My Breakfast with Jesus

I am honored to share my author friend, Tina Cho, and her latest book, My Breakfast with Jesus.

It’s always been important to understand and appreciate other cultures, but sometimes that’s impossible unless a child lives in a diverse neighborhood, or is related to or friends with someone from another country.

The solution? Tina’s picture book — one way to introduce children to others who are different in appearance and culture, but inside, are basically the same.

Here is a book description from Harvest House website:

So, I asked Tina a few questions pertaining to her latest publication:

1. How did you get the idea for this book?

My agent Adria Goetz came up with this idea of people sharing food and Jesus and thought I would be a good person to write this story. Living in the Seoul, South Korea area for many years and working at an international school has allowed me to see a variety of cultures and foods. I love seeing what my students are eating!

2. How did you choose the cultures included in your book?

I researched kid breakfasts around the world and jotted down some interesting ones. I knew I wanted to hit every continent, and then from there, I chose countries/states in which I had a connection. For North America, I chose Iowa, my home state. On to Brazil, where I have two friends. Next flying to the Netherlands, not only do they have a yummy breakfast, but again, I knew someone. Then on to Ghana, West Africa where my college roommate was a missionary with her husband. All these friends around the world could help verify the food. I wanted to include the Middle East, even though it’s not a separate continent, and so I chose the United Arab Emirates because some friends had visited. India is so populous, and I’m intrigued by underground churches in China. My kids love noodles, so I wanted to include that breakfast. Of course, South Korea, where I’m currently living had to be in the book. Then I wanted to feature the Aborigine’s breakfast in Australia which was unique. I enjoyed researching Antarctica and seeing that they indeed have a church. This leads to your next question . . .

3. How did you get the idea for the astronaut entry?

I thought if I’m way down in Antarctica, then the opposite would be outer space. My research took me to astronaut Don Merkley who spacewalked six times. He prayed over the continents as he passed over them. I thought that was so cool. It was easy to find what astronauts eat for breakfast, scrambled eggs in pouches, etc.

4. How many drafts before this story sold?

Short answer: 9

Long answer: Originally I titled this At the Same Time Around the World and tried to show around the globe, every hour, what a child was eating! It was so difficult! Someone in one of my critique groups suggested focusing on just one meal, such as breakfast. So I did. So the take away–listen to advice from your critique partners. Let your story morph into how it wants to be told!

Here are a few book-related activities for your children/grandchildren:

• Find these recipes on the Internet and cook them with your child. Find the countries on the globe and pray for the people there.
• When safe to do so, cook a nice breakfast and invite friends or relatives over. Share Jesus with them in the form of a Bible verse or story or prayer time together.

Resources:

• to help children pray for and understand the Muslim culture: 30  Days of Prayer for the Muslim world, Kid’s Version.
• to help children understand and engage in activities to bring awareness of a variety of cultures: Nature’s Path

Tina Cho, children’s author

Bio: