book actually has some surprisingly fun STEM connections built right into the story.
First, there’s cause and effect.

One tiny choice kicks off a whole chain reaction of increasingly complicated problems. Kids naturally begin tracking patterns:

• What happened first?
• What happened because of that?
• Why did the cover-up keep growing?
• What could Arlo have done differently?

That kind of sequencing and prediction is foundational STEM thinking.

Then there’s the engineering side of things.

Arlo basically becomes a tiny panic-driven structural engineer, stacking toys and objects in increasingly questionable ways to hide the wall. Honestly, some of those design choices deserve their own safety inspection.

This opens the door to some really fun follow-up activities:

• Build your own “cover-up tower” with blocks
• Test balance and stability
• Explore why some structures collapse
• Talk about problem-solving strategies that actually work
  
  

The story also introduces an important STEM lesson that many kids (and adults) learn the hard way:
Fixing symptoms is not the same thing as solving the actual problem.

The SEL Element: Why Honesty Feels Lighter
This is where the book really shines.

As I mentioned, Arlo experiences guilt, fear, anxiety, shame, confession, forgiveness, and relief in ways children can understand and emotionally process.

And one of my favorite things? The adults respond with both truth and grace. Yes, there are consequences. But there is also reassurance. That combination matters so much.

Kids need stories that remind them mistakes are not the end of the relationship. That honesty matters. That forgiveness exists. That saying “I’m sorry” may feel scary, but carrying around a giant emotional toy pile feels even heavier.

The book creates wonderful opportunities to talk about:

• why people hide mistakes
• how guilt feels inside us
• why honesty can feel hard
• what forgiveness looks like
• how trust gets rebuilt

And somehow it manages all of that while still feeling funny, heartfelt, and completely child-friendly.

Small Mistakes, Big Conversations
Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up is the kind of picture book that sticks around long after storytime ends. It is relatable, emotionally smart, faith-filled without feeling heavy-handed, and packed with conversation starters for families, classrooms, and church settings.  Also, check out Arlo and the Keep Out Club and Arlo Takes Off.

Want to Win a Copy?
One lucky reader will win a copy of Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up. To enter, leave a comment below and tell me: What is one lesson about honesty, forgiveness, or handling mistakes that you hope children learn early in life?

I’ll randomly choose a winner during the second week in June.
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Until then, may your walls stay mostly marker-free and your toy piles significantly less suspicious.

Help your little ones discover what’s actually happening under those waves—the gliding, glowing, slightly mind-blowing world most of us never see. In God’s Little Oceanographer, kids don’t just dip a toe in—they dive straight into a swirling mix of color, mystery, and real-deal ocean science, all wrapped in reminders of God’s care.

Tina Cho has this way of making the vastness of the ocean feel both epic and personal. Whether you’ve got a preschooler counting down to a beach trip or a classroom knee-deep in an ocean unit, this book delivers layers of learning without ever losing its sense of wonder.

Poetry, Plankton, and a Surprisingly Solid Science Lesson
What makes this book shine is how intentionally it’s built. You’ve got the big, lyrical lines that practically beg to be read out loud in your best dramatic ocean voice—and then tucked alongside them are smaller, fact-filled nuggets for the kid who wants to know everything. It feels almost like a poem, except surprise—it’s also legitimately packed with science. 

Kids learn how the ocean influences weather, supports wildly diverse ecosystems, and sustains life across the planet. They travel from sunlit shores to the deep sea, meeting creatures that feel equal parts fascinating and slightly unbelievable. And yet, woven right through all of it is this steady reminder of God’s creativity and nearness.

One especially tender moment connects the deep sea to Psalm 139, pointing out that the God who guides creatures in the farthest oceans is just as present with us. And somehow, the pairing of science and Scripture doesn’t feel forced. It feels natural — because it is. God designed it that way.

There’s also a gentle nudge toward stewardship—because once you realize how intricate and interconnected everything is, you kind of want to protect it. It adds another thoughtful layer, reminding kids that wonder isn’t just something to feel. It’s something to care for.

