Carolyn Tonkin is an amazing woman of faith I've had the priviledge to meet through Omega Writers, Australia's Christian Writers' Network. She is the current president of that organisation and has a heart for encouraging Aussie Christian writers. She's a writer herself, and is writing a Christian historical fiction series called The Mark of the Spirit, the second book in the series will launch in time for Christmas (a perfect gift for historical fiction lovers)! 
I loved hearing from Carolyn about the way she engages with children's books, especially her advice about what to do if you aren't enjoying what you are reading - brilliant!

Linsey Painter is an Aussie children's author. She's also an avid reader, the leader of the Omega Writers Fantasy and Sci/Fi Chapter and a mum of three boys (one of whom illustrates some of her books!). Linsey and I connected years ago, over writing but also over our shared experiences in mission (both as adults and as MKs). I've long respected Linsey's work so was excited to interview her for this series so I could learn more about how she reads, shares books with young people and how that in-turn influences her own writing. Enjoy!

You'll love this interview with Michelle.
How do I know? Because she's honest enough to admit to something we all do: we judge books by their covers! And, here's the thing. I agree with her. Especially when it comes to children's books. When adults are choosing books to share with children - whether it's for bedtime stories, or in a classroom or library setting - covers are hugely important invitations. But that's not all Michelle looks out for when selecting books...

Continuing my Reader Interview series, this month I'm interviewing Grace a primary teacher librarian. I was thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed for this blog series, mainly because I know school librarians have an enthusiastic yet critical appreciatioin of children's literature. They understand current trends and childhood experiences, and use that knowledge to specialise in matching books with kids (school librarians are my heros!). But I was also interested in what Grace would have to say about books with faith content - given she works at a Christian school and is a committed Christian herself. Her interview is interesting, insightful and packed full of fabulous book recommendations!

When thinking about who to interview for my series of blog posts about how we interact with children's books, I immediately thought of my friend Edie Melson.
Edie is a writer, yes, so we already know she loves books. But she's also a thoughtful Christian woman whose life is grounded in her love of God's word and prayer. And, she's a grandma! So I was keen to ask how she uses children's books, and what she looks for when choosing them for her grandkids and family. 
Here's what she had to say: