If you have a child who is anxious or fearful, you’ll definitely want to check out this lovely new release from author Christie Thomas.
Quinn’s Promise Rock ,an adorable picture book published by Harvest House, tells the story of a fearful little owl who learns, from her daddy, that God is always with her. Read more from Christie as I interview her about this new release and be sure to enter the three-book giveaway, sponsored by Harvest House.
Hi Christie! Welcome! To begin, what does the bio on the back of the book say about you?
Christie Thomas, the “Bedtime Devo Mama,” has written for various websites, including The MOB Society and The Better Mom. She’s the author of the interactive and multi-sensory devotional book Wise for Salvation . Christie lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and three boys.
Okay, now for two interesting and quirky facts about you that we won’t find on the back of your book…
I only have one kidney! I donated my left kidney to a stranger last year. It’s a long and crazy story that involves a Facebook post, the story of Esther, and a promise from God about my identity.
A few years ago I turned my entire front lawn into a perennial food garden. Even though I live in suburbia in western Canada, my tiny front yard gives apricots, strawberries, two kinds of cherries, haskap berries, grapes and apples! It was quite a scandal when I first began to cover the lawn with compost and cardboard, but it has turned into a beautiful and functional garden!
Wow, Christie! Both of those facts are fascinating! Okay, let’s talk about the book. What inspired you to write Quinn’s Promise Rock?
One morning I was on Facebook, and an acquaintance shared how she had helped her child face his fear (school) by slipping a rock in his pocket. She told him that whenever he was scared, he could put his hand in his pocket and the rock would remind him that God is always there. That struck a cord in my heart, but I had to leave right away for my Bible study group. On the way there, a seed of an idea grew in my mind. After the study I zipped home, got my boys fed and to their naps at lightning speed, then sat down at the computer. What flowed out was Quinn’s Promise Rock, nearly unchanged from its present form. I shared the story with this Facebook friend, who shared it with her son. They loved it so much that she encouraged me to try to publish it. Over three years later, here it is! The biggest difference is that Quinn used to be a boy owl named Soffy. My agent thought that was a strange name, so we picked Quinn instead. Then, I read an article about the lack of good female leads in children’s picture books, and I knew that Quinn had to be a girl.
I love it that Quinn is a girl! What do you hope parents and children will take away from the book?
I hope that kids will fall in love with Quinn, and that her story will be instrumental in their faith. My deepest prayer is that kids and parents will be inspired to a deeper trust in God’s loving presence through this book.
What’s next from the pen of Christie Thomas?
There’s another Quinn book coming out soon! In Quinn’s New Friend, she nurses an injured firefly back to health and it becomes her pet. One day, Blink disappears and Quinn’s mama helps her understand God’s comforting presence.
I can’t wait to see that one, Christie, and I’m sure it will be just as lovely as Quinn’s Promise Rock. Thanks for visiting today!
Would you like to win a copy of this sweet book? Harvest House publishers have generously agreed to give three brand-new copies away. Enter one of three ways, or all five of them to increase your chances of winning:
- Leave a comment right here, on this blog, telling me who you would share this book with.
- Leave a comment at this post on my Facebook Author Page.
- Enter on Instagram.
- Bonus Entry 1: Share this post on Facebook and let me know.
- Bonus Entry 2: Tag a friend there.
Please note that entrants must live in the USA. Three lucky winners will be announced in this comment thread on Saturday 16th February. Good Luck!
This book looks like a great one to have on hand for when things come about and little ones are worried!
Lauren, I do believe you just qualified for five entries, since you entered on all the platforms and tagged folks! Thank you so much, and yes, this is a wonderful book to share with little ones when they’re worried.
This story sounds perfect for children. I know I struggled with fear as a child and right into adulthood. Facing fear under the cross has been life-changing . I look forward to finding out more. I will share on FB and Twitter too
Thank you Jeanne! Multiple entries for you!
Looking forward to adding this to our family’s library. Probably every kid should have books like this on hand.
I agree Robert! Thanks for your double entry!
I would share the book with my K-5 students where I teach. Posted to FB and tweeted!
Thank you for your triple entry Denette! Your students would love it.
I can’t wait to read this to my 7 year old who struggles with anxiety.
Jessie, it’s’ the perfect book for your 7 year old.
I would share this book with my friend who’s daughter has anxiety attacks.
I’m sure it would help her Heather!
Glenn’s, I’d love the Otto have this new book for our brand new children’s library at CCPC!
It would be a wonderful addition to your library Judi!
This book sounds adorably sweet, and I love the story of how it came to be! I would love to share this book with my nieces and nephews, as well as my Sunday School class!
I know they would love it Rebecca. Thanks for entering!
My best friend has a daughter who struggles with anxiety and I think this would be a fabulous book for her. I think adults could use this too!! I tagged my friend in your Facebook post. What a great topic to write about for kids. Thank you!!!
You’re so right Stacy… this book is not just for children! Thanks for your multiple entries!
Stacy, I’m thrilled to let you know that you won a copy! Please pm me with your address.
I’d like to give this to my nephew. His mom is not in the picture, which causes him to suffer from attachment disorder.
Oh, it would be perfect for him Kerry!
I have a very anxious five year old that needs lots of reassurance and reminders of her family’s love and God’s love and promises made and promises kept. This book sounds beautiful, and another resource to help my darling put more seeds of reassurance in her heart!
That’s so hard for both of you Fayelle! This book would help her!
I’m very excited to read this book as I’m a foster and bio mom.
It will be great for you to have Sara!
This is such an adorable cover and story! I would share this with my daughter, and probably all my friends and their kids after that. 🙂
I love the cover too Michelle! Thanks for entering.
With my 4.5 year old son.
Thanks for entering Amy.
Our children’s ministry theme is OWL- our wise Litd! What a great book to share with them!
Oh, yes AJ! It would be perfect to share with them!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered! From over 100 entries on this blog, Instagram and Facebook, the three winners of Quinn’s Promise Rock are: Lyndsay Dove, Stacy Haynes & Jessie Brajcki! Congrats!