Why Children’s Fiction? by Amberly Kristen Clowe
I am always fascinated at which genre(s) a person enjoys reading? Do they become engrossed in the facts of nonfiction?Are they captivated with literature that supplies helpful suggestions to better oneself? Do they enjoy a suspenseful who-dun-it or a telling memoir?
From a very young age, I have found the coziest of homes in children’s fiction. One moment, I’m lounging in my living room, and the next, I’m whisked to a fantastical planet, fighting for humanity and goodness. Or maybe I’m suddenly nine-years old, navigating the surprising quirks of life, and with both innocence as much humor as possible. I’m so in love with the way authors weave these worlds. Anything can happen to anyone. And when I crack that book open to page one, I’m exhilarated, knowing I’m seconds from entering what was once an author’s blank canvas. Who am I? Where am I? Which direction did the author take the story?
So, as you can imagine, the leap from reading children’s fiction to writing children’s fiction was a small one. It is a true privilege to introduce readers to a new character, to a new setting, to a new cause worth fighting for. I can’t help but smile when thinking about young readers, laughing out loud, or being touched during a difficult, but relatable time of growth. The idea that I’m on a distant planet, or in a different dimension, or in a busy town, yet I’m still just trying to figure myself out, trying to figure out how all of these crazy life pieces fit together in a pleasing way to God, that is mesmerizing.
And that is children’s fiction.
About the author: Amberly Kristen Clowe, a veteran elementary school teacher, writes from her home in Kingwood, Texas, where she lives with her husband, two children, and two dogs, Roxie and Bella. The author of two picture books and a chapter book, Amberly is an avid cycler and fan of all things coffee. Amberly spends her days crafting stories that share faith in a fun way with young readers. Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash is the first chapter book in the brand new Teeny Sweeney series.
About the Book:
Third-grader Teeny Sweeney has been one-upped by seemingly perfect Amanda Mayweather too many times. When their teacher assigns a project to create a business plan, Teeny knows she’s destined for success. After all, with two entrepreneurs as parents, business sense is in her blood! The best laid plans, though, often go awry. Teeny will have to learn that God’s plan is one she can always trust, and that with prayer it is possible to love everyone—even Amanda Mayweather. With Teeny, young readers will learn that even when things don’t seem to work out, you can always trust God’s plan.