Reader Interview #7: Sue Schlesman looks for books that don't water down the truth.

I first 'met' Sue Schlesman when I was reviewing a children's Bible. She was one of the authors of The Compassion Storybook Bible, a delightful children's Bible that places God's compassion at the centre (you can read my review here). I was impressed by Sue's approach to sharing God's word with children so when she reached out to let me know about her new picture book I was keen to take the opportunity to interview her again. She's got lots of great reading suggestions, and a lovely story of how books and story have shaped her life and love of writing! 

Penny: Tell me a little about yourself and how you use books in your relationships with children.
Sue: I began reading at age 4 and have been an avid reader and lover of books my whole life. My mom was a college literature professor and built 3 Christian school libraries, so I grew up going to used book sales and mending used books. Our family held books in high regard. By second grade, I was writing and illustrating little stories, and I wanted to become a writer. I grew up caring for children at church, babysitting, going on mission trips and loving on the children; eventually, I became a teacher. I believe childhood is the most formative and critical time in a person's life. Their whole identities are formed--it's imperative for children to meet Jesus and form a God worldview as early as possible.

Penny: When you are looking for Christian children's books, whether to give as gifts or for your own family/classroom, what is important to you? 
Sue: I look for books with a God worldview that doesn't water down truth or misrepresent the whole gospel. I'm also irritated when Bible stories are changed because someone thought that children needed a Hallmark-version of the Bible. Bible characters are flawed; they aren't super-human. The hero of the Bible is Jesus. We must make sure that translates to children. Otherwise, we end up with self-centric Christianity.​

"The hero of the Bible is Jesus. We must make sure that translates to children. Otherwise, we end up with self-centric Christianity."
- Sue Schlesman

Penny: What are some of your favourite books to share with children and why?
Sue: For 0-3's, I love Runaway Bunny, Peter Rabbit and I Love You Forever
For 3-8's, it's The Velveteen Rabbit, Curious George, Little Bear, Madeline, Little Polar Bear, Little House books, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, Trumpet of the Swan.
For 8-12's, Magic Treehouse, Little House books, Narnia books, Little Princess, Secret Garden, Newbery Medal winners like Kate DiCamillo, Lois Lowry and Elizabeth George Speare, plus all the historical fiction.

Penny: Can you think of a book, or books, that made a big impact on you as a child? What was it and why was it so important at that time?
Sue: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Little Princess, The Little House on the Prairie, through these books I fell in love with storytelling, being brave, and wanting to write.

Penny:  You've just released a new children's picture book called "I love you more than the day before". Can you tell us about the inspiration behind that book and why you wrote it?
Sue: It's critical for kids to understand that their parents' love is eternal and independent of what they do or don't do. It's also important to remind parents in the throws of parenting that moments fly by quickly and can vanish without fully embracing the season they occurred in. I wanted to write a story for both parents and children (and grandparents) so they feel the beauty and importance of every moment together. I also used metaphors from nature throughout the book to make love more concrete for the reader.
Here's the back cover blurb: I Love You More Than the Day Before is a heartwarming picture book about the ever-growing love between a mother and her child. Through lyrical storytelling and watercolor illustrations, the story captures the beauty of everyday moments and childhood milestones, showing how a parent's love deepens with each passing day. The book explores themes of belonging, growth, connection, and the enduring bond that carries families through life's changing seasons.

For more information about Sue Schlesman visit her website. To purchase a copy of her new book, visit Amazon.