Reader Interview #2: Edie Melson looks for fun children's books with a good storyline.

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:

​Penny: Please tell my readers a little about yourself and how you use books in your relationships with children. 
Edie: I’m a life-long reader and writer, as well as an author of twenty-four books, numerous articles, and I’m an active blogger. I’m also a professional nature photographer. 
I loved sharing books with my kids when they were young and now that they have kids, I get to start all over again! I think it’s so amazing to see how my grandkids’ taste in books is different. Figuring out what they like to read, helps me get to know their personalities  and bond with them in a special way (they’re all five and under). And it’s always a treat to share books their parents’ loved, as well as new stories. 

Penny: Can you think of a book that made a big impact on you as a child? Why was it so important at that time?
Edie: When I was young, my dad would read to me. He would choose big books with lots of chapters, but still meant for kids. He would read me one chapter a night before bed. The ones that really stand out in my memory are James and the Giant Peach (Roald Dahl), Dr. Dolittle (Hugh Lofting), and Swiss Family Robinson (Johann David Wyss). I think this early practice helped solidify my love of getting lost in a book. 
As I grew, my grandparents gave me a Bible Storybook and that was something I almost wore completely out. Best of all, God used that book and the stories in it to draw me to Jesus.

"My grandparents gave me a Bible Storybook and that was something I almost wore completely out. Best of all, God used that book and the stories in it to draw me to Jesus." 
- Edie Melson

​​Penny: What are some of your favourite books to share with children?
Edie: I absolutely love Dr. Seuss books. They’re just so fun and provide a positive experience for the youngest children. I also adore Eric Carle books. I find that bits of these stories remain in our kids memories and they can quote them.

Penny: When you are looking for Christian children's books, whether to give as gifts or for your own family, what is important to you?
Edie: For me, the first consideration when choosing a book is if it’s fun and has either a good storyline or is compelling through cadence and illustrations. I don’t bother with books that appear to be written to prove a specific viewpoint or just educational. The second thing I look for is a believer’s world view. This doesn’t mean the book has to be Christian, just wholesome and in line with the morals our family finds important. 

Penny: If you could recommend one Christian children's book to the readers of my blog, what would it be and why?
Edie: I absolutely love Our God is Bigger Than That from Michelle Medlock Adams and Eva Marie Everson. This book is so timely. Our world is in chaos and the peace this book introduces by putting everything in perspective to God cannot be beat! ​