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Update 4/20: Congrats to everyone who entered to win this lovely book. You ALL won a copy! We'll be in touch soon with more details.
A special thanks to everyone who read along with us this Easter, too!
3/31/2024
Hello readers, writers, and holiday lovers of all sorts! We're excited to have a double feature for you today. Stenetta Anthony is here sharing her sweet book, The Love Story, with us! Stenetta's book shares the story of God's love with young readers, in an easy-to-understand way. Her book is a great read for Easter or any day. Want to know more about Stenetta, her beautiful book, PLUS want a chance to win one of five e-books? Read on...
Q: Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit! We’re thrilled to host you, and to hear about your book, The Love Story.
Readers, Stenetta reached out to me last year with her beautiful book asking if it could be featured during spring. It’s such a heartfelt read, I’m glad she did!
Stenetta, can you share a little bit about yourself with our readers?
A: Hello Heather, thank you for having me. I was an educator for 23 years teaching grades pre-kindergarten through 3rd grades during my teaching career. I published my first children’s book at the ripe young age of 47. 😃During the last 2 years I have become a multi award-winning author. My passion for writing came from teaching and often searching for new books for my students. I have been married for 35 years, mother of 7 adult children and grandmother of 10. I love volunteering, watching, and pretending to be a contestant on Jeopardy. While enjoying my pastime reading and taking long walks.
I love your teaching background (23 years is amazing!) and love that you pretend to be a contestant on Jeopardy. That's something many of us can relate to.
Q: What inspired you to become a writer and what inspired you to write The Love Story?
A: My passion for writing came from a place of love and concern. Often looking for books for not only my classroom students but my young Sunday School students as well. One day while having a conversation with a child who asked me the question, “who is God?” Although an answer was given there seemed to be a confused look on their face. It was at that moment that I was determined to find a book so I could share a better answer with this answer. However, I found nothing deciding to write and publish The Love Story, using language and illustration so that any child could understand who God is.
Q: Can you share some of your favorite spreads with the readers? What art direction did you give the illustrator when pairing with them for this story?
A: If I could consider my favorite spread in The Love Story it would be the last page which shows the children and their dog looking at Jesus going up in the sky toward heaven. During the illustration process I was given a long questionnaire where it was required to identify and share with the illustration what I wanted each page and character to look like. After significant hours, days, weeks and even months spent on this process, I was able to share with the illustrator my ideas and how to pair them together with the words.
Q: What makes this a perfect read for Easter or any time of the year? What do you hope young readers take away from this story?
A: The Love Story is the perfect book for Easter, it introduces children to the love of God. Taking them from heaven where there is a conversation between God and his son Jesus, Sharing Jesus' time on the earth performing good works and miracles. Illustrators with multi children watching Jesus doing good works, miracles and watching as he returns to heaven. Showing that they are an essential part of the Easter story.
My hope is that children will have an understanding of not only Easter but God’s love for them.
Q. BONUS QUESTION: What’s one of your favorite Easter candies and/or what’s your favorite way to celebrate easter?
A: I enjoy eating chocolate marshmallow bunnies and jellybeans during the Easter season. Along with attending church on Easter day, followed by a big dinner with family and friends.
YUM! Thanks again for stopping by, Stenetta! We hope you enjoy your celebration and dinner with friends and family today.
Q: Would you like to leave a sweet treat for our readers?
A: YES! I'd love to offer 5 e-books to your readers.
Thanks for such a sweet treat!
Giveaway Instructions: Readers, to enter this giveaway please 1) like and share/RT this post on social media and 2) thank Stenetta for stopping by! Bunny GIFs are hoppily accepted and appreciated. ;)
Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 4/13.
Note: Books will be shipped in the US only. Winners must have a US address.
About Stenetta Anthony:
Stenetta Anthony is an multi award-winning author, who began her career as an educator more than twenty years ago. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University. After reading hundreds of books to her young students, she went from reading children’s books to writing them. Stenetta has a passion to create books that: engage, enhance, elevate, and evoke a love for reading in all children. Stenetta enjoys speaking, reading, and engaging with children and others at schools, libraries, and other venues. Stenetta hopes to inspire people through her book.
For more about Stenetta, check out the following links:
Website: www.stenettaanthony.weebly.com
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/StenettaA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stenettaanthony/
To purchase Stenetta's books, or to leave a review for them on Amazon, click here.
Shoutout to pngtree.com for letting us use some artwork!