Cover Art for The Little Shepherd Boy by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

This is officially a jump up and down, squeal like a little girl moment. When I checked my email tonight, Lynda Burch, owner and publisher of Guardian Angel Publishing had sent me a copy of the cover art for my book, The Little Shepherd Boy, which is due to be released this fall.

I was already familiar with Eugene Ruble's work before he was contracted to design The Little Shepherd Boy, so I knew the cover art would be wonderful; but I had that tense moment before the file popped up on my screen that said, "What if I don't really like it?" I hope that's normal.

I absolutely love this cover! I'll have to send Eugene a note of thanks this week, so I don't forget. My intentions are good, my brain is not always there. I also need to stop referring to this as my book. Eugene and I are collaborating on this project, so it's really our book.

I would appreciate some feedback from you, the readers of this blog, and hopefully future fans of Obed's story, The Little Shepherd Boy. What do you think of the cover art?

Thanks for all your support. Look for more information regarding The Little Shepherd Boy as we get closer to release time.

Special Holiday Feature: Christmas Before Thanksgiving by Dixie Phillips

SPECIAL HOLIDAY FEATURE

"Christmas Before Thanksgiving" by Dixie Phillips, author of One Noble Journey


For as long as I can remember, the heart of my paternal grandmother and my heart were cemented together. I think our bonding began when I was a baby and my mother had to be hospitalized for extended periods of time. Grandma watched over me and even decorated her spare bedroom in soft pinks and light lavenders. She was the mother of four strapping sons and had always wanted a little girl. Ten years before I was born her only daughter was stillborn.

I never realized just how attached I was to my grandmother until she was diagnosed with a deadly disease. After her diagnosis, Grandma was forced to move from her dream home to a small, one-bedroom apartment. In her new apartment complex, other women were experiencing the similar problems; terminal illness, limited income, loss of spouse to death or a nursing home. A remnant of these women formed a weekly Bible study and Grandma became a faithful member. This band of prayer warriors became "kindred spirits" as they interceded for one another’s needs.

It was apparent by early November Grandma would not be with us much longer. Her spirit was strong, but her body was growing weaker. A few days before Thanksgiving, she had to be hospitalized. The cancer had metastasized to her lungs.

Word spread quickly among her little Bible study group that Grandma Eleanor was dying. Loving cards and concerned phone calls began pouring in.

I hurried to the hospital and hovered over my grandmother's weak frame. There was a tap on her Hospice room door and an elderly woman appeared. In her arms was a brown paper grocery sack. She tiptoed to Grandma's bedside, and stooped over the metal bedrail and planted a kiss on Grandma's cheek. Grandma's dark chocolate eyes twinkled when she recognized her friend.

"Mable, how did you get here?" Grandma asked.

"Took a cab, Eleanor. I just had to." Mable chuckled, "It's cold outside, but it was warm in the cab!"

"Oh Mable, you shouldn't have come out in this bitter cold."

"I had to, Eleanor! Christmas is coming. I wanted you to have your Christmas card and the gift I made for you! It's all right here in my bag."

Mable rummaged through her brown bag. She pulled out a bright red envelope.

"This one is from me to you, Eleanor!" She showed Grandma the card. Sunbeams splashed on the colorful card causing Mable's eyes to squint.

"Let me read it to you." Mable said,


What can I give Him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I'd give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I'd do my part,
I know what I'll give Him,
All of my heart!

Tears glistened in Grandma's eyes as she whimpered, "Thank you, Mable."

"That's not all, Eleanor, there's more! Christmas is coming! I just wanted you to have your Christmas present a little early this year." Mable gushed as she pulled out a small package wrapped in previously used Christmas paper topped with a recycled, red bow.

Grandma was too weak to open her special gift. Mable handed it to me. I carefully tore the paper off the small box and opened the lid. Peering back at me was a brown teddy bear holding a lacey parasol.

"Yep, it's true, Eleanor! Christmas is coming, and I just had to give you your present a little early this year." Mable reached for Grandma's hand.

"Mable, thank you and all the other ladies for being my friend this past year. You tell our little group goodbye for me. Tell them I'll be spending Christmas with Jesus this year."

Scalding tears fell on Mable's wrinkled cheeks. "I love you, Eleanor!"

"And I love you!" Grandma closed her heavy eyelids and drifted off to sleep.

Mable reached for me. We embraced. We wept. I thanked her for her kindness to my grandmother, walked her to the door, and said goodbye.

When I returned to my grandmother’s side, I wept quietly. I realized Grandma's "home-going" would be soon. I looked at the brown teddy bear holding the lacey parasol. I reread Mable's Christmas card,

What can I give Him poor as I am?

I had just witnessed these verses lived out before my eyes. A loving friend with meager means had given her very best to her dying friend. She even celebrated Christmas before Thanksgiving knowing Grandma wouldn't live until Christmas.

I closed my eyes and silently thanked God for giving me such a wonderful grandmother, and for giving my grandmother a dear friend.

Grandma went home to be with Jesus two days after Mable's visit. My grandmother was right. She celebrated Christmas with Jesus.



Dixie Phillips began writing seasonal plays for children in 1987. These delightful programs have been published by Abingdon Press, Standard Publishing, Eldridge Publishing, Evangelizing Today's Child and Gospel Publishing House. One of Dixie's children's books, Stubby's Destiny, was awarded the 2008 Best Children's Animal Story by Books and Authors. Guardian Angel Publishing has released Angel Eyes, One Noble Journey and Baby Jesus is Missing. Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother and Stilts the Stork will be released in 2010.

