It is my pleasure and delight to introduce you to Kathryn O’Neill, author of Hoofprints of Hope Devotional, 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-Loving Kids. I have been privileged to be able to meet with Kathryn in a monthly critique group sponsored by Write2Ignite, so I introduce her as both an author and a friend. I’ve enjoyed seeing this book come together over several months and it has been a treat to learn many horsey things I never knew. Her book was released today! Let’s canter into Kathryn’s world with a few questions.

Janice: Please share with our readers a little about yourself.

Kathryn:  I grew up in a small coastal town in Maine, searching for shells and sea glass on the beach. I love watching storm-driven waves crash on the rocks, sending water and foam high into the air.

After college my husband and I bought a small farm carved out of the Maine woods, where we raised our children alongside goats and ducks, pigs and turkeys, dogs and cats, and a stubborn pinto pony named Champ. When the Lord called my husband to be a pastor, we moved to St. Louis for him to attend seminary.

We’ve served in churches in many states, but now call Colorado home, where we try to keep up with our grandchildren and a corgi puppy. I love riding and teaching art. Trail riding with mountain views can’t be beat.

Janice: I have often wished I could visit Maine. It must been a delightful place to grow up. What was your favorite thing to do as a child?

Kathryn: My green bike took me all over town. I’d pedal to my grandparents’ farm, several beaches, the library, or visit friends. I’d stuff a sandwich, beach towel, and bucket in its basket for the beach or arrive home with six new horse books.

Janice: That sounds adventuresome. What were some of your favorite childhood books?

Kathryn:  I loved Marguerite Henry’s horse books, and still have a copy of King of the Wind. When I read Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books, I’d dream of galloping a horse along the beach and splashing through the shallows.

Janice: Why does that not surprise me? Your love for horses runs deep. Can you tell us something not too many people know about you?

Kathryn: My great grandparents were from Canada. They came to Maine from Nova Scotia in the early 1900s.

Janice: That makes for a rich heritage. Let’s talk about your new book. What was the inspiration for Hoofprints of Hope?

Kathryn: I’ve always been horse-crazy and spent lots of time on my grandparents’ farm. My great grandfather used to deliver meat around town by horse-drawn wagon. By the time I came along the horses were gone, but the old wagon, draped in cobwebs, still sat in the barn. We kids played in it, calling out “giddy up” and “whoa” to our pretend horses. I soon began taking lessons on real horses and have ridden most of my life since, doing some jumping, a little trail riding and gymkhana, but mostly dressage and as a member of a dressage drill team.

I ‘ve written devotionals for adult publications, such as The Quiet Hour and Lighthouse Bible Studies. But as a K-12 art teacher, my passion is for children to see God’s hand in nature, history, and art. So I now write nature features for Clubhouse Jr, DevoKids, and other kid’s publications. I also speak at school chapels and to homeschooling groups.

So when I decided to write a devotional book for kids, I knew horses would be a great topic. Many kids love horses, and will enjoy all the information about different breeds, horse activities, famous horses, and how special God made horses.

Janice: Tell us a little about what our readers will find in Hoofprints of Hope

Kathryn: The 52 devotions in Hoofprints will take kids on an adventurous trail ride with God. They’ll learn about breeds like Shetland ponies, and famous horses like Trigger. They’ll discover how God made horses able to sleep standing up and all about gymkhana and other fun activities with horses.

Each devotion in Hoofprints is a stop along the trail to discover important spiritual truths about God, other people, and themselves. “Corral Your Thoughts” gives readers space to journal, and the “Gallop into Action” section suggests ways to put their faith into action in their families, neighborhoods, churches, and schools.

Janice: I know from my early peeks into your devotions in our critique group that each of these features will truly delight children and their parents too. What would you most like children to take away from Hoofprints of Hope?

Kathryn: My hope is that kids will enjoy the stories of famous horses and different horse breeds, marvel at how God made horses so special, and enjoy learning about all the fun activities you can do with horses.

I pray that the fun information will corral their attention and lead them to know how much God loves them and longs to be their guide. Life is a little like a trail ride—mostly adventurous and fun, but sometimes a little hard or even scary. I hope Hoofprints of Hope will assure them that God is always with them on their trail ride (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Janice: I am confident that many kids will be both entertained and inspired as they read these devotions. Where can our readers learn more about you and your upcoming projects?

Kathryn:  Readers can go to my website to learn more about me and Hoofprints of Hope Devotional. They can also download a FREE Hoofprints activity pack with puzzles, a writing prompt, a craft, and more, all about horses.  

Janice: Wonderful! And where can they find Hoofprints of Hope Devotional?

Kathryn:  Hoofprints is available at:

Tyndale.com: https://www.tyndale.com/p/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional/9798400501630

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hoofprints-of-hope-devotional-kathryn-oneill/1149589367?ean=9798400501630

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9798400501630&tag=tyndalehous06-20

Janice: Thank you Kathryn for taking time to share your heart with us and for writing this wonderfully horsey and inspiring book for children. I pray it will find its place in the hands and hearts of many children.

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