Author Chat with Shannon Cook on Her Debut Children’s Book, I Made the Earth
As a new mom, I appreciate quality children’s books. My favorites are ones that rhyme (because my baby boy loves the repeated sounds), have creative illustrations that capture his attention, have an actual storyline I can appreciate, and teach a lesson.
Shannon’s new children’s book, I Made the Earth, does all the above. I have so much enjoyed getting to know Shannon at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference over the years, and it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to her today.
Enjoy this author chat with Shannon!
Q: What made you want to write a children’s book about Earth Day from a biblical perspective?
In our home, we have a seasonal book corner. There’s a reading light and lots of cozy blankets and stuffed animals. In it, I display books for each season and holiday and the books only come out once a year. It’s one of my kids’ favorite things. In the spring of 2022, I was looking to add to our collection and began searching for Earth Day books. I was a little disappointed with the books on the market. I found plenty of your typical non-fiction books about why we recycle and how to conserve water. But the books that were really beautiful – the ones that had colorful photos or gorgeous illustrations seemed to glorify the things of nature rather than the Creator Himself. I decided to let it go, but God wouldn’t. Two mornings in a row, I woke up with a burden to write a book specifically about Earth Day from God’s perspective. (This, by the way, is the only time that’s ever happened to me.) No matter how much I told God I wasn’t equipped to write a picture book, He kept nudging me. When I finally wrote it, I showed it to Michelle Medlock Adams, an author I greatly admire. She did some research and couldn’t find any other Christian Earth Day books on the market. Once she got her own imprint (Wren and Bear Books) with End Game Press, she offered me a contract for “I Made the Earth.” All this to say, when God is ready to move, He will move. When you feel ill-equipped for something, it’s almost easier for Him to work through you because there’s not as much ego in the way. And He will equip you for the things He’s called you to do.
Q: What is the intended age range for this book?
The target audience is kids ages 4-7, but because it’s a seasonal book, it can become a tradition. In my experience, that can buy you a few more years with the book. I have a teen and a tween who both still love to look at the seasonal picture books when they come out each year.
Q: I love that your book rhymes! Most of my baby boy’s favorite books do, and the best ones also reveal a lesson or truth learned. What is one of the key ideas your story teaches?
I’ve heard warnings at writers conferences about using rhyme because it can be difficult to execute. But, I’ve had the same experience as you with rhyming books. They’re the ones my kids would come back to time and time again and they’d often even memorize their favorites. I want my readers to celebrate the Creator as they cherish the things He created.
Q: What is your prayer for the children and families who read this book?
For kids, I want them to delight in the beauty of creation because we tend to protect what we love. For parents, I hope that they will see conservation not as something political, but as stewardship of God’s most precious gifts. I want Christian parents to join the conversation about protecting our planet both for the good of the Earth and to build a bridge for those who love the earth but don’t yet know or love the Creator.
Q: How can readers stay in touch with you?
Follow me on Instagram (@shannoncookwrites) and Facebook (Shannon Cook Writes) or online at shannoncookwrites.com.
Q: Can you hint about what next project you have in the works?
My agent is currently shopping my middle grade historical fiction series, The Girls of Hope which takes place during The Great Depression. I’m also working on a Valentine’s Day picture book called, Jonah’s Valentines.
About the Author
Shannon Cook is a mom, a blogger, and former teacher. She has a BA in Education from The University of Dayton and an MA in Curriculum from The University of Phoenix. Since Shannon’s husband has been a in leader green energy for over 20 years, she and her kids have a special place in their hearts for Earth Day. When she couldn’t find any books about God and Earth Day, she decided to write one. This is her debut, but she also writes middle grade historical fiction. Shannon, Ryan, and their four children live near Columbus, Ohio.
About I Made the Earth
I Made the Earth by Shannon Cook, is a rhyming Earth Day book that is told from God’s perspective. Readers will learn of the beautiful, amazing, and unique things that God has created for us to enjoy-things like waterfalls, forests, and the coral reef. The story also reinforces the importance of doing our part to take care of the earth, and includes five fun facts about Earth Day. Hardcover, 32 pages. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years old.