The Teacher Who Clearly Did Her Homework
Tina Cho is one of those teachers who clearly didn’t just clock out of the classroom and call it a day. She holds a master’s degree in education from Drake University and a bachelor’s in elementary education from Faith Baptist Bible College—which basically means she knows exactly how kids learn and how to keep them interested. And it shows. The way she structures her books feels intentional without feeling textbook-y. Accessible, engaging, developmentally smart—like she actually understands the small humans reading them.

She’s written a whole lineup of books for young readers, including Rice from Heaven, My Breakfast with Jesus, The Ocean Calls, God’s Little Astronomer, and more. Across all of them, there’s this steady thread: helping kids see the beauty of the world while also recognizing the Creator behind it. Big ideas, gently delivered.

After teaching internationally in South Korea, she’s now based in Iowa, still writing for children and educational markets with the kind of clarity and care that makes you think, “Yes. This is someone who really likes kids—and respects them, too.”

When Realistic Sea Creatures Still Feel Huggable
Marta Alvarez Miguéns, a freelance illustrator based in La Coruña, Spain, is clearly having a great time on these pages—and it shows. The scenes are bright and imaginative, but still grounded enough that the sea creatures feel real. Not “cartoon blob with fins” real. Actually real. Educational, but still completely kid-friendly.

She’s illustrated titles like A Tiger Called Tomás, Dinosaur Lady, and Shark Lady—which, by the way, was recognized as a Best STEM Book by the Children’s Book Council and the National Science Teachers Association. So yes, she knows her way around science-with-style. The colors are bold, the details are rich, and every spread practically dares kids to lean in closer and say, “Wait—what’s that?”

Her artwork doesn’t just decorate the story. It works with it. The visuals reinforce the science without ever feeling heavy, and the overall tone stays joyful, inviting, and completely accessible—basically the kind of book you don’t mind reading for the fifth time in a row.

The STEM Tie-In: Ocean Science (Without the Pop Quiz)
From ocean layers to entire marine ecosystems, this book sneaks in foundational earth and life science in ways that feel completely manageable. No one’s getting handed a pop quiz—but somehow they’re learning anyway.
Kids explore:

• Ocean zones (yes, including the mysterious deep sea)
• Marine biodiversity
• How the ocean affects weather
• ​Why taking care of it actually matters
  
  

The dual-text setup is kind of genius. Little ones get the big-picture takeaways. Older kids (or the ones who ask 47 follow-up questions) can dig into the smaller, more detailed facts. It grows with them.
And in a classroom setting? It’s basically a ready-made companion for ocean habitat units, Earth systems lessons, or conversations about conservation. Pair it with a saltwater experiment, a buoyancy test, or a simple ocean-layer diagram, and suddenly you’re running a mini marine lab without even trying that hard.

The SEL Tie-In: Awe, Reassurance, and the Gentle “Hey, This Matters” Moment
But it’s not just science facts and cool creatures. There’s emotional depth here, too—fittingly.
First, there’s awe. And awe is kind of underrated. When kids realize how vast and intricate the ocean is, it does something. It builds humility. Gratitude. That quiet “wow” feeling that sticks.

Then there’s reassurance. The reminders of God’s presence—even in the deepest waters—create this steady sense of security. The same God who guides creatures miles below the surface is near to them. That’s not a small message. That’s grounding.

And finally, stewardship. Once kids understand how interconnected everything is, caring about it feels natural. It’s not a guilt trip. It’s more like, “Oh. This matters. I matter. My choices matter.” That’s empathy in action.

That balance—curiosity for the mind, security for the heart—is exactly what we hope for in books that bring STEM and SEL together.

More Than Just an Ocean Book
God’s Little Oceanographer isn’t just about waves and whales. It’s an invitation to look closer. To marvel a little longer. To see that learning about the natural world can deepen both understanding and faith.

Whether it’s read before a beach trip, woven into an ocean unit, or shared during family devotions, this book delivers layers—intellectual and emotional.

If you’re looking for something that blends science, Scripture, and stewardship without feeling heavy-handed, this one absolutely earns its shelf space.

Step into Story: Dive Deeper with Purpose
Just in case the book didn’t already send your kids searching for snorkels, here’s where the learning keeps swimming. These handpicked activities help children take the big ideas from God’s Little Oceanographer and explore them in hands-on, meaningful ways.

Each link below leads to an external resource designed to spark curiosity, encourage thoughtful discussion, and blend ocean-themed STEM discovery with social-emotional growth. Because exploring the deep sea is exciting—but discovering wonder, responsibility, and care along the way? That’s where the real depth happens.

Tina Cho's Author Site
God's Little Oceanographer Discussion Guide
God’s Little Oceanographer: A 5-Day Reading Plan for Kids
Illustrator Marta Alvarez Miguéns
​Ocean Experiments and Learning Activities
World Stem Day Ocean Activities for Kids (YouTube)
How Do Melting Polar Ice Caps Affect Sea Levels?
34 Easy Ocean Crafts and Activities for Kids
Ocean Emotions (TPT)
God Made the Ocean and Sea Animals: Sea Turtles

*The links in this section will take you to outside websites with activity ideas and resources. I don’t earn anything from items that may be sold there (although most are free) — I’m just sharing ideas I think are worth exploring. As you click around, keep an eye out for sneaky clickbait download buttons or pop-ups and stick with the obvious, kid-friendly links.

​Okay, Let’s Talk Sea Creatures and Free Books
One lucky reader will receive a copy of God’s Little Oceanographer. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post and tell me: What ocean creature fascinates you or your child (or students) the most—and why? 

I’ll randomly select a winner the first week of March.

Let’s keep diving into stories that build brighter futures—one page at a time.

Bringing an author into your school doesn’t require a miracle budget, a heroic PTO leader, or a complicated fundraising campaign. It requires clarity, creativity, and a plan.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How would we even pay for this?” — this guide walks you through manageable, realistic funding options schools use every year.

Let’s take it one step at a time.

Step 1: Start With the Why
Before talking dollars, talk about purpose. An author visit is not an “extra.” It is an instructional experience that can support:

• Literacy standards
• Writing development
• Vocabulary growth
• STEM integration
• Social-emotional learning
• Reading motivation

When framed around academic outcomes, funding conversations become far more productive.

Helpful Tip:
When approaching administrators or PTO boards, describe the visit in terms of student impact, not entertainment.

Step 2: Explore Grant Opportunities
Many schools are surprised to discover that funding specifically exists for author visits.

Literature-Focused Community Grant

• SCBWI Amber Brown Grant
  A well-known grant created specifically to help schools fund author visits. A national grant awarded to a school each year that funds an author visit and provides books for students. Schools must apply directly through SCBWI and meet eligibility requirements.

Arts and Humanities Grants

• State Arts Councils
  Many states offer grants that bring artists and authors into schools. These grants often support storytelling, writing, and creative literacy programs.
• State Humanities Councils
  Humanities councils frequently fund author talks, literature-based learning, and cultural programming tied to reading and writing.
• Search for:
  • “Artist in Residence” programs
  • “School enrichment grants”
  • Literacy-focused funding

Many states offer partial or full funding for school visits.

Education and Classroom Grants
DonorsChoose.org
Teachers can create a project tied to: • Reading engagement

• Writing workshops
• SEL lessons
• STEM literacy integration

Clear goals often attract strong community support. Projects can be written by classroom teachers or librarians.

Real School Success Story: At a school in Austin, Texas, a teacher shared that author visits funded through a combination of grants, PTA support, and local partnerships helped spark significant student excitement around reading. Following the visit, she launched a DonorsChoose project to purchase additional books by the visiting authors, and the project was fully funded—extending the impact of the experience well beyond a single day.

Other Possible Funding Options
Many districts or communities have education foundations that offer small grants for innovative learning experiences. In addition, some PTA/PTO organizations provide mini-grants or discretionary funds for assemblies, literacy events, or enrichment programs.