Dixie also has a passion for writing God's truths for adults. She has contributed to an award-winning devotional book and has ghostwritten books on marriage, health, poetry and personal testimonies. She is currently a topical curriculum writer for Randall House. Dixie is a pastor's wife of more than 30 years. She and her husband, Paul, have four grown children and have served the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for 28 years.

You can learn more about Dixie’s books and the Phillips’ ministry by visiting www.floydslighthouse.com.

Enter to win one of two copies of One Noble Journey by Dixie Phillips at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. Contest ends at 11:59 PM Eastern on December 31st.

Teaching Children about the Bible without being Preachy by Patti B. Ogden

Our special guest blogger is Christian children's author Patti B. Ogden. Patti wrote Keoni's Big Question--which we reviewed here.

In this book, Keoni is searching for the answer to his question about God, and no one seems to be able to answer it. Then one day while on a fishing trip, Keoni works up the courage to ask his friend the Old Fisherman, and Keoni finds his question answered in more ways than he ever dreamed of.

One of the best things about Keoni's Big Question, is that it breaks down a difficult concept for youngsters and makes it easy to understand. An experienced Sunday school teacher, Patti shares with us how to teach children about the Bible without being too preacy or heavy-handed.

Patti's Turn:

The Challenge to Teach Children about the Bible without Being Preachy or Heavy-Handed
by Patti B. Ogden


Three bullets were carefully placed in the middle of the table. A red construction paper heart beside them, with three jagged edged holes ripped through it.
The teenagers that entered my Sunday school class that day came in cautiously - obviously wondering what such a display would have to do with a lesson that they were supposed to learn about the Bible or the Lord Jesus. Each sat down in quiet dismay, giving me looks as if to say…”what in the world is going on?”

My extreme display was approved by the deacon (he said as long as they don’t accompany a gun I would be fine). And it brought the sober reaction I needed to catch the kids off guard. I definitely had their undivided attention.

What they didn’t know is what had happened to me the week before. Having suffered the cruelest verbal attack of my life - from a dear person that I love deeply but who couldn’t understand my belief in God- I experienced a battle within that had my emotions reeling and reaching for comfort and understanding. I sensed that what I went through that week may just be a thimble full of what today’s Christian teens experience in today’s toxic anything-goes society. I wanted to teach them how to deal with such attacks and how to come to terms with the raging hurt within.

We began with scripture that showed the humiliation that Christ suffered. Then we covered stories of persecution that believers had to endure because they “took up the cross and followed Him”. The kids took turns reading through the comfort passages of how the Lord loves His children and is a shield, a fortress and an ever present comfort in our despair. We ended with scripture that taught us never to seek revenge, for that is up to God. After all, Jesus still had mercy and kindness for the soldier that arrested him and led him to trial. Peter cut off his ear in a fit of rage and Jesus reached out and healed it. The meek will truly inherit the earth.

By the time the class was complete, I knew the lesson had made its impact. It hit right where they live. They opened up about their own experiences and found comfort that God completely understands what they go through. By finding common ground with others that have “been there” and then offering Biblical solutions, children can be comfortable with Christian teaching. Teaching that inspires and encourages spiritual growth is not preachy or heavy-handed. It leaves kids with a desire to come back to hear more.

You can find out more about Patti and her books online at www.capstone-productions.com

Keoni’s Big Question by Patti B. Ogden Shares Christian Message with Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join Christian children’s author Patti B. Ogden as she travels the blogosphere during the month of April with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Public Relations on her first virtual book tour. Patti’s debut children’s picture book, Keoni’s Big Question, was recently released by Capstone Productions.

Keoni’s Big Question is the story of a boy who seeks answers about God’s presence in everyday life and finds his friend held the key to his revelation all along. This gripping tale follows a pair of dear friends on a fishing trip that turns dangerous, then miraculous, and leaves Keoni with more answers then he ever dreamed possible!

Praise for Keoni’s Big Question:

If you are searching for an enjoyable and meaningful way to share a Christian message with your child, then pick up “Keoni's Big Question” today. — The Book Connection

"Keoni's Big Question" is the first in Ogden's new MessageKids series of faith-based picture books for children…Based upon the first installment the series has great promise, filled with relevant and necessary spiritual lessons and fulfilling illustrations. — Jennifer Bogart

As an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher, there was only one thing Patti Ogden did not enjoy about the teaching experience; too often, her lessons would end with the children not grasping the concepts that they were intended to teach. With a genuine heartfelt desire to reach children’s soul realm, she unleashed her God-given creativity and began to break down her lessons into simple terms – added excitement and drama - and suddenly she saw the "lights go on!" Soon the kids were asking questions and wanting to know more!

With a background in journalism and a sincere burden to help kids seek their own spiritual growth, she is now the author of Keoni’s Big Question and two other Christian children's books due to be released in 2009.

She was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Patti is a devoted wife to her husband Jeff, of 35 years, mother of two and grandmother to five darlings that fill her life with joy. She and her husband Jeff enjoy life on their eleven acre hobby farm in Oregon, Illinois.

You can visit Patti online at www.capstone-productions.com.

“Patti has written a wonderful book,” says Cheryl Malandrinos, Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion Public Relations. “The overwhelming interest in her virtual book tour and in “Keoni’s Big Question” is well deserved.”

If you would like to follow Patti on her virtual book tour, visit the official Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour site at http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/.

Patti’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, a virtual book tour agency for authors who want quality service for an affordable price. More information can be found on their website at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com.