A Reassuring Book for Anxious Kids
Earlier in the week, I mentioned a book by Caris Snider that may help children cope with anxiety. Mary Holloman’s new picture book, The Anxious Lily, might also be a helpful resource for people dealing with this crippling emotion. I caught up with Mary and asked similar questions about her story.
What inspired you to write The Anxious Lily? My pastor was preaching a sermon on Matthew 6, where Jesus uses the example of a lily’s beauty to show how much he cares for his people. Flowers don’t make their own clothing, and yet God provides for their every need. I got this mental image of a lily frantically sewing a wardrobe in order to prepare for her worst fears. The picture made me laugh, but then it hit me – that flower is me. When I “bend in worry,” I miss out on the beauty of the present. I went home that day and began scribbling and rhyming – and that’s how Lola the Lily was born! Seeing this story come to life has been one of the most wonderful experiences. I’m so humbled and honored to share it with the world, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lola!
What does the title mean? The Anxious Lily is, at its simplest, a description of the main character, Lola, who is bent low in worry. But it’s also a direct reference to Matthew 6:25-33.
What is your favorite quote from the book? I love when the Giant Oak Tree speaks truth to his friend Lola: “While you bend in worry, the world is awake! To hide from your purpose would be a mistake.”
What was the hardest part about writing The Anxious Lily? The rhyme! Creating a story that has a distinct arc with a character, a problem, and resolution is a feat on its own. But telling that same story in smooth rhyme is a whole other challenge. I had the best time building stanzas and experimenting with different words and sounds. There is something so incredibly satisfying about finding the right words and hearing the way they sound when spoken out loud.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book? My hope is that both children and adults will walk away from The Anxious Lily with renewed confidence that God is trustworthy, faithful, and cares for them. And I hope seeing Scripture come to life through Lola’s story will ignite a desire to go straight to the Word for strength and encouragement when anxiety presses in. In his book, Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado says, “The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” When Lola finally stood tall, she could see that her Maker came to set her free from that prison. That’s what I want for every reader, young and old!
You can find Mary:
Instagram: @marytholloman
Website (with free resources and Lola activity sheets): maryholloman.com
And buy her book:
Special message from Mary: Shoot me a message on my website or Instagram, and I’d love to send you a signed bookplate for your book!
Thanks for stopping by, Mary! And readers, be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement.
Lori Z. Scott
Instagram: @Stories.By.Lori
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