Federal and School-Based Funding
In Title I schools, visits that support literacy growth and engagement may qualify. Position the visit as:

• Reading motivation support
• Writing skill development
• Vocabulary enrichment
• SEL growth through storytelling

Always check with your administration regarding eligibility.

Step 3: Use Fundraising That Builds Excitement
Funding can be simple and student-driven. Here are some proven ideas.

• Book Sales

     Partner with a bookstore or the author to sell books ahead of the visit. A portion of the proceeds can go toward funding the event, and students love meeting the person who wrote their book.

• Spare Change Drives

     Never underestimate the power of pockets and couch cushions. A school-wide coin drive gives students ownership in bringing an author to their school, and those coins add up quickly.

• In-School Field Trip Fees

     Many schools treat author visits like an in-school field trip, charging a small fee per student. Families are often happy to support a meaningful experience for just a few dollars.

• Special Events or Raffles

​     Bake sales, literacy nights, or raffles can be simple and effective. One popular idea is raffling off a small group lunch or Q&A session with the author.

​Step 4: Share the Cost
Collaboration reduces financial pressure. 
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Partner With Nearby Schools
Booking multiple schools on consecutive days allows:
​• Shared travel expenses
• Reduced individual fees
• Greater access to enrichment
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Collaborate With Local Libraries​
Libraries may:
• Co-host events
• Share programming budgets
• Host evening family events

Real School Success Story: In East Grand Rapids, Michigan, a partnership between the local Schools Foundation and the community library funded a visit from award-winning author Christina Soontornvat for elementary and middle school readers. Backed by foundation donors, the joint effort enabled multiple schools to host a nationally recognized author—showing how coordinated community and foundation support can make high-impact literacy events possible.

Step 5: Seek Community Sponsorships
Local businesses often look for meaningful ways to support schools. Consider offering:

• Recognition in newsletters
• A thank-you mention during the event
• Logo placement on flyers​

When positioned as supporting literacy and education, businesses are often willing to help.

Step 6: Consider Flexible Formats
Author visits don’t have to look one specific way. Options include:

• Virtual visits (eliminate travel costs)
• Half-day formats
• Grade-level rotations
• Combined school assemblies
• Hybrid in-person + virtual options

Flexibility can make funding more manageable.
 
Step 7: Start the Conversation Early
One of the most overlooked funding tools is simple communication. Authors are often willing to:

• Brainstorm funding ideas
• Adjust scheduling
• Coordinate with nearby schools
• Help align visits with literacy and SEL goals

Early planning increases funding success.

Final Encouragement: Don’t Let Budget Stop the Magic
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: budget limitations don’t have to mean missed opportunities. Author visits are achievable, flexible, and worth the effort. Start small, ask questions, and remember that many authors are happy to work with schools to find a solution that fits.
The stories kids hear—and the inspiration they carry forward—last far longer than the planning it takes to make a visit happen.
 
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re beginning to imagine what an author visit could look like in your school—whether it’s virtual or in person, small or school-wide—early conversations make all the difference. Authors—myself included—can often help you think through scheduling, funding options, and ways to align a visit with your literacy and SEL goals.

If your school is considering an author visit — whether virtual or in person, small group or school-wide — I would be honored to help you explore possibilities. I also know several authors and may be able to lead you to one that fits exactly what you're looking for. Even a simple conversation can turn “maybe someday” into a meaningful experience for students.
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Let’s build brighter futures through story adventures.
Cindy Lynn Sawyer
Children’s Author | STEM + SEL Storyteller
cindylynnsawyer.com

What does it really mean to win?

That question feels simple on the surface, but it’s one we spend a lifetime answering—especially in a world that loves trophies, first place, and shiny rewards. The Best Trophy begins with the excitement of a children’s trail race, but quickly becomes something deeper: a gentle, faith-filled exploration of friendship, courage, and choosing others first.
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This is the kind of picture book that invites families to slow down, read closely, and talk together about what truly matters.

Choosing People Over Prizes: My Thoughts
I connected with Liam immediately. His nerves, his hope, his fear of failing again—it all feels so real. He wants to win, yes, but more than that, he wants to prove something to himself. That longing is something children understand instinctively.

