Will and the Red Ball

Christianity in a Changing Culture is one of my favorite programs, but I am especially looking forward to today's broadcast. Why? Because both the author and the illustrator are very dear to me. For many months I had hoped that an interview could be scheduled, then when I finally heard that one was indeed scheduled, I had to wait to hear it. Ohhhhh... *sigh.* I needn't wait much longer, however, for the day is well and truly here, and the countdown has begun! The minutes are ticking by (second by second, of course), and the suspense I have been enduring has built up to its climax so that my nerves are tingling with excitement! While I anxiously wait for these last few minutes to pass, let me use this meantime to tell you a little bit about them, more of which can be found on their website willgopress.com.

Gloria is a very fun lady who loves her Lord and her family. She also loves kids and reading and writing. For quite awhile, she has been using Shutterfly to publish photo books for her family about her cats' fictional adventures. I've seen a few of them, and they're very amusing! Her Christmas letters to family, friends, & loved ones are much anticipated by all. Her blog, Ants in Pith Helmets, is full of quippy little accounts about the things that cross her path throughout each day. I am so glad she is now using her God-given talent for writing children's books in addition to these other writings. And guess what? Even adults love them!

Karne, Gloria's daughter and mother of Will, is very sweet and thoughtful. Her love for her Lord is sure and strong as she seeks to grow closer to Him. She and her husband have two children, toddler Will and baby Lilias, whom they love so very much. For as long as I can remember, she has been using her artistic talent to create watercolors of God's beautiful creation, as well as using it as a means to encourage others in their life's journey.

Let's not forget little Will, the main character of each book! From what I hear, he is a bundle of energy, who is growing up quickly. In my opinion, he's much too cute for his own good, and I'm hoping he and his family will come up here again sometime soon. Already he has these books tucked away in his memory and follows along quite well. (There's a video of Gloria reading to him on their website.)

Here's how Steve sums up the books on his blog:

Christianity in a Changing Culture: "Will and the Red Ball"

Book 1

Gloria Dunshee & Karne McGary
"Will and the Red Ball"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-0-1, $11.95

"Will and the Magic Snowman"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-1-8, $11.95

These are stories about Will's adventures in different places: New York City and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gloria shares how and why she started writing children's books, and what she hopes these books for 3-8 year-olds will do to help children love reading, and to enhance closeness between children and parents.

[link to podcast]

Oh, and by the way, Steve has 4 sets of books 1-2 to give away today!

Let me also encourage you to tune in to Christianity in a Changing Culture often because you'll hear many more interesting interviews like this one, sometimes also with book giveaways such as today. Both new and experienced authors enjoy talking to Steve about their books, and many listeners such as myself enjoy hearing the author's perspective and what they hope the reader will take away from their writings.