If Jesus Came to My School – Christian Children’s Authors
I’m happy to introduce our followers to a children’s author who also follows our blog. April Graney has a hot-off-the-press book that children, parents, and teachers will love. I’ve asked her a few questions to give us more insight into her book and how she got the idea.
I love the title of your book! How did you get the idea for this story?
There is a little classic book, If Jesus Came to My House written in 1924 in England by Joan Gale Thomas that a friend gave me when our son was born. In it, a little boy imagines what it might be like if Jesus came to visit his house. He learns that being kind to his neighbors is how he can show Jesus that he loves him. I thought this would be a great time in our divided culture for kids to imagine again what it might be like if Jesus visited them, but this time visiting their school! In If Jesus Came to My School, a little girl learns that Jesus wants to live through her and she can share his kindness, love and light with her classmates!
What is the message or “take away” for readers?
I teach at a children’s home and school for kids at-risk, and I see the impact of how students treat each other every single day. After reading, If Jesus Came to My School, children will be inspired to look for ways that they can love their classmates as Jesus would want them to. Here is a short excerpt from the book:
I can be his hands and feet
To spread his love to all
I can share and help and give
So no one feels too small!
Our class could be a family
We’ll treat each other right
And Jesus will be in our schools
As we spread love and light.
I love that! It’s so sweet and the rhythm and rhyme have a lyrical, natural flow. Have you written other books?
Yes, I have two previous picture books. The Marvelous Mud House (B&H Kids, 2017) is based on a true story, our family trip to Kenya, and how our children learned joy and contentment from Mama George and her son. The Marvelous Maker (B&H Kids, 2020) is a creation and redemption parable that tells the story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration as the marvelous maker teaches his children to resist the lies of the tricky tempter. Both of my previous hardback books are out of print now, but some copies can still be found on Amazon and are still available in ebook form.
Where can our blog followers learn more about you and your books?
My website is www.aprilgraney.com. I have a free 10 day downloadable devotional, Sharing Jesus at School, that I wrote to help parents walk their children through the process of thinking about their classmates and how they can show them love and share the good news of salvation with them. I also speak at conferences, retreats, and do school author visits where I love to meet kids and inspire them to follow Jesus!
Thank you, April for sharing with us today. Your book sounds wonderful and very much needed in today’s world. We need to spread the love of Jesus at home, at school, at work, and wherever we are.
Crystal
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