As the race unfolds, the story moves quickly and energetically—until it doesn’t. When an unexpected moment forces Liam to choose between the finish line and his friends, the heart of the story comes into focus.

What I love most is how faith shows up here. Not loudly. Not preachy. Just present. A remembered prayer. A moment of clarity. A choice that reflects God’s heart. Liam’s decision models faith in action—the kind that shows up when it costs something.

That theme immediately reminded me of Remmy’s Sticky Situation. While the stories are very different, both center on friendship and the realization that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is give something up for the sake of others. Those lessons tend to stay with children long after the book is closed.

An Author Who Writes Faith Into Everyday Choices
Jennifer Noel Wilson has a clear gift for writing stories that meet children right where they are. She captures the emotional mix of fear, determination, and hope with authenticity and care.

Her faith is woven naturally into the story, reflecting biblical values through action rather than explanation. The result is a book that feels sincere and welcoming—well suited for families, classrooms, homeschool settings, and church libraries.

Illustrations That Capture Movement, Emotion, and Compassion
Ahmad Sabadunya’s illustrations bring warmth and motion to every page. You can feel the rush of the race, the tension of the moment, and the compassion between friends through expressive faces and dynamic scenes.

The artwork does more than support the text—it deepens it. Young readers will enjoy “reading” the illustrations, noticing details, and interpreting emotions, which makes this a wonderful choice for shared reading.

Problem-Solving in the Middle of the Race
While The Best Trophy isn’t a traditional STEM book, it includes meaningful, real-world thinking. When a friend is injured, Liam pauses, assesses the situation, and uses what he knows and what’s around him to help.

That kind of problem-solving—thinking critically, adapting, and applying knowledge—is an important skill for children. It’s a quiet reminder that learning is meant to be lived out, especially in moments that matter.

Friendship, Empathy, and the Courage to Do What’s Right
The social-emotional learning elements in this story are strong and clear. Children see perseverance, empathy, self-control, and courage modeled through Liam’s choices.

Most importantly, they see that friendship sometimes requires sacrifice—and that choosing people over prizes is always worth it. In today’s world, that message feels especially needed.

The Best Trophy Is Friendship
The Best Trophy gently reminds readers that God’s definition of winning looks very different from the world’s. Through engaging storytelling, expressive illustrations, and a faith-filled message, this book creates space for meaningful conversations about kindness, courage, and true friendship.

It’s a great addition to any child’s bookshelf and one that invites us all to rethink what it really means to win.

Let’s Talk About Friendship and Sacrifice
I’m giving away one copy of The Best Trophy to a reader who joins the conversation! To enter, simply leave a comment below. One winner will be selected in the first week of February—so don’t miss your chance to cross the finish line with this wonderful book.

Step into Story: Learning with Heart and Purpose
This story's excitement doesn’t stop at the finish line. These handpicked activities invite children to keep running with the ideas from The Best Trophy—through playful learning that blends movement, STEM thinking, and social-emotional reflection. Each link below leads to an external resource designed to spark curiosity, encourage teamwork, and help young learners explore what it really means to win by choosing kindness, courage, and friendship along the way.

Author Jennifer Noel Wilson
Shop Jennifer Noel Wilson's Store
PBS Friendship Take Home Packet
22 Best Social-Emotional Activities for Preschoolers
​Can You Win the Race: A Preschool Activity
Wheel and Axle Simple Machine Activities -Race Car STEM Challenge Project - TPT - 1st - 3rd grade
Pony Bead Friendship Bracelet Craft

*The links in this section will take you to outside websites with activity ideas and resources. I don’t earn anything from items that may be sold there (although most are free) — I’m just sharing ideas I think are worth exploring. As you click around, keep an eye out for sneaky clickbait download buttons or pop-ups and stick with the obvious, kid-friendly links.

Loved this book review?
Please share with your friends. You can also sign up for my monthly newsletter, Join the Adventure, where curiosity and resourcefulness take center stage. Each issue features STEM stories with big feelings that spark curiosity and inspire young readers to explore the world around them while also navigating their own feelings.

