Today I am excited to share news about Karen Ferguson’s Questions for Kids Series, published by Ambassador International. Book Three in this series celebrates a birthday this month, and Book Four is releasing soon. Let’s check in with Karen for details on this children’s book series.

Q: Welcome, Karen! For those who may be new to your books, tell us a little about how your Questions for Kids series got started.

A:   It began with frustration. I was seeing many children’s books promoting anti-biblical principles in ways that would have been unbelievable when my girls were young.

I wanted to be part of the solution and create something fun and creative—grounded in the truths of the Bible—for parents and grandparents to share with their special young readers. I wanted something I’d feel good about sharing with my own grandkids.

Rising reading and biblical illiteracy rates also troubled me. So I envisioned an entire series that would engage young minds and nurture their faith through dynamic characters and relatable storylines. My motivation was to inspire kids to read and to explore biblical truths, with a book series they could grow with spiritually and in their reading skills.

Now, I’m thrilled to use the power of Lucy’s story set within different periods of Bible history to point this next generation to God’s truth and His never-ending love.

Q: What is your writing background, and how did you first become interested in writing children’s books?

A: I began writing for adults in higher education, employee training, and business communications. My first book was a self-published wellness devotional, and my fictional memoir is still sitting on my desk, unfinished.

I also have a background in K-8 education and have worked with kids most of my adult life. But I never dreamed God would use me as a children’s author until He gave me both inspiration and confirmation about an entire book series at a writers’ conference in 2018.

Fast forward to 2020, and God made it clear it was time to step out in faith. Two years later, the first book was released through Ambassador International, and the fourth book will be available in 2027.

Q: What is your purpose in writing this series?

A: The purpose of this series is to help young readers explore biblically-based concepts right alongside the loveable main characters Lucy and her Papa Joe as they adventure into the Bible together to discover unique periods in Bible history. I knew there would be certain Bible accounts essential for building a strong foundation of faith, and so far this series covers Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden, and Noah’s Ark.

But rather than a repetition of Bible facts like you might find in some children’s Bibles, I wanted to deliver a fresh perspective by including a story thread children could relate to. In book 2, kids read about the biblical truths of the Garden right alongside a heartwarming message of family, diversity, and God’s faithfulness, all through the eyes of curious young Lucy.

The story showcases the beauty and diversity with which our Creator made the human family, and it emphasizes how we all go back to what I like to call the First Family: Adam and Eve. There has been much dissension recently in our culture over race. But really there is only one race. No matter the color of our skin, where we were born, or the languages we speak, we all go back to Adam and Eve in the Garden; and we are all created in God’s image.

More than anything, this book series is meant to drive the truth home to young readers that their lives matter—that every life matters to God.

Q: I love your characters Lucy Lu and Papa Joe. Tell us about these two, and are they based on real people in your life?

A: Lucy is a combination of several people, including a little bit of myself as a child, minus the fiery red hair. I was one of those kids with a ton of energy and questions about everything. And if I felt comfortable with someone, then boy could I talk! I’m still that way. Papa Joe is modeled after my own dad who went home to be with the Lord in 2019—shiny red scooter and all!

Q: You seem to be writing this series based on chronological events in the Old Testament. For example, Book 1 deals with creation, Book 2 focuses on the first family, and Book 3 shares the story of Noah and the ark. What is on the horizon for Book 4?

A: Book 4 follows the journey of Abraham when God calls him to a new land. The working title is Guess What God Promises. I look forward to sharing much more as we get closer to the release date, which is scheduled for summer 2027!

Q: All of your books contain beautiful, colorful illustrations by Jelena Vitorovic. As the Literary Lyonesse, I love the page in Book 3 with the animals boarding the ark two by two—especially the lion and the lioness. As an English teacher, I also appreciate the clever use of onomatopoeia throughout the book.

What is your favorite illustration in Book 3, and why does it speak to you?

A: I think every page is like a work of ark (ahem, art) 😊. So it’s hard to choose a favorite. This image of Noah and the dove and the rainbow stands out to me as most important.

Q: Can you share any additional stories you plan to feature in this seven-book series?

A: This series follows major events and people in the Bible that are important to building a solid faith. Future books will feature Moses, David, several important women in the Bible, and, of course, Jesus!

Q: How may readers find out more about you and connect with you on social media?

A: Readers can find me on most social media platforms, with Instagram being my favorite. I’ve included a few direct links below, and also a link to sign up for my monthly newsletter to stay up to date on books, events, and fun giveaways.

Website: karenferg.com

Instagram:  karenfergusonauthor

Amazon author page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17184165.Karen_Ferguson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminatecommunications.org

Newsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/n5z4p0

As a final note to parents, I hope readers will take advantage of studying the scriptures and questions at the end of each Questions for Kids book. These pages provide great opportunities for parents to connect with their children, make predictions, and reinforce important learning concepts.

Again, Happy Book Birthday to Guess Why God Made the Rainbow!

Thank you, Karen! We look forward to more Questions for Kids books!

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