I recently caught up with Jennifer Jahn to talk with her about her new book, God’s Wide, Wonderful World, published by B & H Kids. It was an honor to chat with Jennifer and find out more of her book’s backstory. Check out our interview and be sure to look for her new book wherever books are sold!

Jennifer, tell us how the idea for your new book came about.

I was inspired by God’s omnipotence and wanted children to understand that He is all-powerful. In the first draft, I tried to show His power through all of creation – food, animals, and people. As the story developed, we brought that idea into clearer focus by concentrating on animals. Through the diversity of animal classes and the uniqueness of each creature, children can see a vivid picture of God’s creative power on display.

How long did it take for the book to come to life, from the initial idea to the launch day of the book?

The very first draft was written in 2021 and launch day just happened on April 29, 2026.

What is your favorite part of the book?

The narwhal. I love his disguises and all his fun facts about each class of animal. My family and I named him Natty.

What message do you hope children will take away from the reading of your book?

I hope they come to know more about who God is and what He has done, so that their foundation – understanding who they are in Christ and who they belong to – becomes even stronger.

How many other books have you written?

Lots! However, only two are officially published. God’s Wide, Wonderful World (which just came out) and Stars of Wonder, coming out next spring.

Can you give us a hint about your next book?

I can! Stars of Wonder is a non-fiction STEAM picture book that focuses on God’s creation of the stars and how He has used them from the Old Testament to the modern day. There are examples from the Bible, science, art, and literature to bring to light specific purposes God planned for His stars.

Tell us about your writing journey. When did you first know you wanted to be a children’s author? 

I’ve always wanted to write. I wrote my first story in 1986 when my dad brought home our Apple IIc home computer. I didn’t decide on children’s literature until community college though. I attended Valley College in San Bernardino and enrolled in their kidlit course and it changed my life. That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the children’s book world.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

5 years

What is the best part of writing for children?

The best part is that you get to be included in such an important part of a child’s life. Books, reading, their understanding of the world, who they are, their purpose…children’s authors get to be a small part of their foundation. Not only is this the best part, it is also an important part. Our books will never replace the Bible (I don’t think we’re trying to), but our books should reflect or echo what the Bible teaches in order to reinforce God’s truth, goodness, and beauty. We cannot stray from His truth or give our own interpretation. 

Do you have another job besides “writer”?

Just a few…wife, mom, homeschool mom and all the things that go with all of that, but I also write articles for the NkyTribune. 

Tell us about your family.

My husband is a pastor and we’ve been married almost 16 years. We have four kids, ages 8-14. We have a few fish, some ducks, and lots of chickens. We also appreciate the color green and grass because we moved from the High Desert (CA) to northern Kentucky about 4 years ago. The desert is beautiful with its clear, starry night skies and gorgeous sunsets, but it’s also a lot of brown dirt. Kentucky has brought amazing green grass, changing leaves, and flowers that just sprout up year after year all on their own! 

Julie Lavender

post by Julie Lavender