During October, five children’s fiction authors will visit my blog. You’ll learn how these authors come up with their characters, why they write children’s literature, and much more. They all have one thing in common. They work with Little Lamb Books, a Texas publisher of faith-based fiction for children – elementary, middle school, and young adult. 
Since I’m a retired elementary teacher from Texas, I’m excited about these authors. Thanks to Rachel Pellegrino, founder and publisher, for getting in touch with me.
Why write children’s fiction?
By Shelly Roark
Let’s play a game. I’ll write a phrase and you guess where it’s from . . .
“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”
“A person’s a person no matter how small.”
“Once there was a tree . . . and she loved a little boy.”
“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”
If the books featuring these memorable phrases immediately popped into your mind, you were probably read to as a child. Maybe you’ve read these very phrases to a child you love. Either way, they’ve stuck with you.
That’s the beauty of a children’s book—simplicity, memorability, connection.
As a professional writer for almost 30 years, I’ve penned a lot of words. I’ve read a lot of words. But the words that stick with me most to this day are the ones that first opened my eyes to the magic and wonder of a good story.
The Poky Little Puppy was as nosy as I was. The Little Engine that Could made me feel anything was possible. And the silly Cat in the Hat made me giggle.
I write children’s fiction because I want to connect with children in that special way . . . my prayer is to take it a step further.
My greatest desire is to use my passion for writing to share simple truths of faith with kiddos in a way that will stick with them. Jesus knew the power of a story to explain spiritual themes. His parables were not complicated, but they were memorable.
Jesus could have simply said, “Even though you may sin and turn away from me, I love you and rejoice when you come back to me.” Instead, he tells the story of the shepherd who leaves 99 other sheep to look for the lost one.
If that wasn’t enough, He connects emotionally with everyone parent who has ever read the story of The Prodigal Son.
Jesus gives us so many examples like these of how a simple story can explain eternal truth. I pray daily that God will use me toshare stories that are simple, memorable and connect children to Him.
Writing children’s fiction is a both a joy and a great responsibility. It’s not easy, but thanks to lessons I learned from one tough, determined little engine . . .
“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”
About the book:
The Bubble Who Would Not POP! shares the adventure of a determined bubble on a mission. Billy Bubble must get the green-eyed girl’s prayer to heaven! It’s not easy for a bubble to keep it together . . . will he see God before he pops? Join Billy on his surprising journey as he learns some life-changing lessons about God’s love and the power of prayer. The book is available online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Target and other online outlets.
About the author:
Shelly Roark has been writing professionally for more than 25 years—from early years as a newspaper reporter to ghost writer for ministries and non-profits. Today, she is a senior copywriter for Focus on the Family. Her debut children’s picture book—The Bubble Who Would Not POP!—recently received Gold in IBPA’s 2018 Benjamin Franklin/Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children’s/YA) and the 2018 Silver Medal Illumination Book Award. Shelly and her husband Geoff live in Texas with their three teens.
Website: http://shellyroarkauthor.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Shelly-Roark-Author-263783447351979/
Thank you for sharing about Shelly Roark. She is a new author to me. I’ve signed up for her newsletter. Love the cover of the book! So cute! Looking forward to reading the book.
Melissa, I figured you would be interested as she writes children’s literature. Every Wednesday in October I’ll feature one of the Little Lamb authors.
YAY! Thanks for checking us out Melissa! You will love Shelly’s book for any of the children in your life!
-Rachel, Little Lamb Books
Thank you, Melissa, for reaching out. I hope you love my little friend Billy Bubble and his adventure!
Thank you, June, for letting me chat about something I love on your blog! Blessings!
So happy to feature you today, Shelly. Melissa writes children’s literature as well. I figured she’d be interested in your book. Please feel free to visit again.