A Weekend With Writers, Wonder—and Tiny Moments of Divine Inspiration
There’s something delightfully reassuring about being around fellow writers who understand what it’s like when your protagonist refuses to behave. That’s the energy at the Taylor University Professional Writing Conference, held July 24–26.
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It was a weekend sprinkled with insight, encouragement, humor, and the sense that God was right there in the middle of all our creative chaos. So, here’s what happened when writers, faith, and notebooks full of inspiration collided.

If you’ve ever watched your child stare at the night sky with wonder, asking questions like “What are stars made of?” or “Why did God make the universe so big?”—then God’s Little Astronomer by Tina Cho is the perfect picture book for your family.

Blending science and faith in a gentle, relatable way, this story helps children see that curiosity, learning, and belief in God can all grow together. With strong ties to both STEM education and social-emotional learning (SEL), it’s a story that sparks questions while comforting young hearts.

​Sometimes, a book comes along that is so delightful, it sneaks some serious learning in while making you laugh out loud. Except Antarctica by Todd Sturgell is exactly that kind of picture book. With a lovable cast of characters, a globe-trotting adventure, and a narrator who is hilariously ignored, this book is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It's the kind of read-aloud that has preschoolers giggling and grownups chuckling at the same time.

As both a children’s author and someone who’s passionate about creating playful, purposeful stories, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight one of my own books, The Wonder of Under. This story was such a joy to write, and it held Amazon's #1 New Release spot for three weeks! But beyond the fun and whimsy, The Wonder of Under was written with intention—blending imaginative play with early STEM discovery and gentle SEL growth.

What brings more joy than a toddler making waves in the tub? Maybe a little one giggling with a bath book, turning the pages—and the water—into a storytelling splash party! That’s exactly the magic Noah’s Ark: A Color‑Changing Bible Bath Book brings to bathtime. This book by Amy Houts and illustrated by Archita Khosla is for infants to 3-year-olds. The waterproof vinyl page-turner retells the classic Genesis story through interactive, magical picture reveals.
 

Through the eyes of a curious young owl named Quinn, we’re invited into a tender conversation between parent and child about separation, security, and the ever-present love of God. This book is more than a bedtime story—it's a tool for emotional reassurance and spiritual connection.

A Tender Truth Told Simply
Christie Thomas has a special gift: the ability to take profound biblical truths and make them accessible, meaningful, and memorable for young hearts. In Quinn's Promise Rock, she