This week co-hosts Sarah Humphrey and Mike Nawrocki talk with author Shannon Cook about her new book, I Made the Earth. Did you know that God not only made the earth … He really enjoys it too!  “I Made the Earth” is an Earth Day book from God’s perspective. Each rhyming verse tells the reader something beautiful or unique on this earth God made for us to enjoy―things like waterfalls, forests, and the coral reef. Included are reminders to take care of God’s creation. The reader also learns that through creation, he or she can learn about God Himself. The book also includes end matter just for parents including ways little people can make a big impact, and fun facts about Earth Day!

This is a fun week as we change this up a bit and have a chat and celebration for the launch of the 11th book in Mike Nawrocki's The Dead Sea Squirrels early reader series.  Mike and co-host author Sarah Humphrey chat with the crew at Tyndale Kids about the series how the book is put together, the illustration process and marketing. You'll enjoy this behind the scenes look into the publishing process and learn more about all the squirrelly things going on! In book 11, Merle and Pearl have been separated! While Pearl is back with the Gomez family, Merle finds himself scurrying through the Holy Land with Dave, a honey-loving, talking lizard. Together, Merle and Dave must brave the perils of the Israeli wilderness in the hopes of reuniting Merle with his friends and foiling Dr. Simon’s evil plan. Get ready for more daring escapes, hilarious jokes, and squirrel origami as Merle and Pearl try to make their way back to each other. Will they find each other before Dr. Simon does? Readers will learn about Jesus calling his disciples and the Kingdom of God.

This week Mike and Sarah talk with author Sarah Parker Rubio about her new book, Her Story, Her Strength: 50 God-Empowered Woman of the Bible. Girls are beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This comprehensive collection of stories focused on 50 women of the Bible shows how God worked in their lives and continues to have a plan and a purpose for his beloved daughters today. In a world that too often tells girls that they are not enough, Her Story, Her Strength uses biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society. Girls who read Her Story, Her Strength will: come to a profound, unshakable understanding of God’s love for them and their value in his eyes. see how they reflect God’s image both innately and through the actions, words, and attitudes they choose each day. learn about biblical characters and events in a way designed specifically for them. In addition, Her Story, Her Strength: features readers’ favorite women of the Bible as well as many less-well-known characters, showing God’s consistent presence in the lives of women throughout Scripture. is divided into short sections that are both comprehensive and accessible, making it a wonderful tool for school or church lessons as well as family devotions or personal reflection. emphasizes how each woman reflects the image of her Creator, demonstrating the immense value God places on women and girls and pointing them back to him—all from a position rooted in biblical values. includes beautiful, full-color illustrations that help bring each woman to life.

This week hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with author Kathleen Long Bostrom about her new book, Since the Baby Came: A Sibling's Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems. This charming, playful story-in-verse introduces children to a variety of different poetic forms while walking them through all the twists and turns of welcoming a new baby into the family. Mama is having a baby. Everything’s starting to change. God, can you tell me what happened? Life is becoming so strange. Since the Baby Came offers a unique take on a timeless topic. The heartfelt and humorous drama unfolds completely in verse, addressing the full range of emotions a young child experiences when a new baby joins the family—from surprise and confusion to feelings of neglect and jealousy to wholehearted tenderness and affection. The book also introduces young children to the playfulness and fun of various forms of poetry, from senryu to villanelle.  Look out! It’s a diaper volcano! Forgive me for being abrupt. There isn’t much time to explain—OH! That thing is about to erupt!

This week Mike and Sarah interview author Laura Wifler about her new book, Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God's Image in Every Person. This children’s picture book follows a sibling of a child with a disability as they go through their day. A simple story with an important message, Like Me helps kids recognize the many similarities they share with disabled kids and model a loving and understanding approach to the differences.      “God made you, God loves you, God is kind to you.”   It can be hard for children to take those three life-changing truths into their hearts and treat others with love and understanding, especially when they encounter those whose needs differ drastically from theirs.   Through a sibling’s eyes, young readers will tag along on a day of a child with a disability. As the two siblings play with friends, go to therapy, and spend time with family, relatable comparisons will help children understand a different type of family life, building empathy for children with disabilities along the way.   Like Me opens the door to meaningful talks with your child about empathy, compassion, diversity, and God’s love for them and others. Laura Wifler is the cofounder of Risen Motherhood, the executive director and cohost of the podcast, and coauthor of Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments. Laura, her husband and her three children live in central Iowa.