In the fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes we are told that two can stand back-to-back and conquer. However, three are even better — for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

As an author, this war-like imagery is powerful because writing a children’s book is not for sissies. One must be mighty to undertake such a task. For this reason, I knew it would take a fearless team to create Do You Like Peas?

In my last blog post, you met Megan Campbell-Curl, co-author of Do You Like Peas? In this post, I would like to introduce you to the third strand of our not-easily-broken-cord, illustrator Beth Snider. I did not know Beth before this book project, but it did not take long to learn she is both beautiful and mighty. Beth is charming, fun, and super talented!

During the book writing process, we met at Panera Bread. And although we talked all-things-book, on many occasions the conversation easily turned to discussing life, Jesus, children and all kinds of things friends chat about. Many of our meetings could’ve been much shorter except I simply loved spending time with Beth! After working with her for almost a year, I can say Beth is completely committed to three things: her craft, her family, and Jesus.

To help you get to know Beth a little better, I asked her three questions:

How does one become a children’s book illustrator?

Illustrators learn the skills of drawing, practice doing art on a daily basis for years, and take time to build an interesting portfolio. They share their work publicly and join communities of other children’s book artists, authors and designers. They let everyone know they are available to hire as a children’s book artist and eventually they will be approached by interested authors. 

How is illustrating for a children’s book different than other types of illustrations?

Illustrating a children’s book requires the skill of being able to draw the same things over and over again while keeping them looking consistent. It takes a great amount of endurance and commitment to draw a whole book because you are not simply drawing the 30 or so finished pages but many more sketches and discarded versions in preparation for the finished book. 

Why do you think it takes a team/soldier effort to create a children’s book?

Creating a children’s book is not something that can be approached lightly. It takes time and effort. It takes patience and support. This type of project requires a special kind of commitment to the process and a dedication to getting the end result just right. 

What an honor it is to work with such a lovely and professional artist. THANKS BETH!

You can learn more about Beth at Beth Snider Art.

“Would you be interested in writing a children’s book with me?” I asked my niece, Megan.

I don’t recall her exact words, but they were something like, “Sure. That would be fun!”

I knew if Do You Like Peas? had any chance of becoming a children’s book, I would need an experienced children’s person to help with the words of the book. I believed Megan was perfect for the task mainly because she LOVES children. Megan teaches second grade, volunteers with the young girls at her church, is beloved by her two young nieces, and is a great writer. Strong credentials.

Equally important, Megan and I share two passions: we both love to write and we both love Jesus! I felt we would make a great team.

We decided to meet during Spring Break to conduct book research. We met with a variety of people who spend time with children so we could learn about book message and demographics of readers. By the end of the week our brains were full, but we had had a blast!

Not long after that, we began the writing process. Often, we wrote at coffee shops because we felt our creative juices flowed better there.  After long days and nights, our first draft was complete. We celebrated with dinner at a fancy restaurant.

In the subsequent months, we revised, edited, pondered, prayed, and laughed. Through this adventure we learned important stuff about each other, like we both prefer Coke over Pepsi. We grew accustomed to each other’s sense of humor and work ethic. We discovered and agreed an early bedtime works best for each of us.

I also discovered a few things about my sweet niece. Megan drinks coffee in the morning and pop in the afternoon. She furrows her eyebrows when she’s deep in thought. She likes ice cream but not tomatoes. And she loves colored pencils.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”

Do You Like Peas? could not have succeeded without the partnership of Megan’s words, experience and perspective. I’m grateful she came along with me on this adventure. One of the things I loved most about writing a book with my niece: it gave us a memory we can share forever. And at the end of the day, I think this is what makes life both wild & wonderful!

Imagine this:

What is something you prefer to do with someone rather than doing it alone?

Get your autographed copy and Free Shipping by August 5 (use promo code: summer) click here:  Buy Do You Like Peas

My mom always called the period of time when people are becoming friends the “do you like peas” stage. This is when you are learning about each other’s likes, dislikes, and backgrounds. Spending time in the “do you like peas” stage helps move relationships from just an acquaintance to a friendship. 

When I said yes to Jesus at nine years old, my relationship with him was much like the “do you like peas” stage. I didn’t immediately know everything about Jesus the day we became friends. I attended church and learned simple things about him. My Sunday school teachers and parents read the Bible to me and taught me short Bible verses. And as our relationship grew, I wanted to know Him better. 

Just like a relationship with a girlfriend, a friendship with Jesus begins at the “do you like peas” stage and develops over time. 

I felt Do You Like Peas? was a perfect name for a children’s book because it’s a simple question any child can ask and understand the answer. Becoming a friend with Jesus is the same. He starts with His simple question to anyone who wants to answer, “Do you want to be my friend?” 

My hope is that children will read Do You Like Peas? and be inspired to ask Jesus to become their best friend!

“Have you considered adapting A Wild & Wonderful Life into a children’s book?” my friend, Linda, asked at the launch party of my first book written for grown-ups.

“Why no, I haven’t,” I replied.

And at that moment the Holy Spirit began to prick my heart at what would become an idea for a children’s book called Do You Like Peas? As an adult writer and teacher for twenty-plus years, I’ve never really been around children much. However, there is one topic in my first book that crosses all generational lines: Jesus wants to be your best friend.

For me personally, the greatest promise Jesus makes is when He says, “I have called you friend.” Through this promise, all the things that go along with friendship are what make my relationship with Him so wonderful. I think a friendship with Jesus is kind of like the relationship someone would have with her best friend.

Perhaps one of the most frequent struggles I hear from women is that they are lonely. In a world of activity, technology, and busyness, we still have a hard time making friends. I am learning this is not only true for women but for girls, too. I am grateful to my friend Linda who encouraged me to share the message of friendship —  with Jesus and others — to a young audience. It’s been so fun!

My prayer is that when a young girl reads Do You Like Peas? she will discover she is never alone. Jesus is truly her best friend and He goes with her on every journey life takes. Truly, in the midst of wild times — wildly good and wildly hard — Jesus is with her, and this makes life wonderful.

To learn more about or purchase a signed copy of Do You Like Peas? go to Buy Peas Book