It's Season's Readings with Robin Currie!

Lynne Marie
1 day ago
4 min read

Hi readers, writers, and holiday enthusiasts of all kinds! We’re wrapping up our Season’s Readings event with the wonderful Robin Currie and her new book - a heartfelt Christmas story perfect for readers of all ages.

Just Enough Room for Christmas follows old Hannah the cow, who lives alone in a tiny barn in Bethlehem ... that is until the cold winter wind drives other animals to seek shelter. One by one, they squeeze inside. But when a tiny mouse stirs up trouble, the barn erupts into chaotic mooing, meowing, and barking. With all this commotion, will there be enough room for a little family hoping for a silent night?

Want to know more about Robin and her new book PLUS want to hear a helpful tip & enter to win a festive treat (a copy of her book) to enjoy this holiday season? Read on… ❄️🐄✨

Q: Hi, Robin! Thanks for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit for our Season’s Readings Event! We’re thrilled to have you and hear all about your festive book! Can you share more about your book and the inspiration behind it? What made you decide to add the counting concept to it?

A: I brainstormed the idea for Just Enough Room for Christmas in Jan 2023, developed and refined it over the next year. Rate Your Story gave it a once-in-a-lifetime #1! When it was not picked by any publishers, I entered contests and received 2^nd place on one and an Honorable Mention in the other. And of course any book with animal noises will be a winner!

Q: There are many books about the nativity, and still this one feels free and new! What was your process in finding a way to make it different?

A: I was a children’s librarian before I went to seminary so I love to take traditional storytelling forms and apply them to Bible stories. This book is much like Jan Brett’s The Mitten, where more and more animals squeeze into a small place. The twist at the end is that is room for one more - a newborn king. This story was my Christmas Eve sermon for children before I wrote it down so I knew it would be a good read aloud.

Q: What was this book’s journey from complete draft to publication? How/why did you settle on Good Books as the publisher? Did you have any input as to the art or illustrator?

A: In an Above the Slushpile opportunity, I sent it to Good Books/Sky Horse (noting was already an award winner and the animals did NOT talk!) and got an immediate response. Not only YES – but YES in 2025! The illustrator, chosen by Good Books, is Estelle Corke. She was fantastic, and the pictures are exactly right.

PS, readers - Robin shared some news with us, too. Since publication Just Enough Room for Christmas has won both International Firebird and American Book Fest awards.

Congrats to Robin and the whole team!

Q: What’s your favorite spread and why?

A: I love the moment after the animals are making a huge racket and suddenly they STOP. Kids are absolutely silent and then: Knock-knock!

Q: What’s the most challenging part about being a #kidlit creator? How about the most rewarding part?

A: Launching a book is so time consuming and never ending! Blogs, podcasts, story times, appearances, and Mounds o’ Media! Then when I am done I see a really great idea someone else did and try to do it, too. The joy of a seasonal book is that Dec 26 it ends, and I can work on next year's book!

Q: BONUS: What are your favorite ways to celebrate the season?

A: I LOVE twinkly lights - on trees, houses, bushes, reindeer, cats - even cactus and palm trees!

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for the readers?

I'd like to leave BOTH.

Tip: New Year Resolution #1: get to know the local children’s librarians! They are a treasure trove of information about kids and books.

Treat: I’d love to send a copy of Just Enough Room for Christmas to 1 lucky winner.

Thanks for SUCH amazing tips and treats! And thanks again for stopping by to share your book with us. We loved having you!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Robin's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by and 2) share her post on social media. Nativity-themed GIFs are also welcomed. The winner of this giveaway will be drawn and announced on or about 12/17.

Giveaways will be shipped within the U.S. only.

Note: Heather and Lynne Marie are also giving away three holiday gifts! Those who comment on and share each post on social media will be eligible to win their choice of one of three Rate Your Story Speed Passes or one of three ten-minute AMA sessions with Editor Lynne Marie.

About Robin Currie:

Robin Currie spent her library career in the children’s department, where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but jumping, waving, and face making. So do her sermons.

Despite her incessant need to wiggle, Robin earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and worked in public libraries before answering the call to seminary. She holds a Master’s of Divinity and Doctorate of Preaching, and remains active in area churches.

She and her husband have 4 mature children and a crop of grown-up grandchildren who keep them from becoming Old Foggies. Because there is no fun noise for that.

For more about Robin, check out the below links:

Amazon for book purchases/reviews: Amazon.com : Just Enough Room for Christmas