Keoni's Big Question by Patti B. Ogden

Join Patti B. Ogden, author of the Christian children's picture book, Keoni's Big Question (Capstone Productions), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in April on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher, there was only one thing Patti Ogden did not enjoy about the teaching experience; too often, her lessons would end with the children not grasping the concepts that they were intended to teach. With a genuine heartfelt desire to reach children’s soul realm, she unleashed her God-given creativity and began to break down her lessons into simple terms – added excitement and drama - and suddenly she saw the "lights go on!" Soon the kids were asking questions and wanting to know more!

With a background in journalism and a sincere burden to help kids seek their own spiritual growth, she is now the author of Keoni’s BIG Question and two other Christian children's books due to be released in 2009.

She was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Patti is a devoted wife to her husband Jeff, of 35 years, mother of two and grandmother to five darlings that fill her life with joy. She and her husband Jeff enjoy life on their eleven acre hobby farm in Oregon, Illinois.

You can visit Patti's website at www.capstone-productions.com

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A boy who seeks answers about God’s presence in everyday life, finds his friend held the key to his revelation all along. This gripping tale follows a pair of dear friends on a fishing trip that turns dangerous, then miraculous, and leaves Keoni with more answers then he ever dreamed possible! Every child wonders why we can’t see God. Keoni’s Big Question makes the answer easy to understand.

I was lucky enough to be able to interview this very talented author. Here are her answers:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Keoni’s Big Question is a 32 page fully-illustrated children’s book that follows the journey of a little boy who is extremely curious about God. The story is about Keoni’s question and his quest to find the correct answers. In the end, he finds that an old family friend held the key to his revelation all along. Every child has questions about God at one time or another, this book helps make the answers easy to understand.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Yes, I am a Sunday school teacher and I had a few very disappointing experiences where the children were not grasping the basic Bible concepts that I was trying to teach. I realized that many of the studies aimed at children were presented far above their level and they couldn’t relate to the words and examples that were used. I decided something had to be done to reach them and when I was successful at doing so, the idea for a book came to mind.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

William Branham told a story about a little lad and a grandfatherly gentleman "Old Fisherman" in some of his sermons. That was my inspiration. My challenge was to name the boy and fill in the gaps with fiction.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I am very passionate about reaching out and spreading the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. It’s a treasure we are not to keep to ourselves. You know, let your light shine!

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I have improved on sentence structure and learned that less is more.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

On my first book I am very thankful to my friends George Smith as well as David and Sharon Buckley. They have given their utmost assistance with constructive analysis, wonderful suggestions and editing; all of it has helped me "think outside of the box".

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

When I received comments, reviews and feedback that hit me right at the goal I wanted to reach. My book moved not just people, but entire families. That was an awesome moment.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?


















The ability to discern what children are needing and saying without them ever speaking a word.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

It doesn’t have just one message or meaning. A parent or teacher can take this book and teach at least seven different Biblical messages, virtues or lessons from it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I would like to invite everyone to our website www.Capstone-Productions.com to learn more about our books. We would love to have you stop by! My new blog will begin in a couple of weeks.

Also, we have two other books coming out this year. Shamgar and the Ox Goad and Momma, Am I Pretty?

Our book trailer for Keoni’s Big Question will be out in May.

It’s been great to be here, I would like to thank you for hosting me. Blessings, Patti

WIN PRIZES!!!

THE KEONI'S BIG QUESTION VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on April 1 and end on April 30. You can visit Patti's blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in April to find out more about this talented author!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.

A Carousel Tale by Elisa Kleven

Ernst loves the carousel near his house, and his favorite animal to ride is the dog. When the dog's wooden tail comes loose just before winter, the carousel keeper gives Ernst the important job of watching over it until springtime. But the tail looks so sad sitting on Ernst's shelf without its dog that Ernst can't help but try to cheer it up. It isn't long before he has transformed the lonely tail into something wonderful!

As spring approaches, Ernst wonders if he will have to give up his special creation. And if he doesn't, what will the poor dog have to wag? The inventive blue crocodile from Ernst and The Puddle Pail shines in a story children will cherish.

I was lucky enough to get the author to agree to an interview. Here's what she had to say:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

It tells the story of a young blue crocodile, Ernst, ( featured in three other books of mine), who uses his creativity to make something wonderful out of a loss. Ernst is sad when his favorite carousel is covered up for winter and vexed by finding the his beloved carousel dog's tail on the ground. When the carousel keeper tells Ernst he can take care of the tail over the winter, Ernst finds himself turning the tail into a friendly bird, which keeps him company all winter. Ernst, however, is also loyal to his old friend the dog, for whom he creates a nice new tail in spring.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

It's the story of my life! I have always cheered myself up by making things with my hands

Who is your biggest supporter?

The children who read my books.

Your biggest critic?

Myself and the occasional ,critical book reviewer!

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

Saving planet earth, because it's our one and only, and very beautiful, home.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I am always trying to learn to paint and draw better.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

I usually feel very tired, and take a replenishing walk along the beach. Or eating a crispy and comforting vegetarian meal.

What are you currently working on?

I'm doing finished pictures for a story about a young elephant named Stanley.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Read as much as you can. Try to write at least a few sentences a day, just for yourself, and try not to worry about how polished or "good" they sound.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

I think that Hans Christian Andersen gave me "permission" to delve into my imagination and animate the world around me, even after I was supposed to "grow up" and abandon these childlike activities.

What are some of your long term goals?

I hope to keep creating stories and pictures for children, and I hope to inspire children to make things with their hands and to appreciate their innate imaginative gifts.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Getting published at all, since I am self taught and really didn't know what I was doing when I started creating children's books 20 years ago.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

I remember how it felt to be a child .

Biggest weakness?

I wish I drew and painted better.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

Every book is unique because every author and illustrators' way of seeing is unique.

You know the scenario you're stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

The collected works of Shakespeare.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

9/11 -- I wish I could have stopped the bad guys. Or I wish I could have prevented Hitler from being conceived!

What is your favorite past-time?

Walking on a grassy slope above the ocean.

For more information about the books or the author please visit http://www.elisakleven.com/