Happy Easter, Risen King! by Laura Sassi is the kind of board book that instantly brightens the room, bursting with sunshine through its vivid illustrations and lively, rhyming text. From the very first spread, it pulls children (and the grown-ups reading along) straight into the wonder of Easter. This is a story that doesn’t tiptoe around the Resurrection—it shares the joy of the Resurrection in a way kids can truly feel.

What’s the Story? Let’s Follow the Colors
This playful, rhyming board book follows the Easter morning story from the quiet stillness of dawn all the way to a joyful, can’t-help-but-smile celebration. Along the journey, children are invited to spot colors tucked naturally into every scene—yellow sun, green grass, gray stone, white angel, blue sky, pink blossoms, and more.

It feels like a story and a color hunt rolled into one. The color element doesn’t distract from the message; instead, it gently leads young readers through it, helping them connect, remember, and stay fully engaged from page to page.

A Word About the Author: Laura Sassi
Award-winning author Laura Sassi has a gift for making meaningful stories feel light, lyrical, and inviting. Her rhymes flow beautifully, making this a wonderful choice for reading aloud—whether at home, in a classroom, at church, or during Easter storytime.

She handles the Resurrection with care and reverence while still keeping the tone accessible and joyful for young listeners. That balance is hard to strike, but she does it with ease.

Illustration Station: Gabi Murphy’s Whimsical World
Gabi Murphy’s illustrations are warm, expressive, and full of delightful details. The characters feel friendly and approachable, the animals add extra charm, and the color palette truly shines. Kids will want to linger on each page, pointing things out and discovering something new every time.
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The illustrations perfectly echo the rhythm and emotion of the text, helping carry both the color theme and the heart of the story.

SEL (and Faith) Element: From Sadness to Celebration
This book gently guides children through a range of emotions—quiet sadness, confusion, surprise, and overflowing joy. It shows kids that it’s okay to feel uncertain and that hope can bloom right where sadness once lived.

From a faith perspective, the Resurrection message is clear, joyful, and reassuring. The focus stays on the good news and the reason Easter is celebrated, making it a meaningful way to share the heart of the holiday with young children.

STEM Tie-In: Learning Through Color
Color identification is the quiet star of this story. Children are practicing observation, naming, and classification skills without even realizing it. They’re learning to connect colors with objects, scenes, and emotions—an important early science and visual literacy skill.
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It’s a lovely reminder that simple STEM concepts, like color, can be woven seamlessly into storytelling.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Addition to Your Easter Basket
Happy Easter, Risen King! is a joyful blend of faith, learning, and celebration. It’s a fantastic choice for preschool through early elementary readers and works beautifully as a seasonal read-aloud at home, in classrooms, or in children's church.

If you’re looking for an adorable Easter book for toddlers that goes beyond bunnies and baskets and gently points them toward hope, joy, and truth, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

Want to Win a Copy?
One lucky reader will win a copy of Happy Easter, Risen King! To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post and tell me what your favorite Easter color or Easter tradition is with your kids or students. I’ll announce the winner the first week in February!

Step into Story: Celebrate Easter in Living Color
If your readers are anything like the children in this story, their excitement doesn’t end when the last page is turned. These handpicked activities invite kids to step further into the joy of Happy Easter, Risen King! through playful learning that blends story, color exploration, STEM thinking, and SEL reflection. Each link below leads to an external resource designed to spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and help young learners celebrate the Easter story in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Meet Author Laura Sassi
​Laura Sassi's Happy Easter, Risen King activity kit pdf
Colorful Resurrection Eggs for Toddlers
A Version of the Jelly Bean Prayer That Relates to Color

*The links in this section will take you to outside websites with activity ideas and resources. I don’t earn anything from items that may be sold there (although most are free) — I’m just sharing ideas I think are worth exploring. As you click around, keep an eye out for sneaky clickbait download buttons or pop-ups and stick with the obvious, kid-friendly links.