Meet Jennifer Bosma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Bosma.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
When I was a 4th grader, I read the famous Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. I wrote a ten-page manuscript of my version, which I still have today. This was when my love for writing began. Throughout the years of being an Elementary Education teacher, I loved reading great children’s literature to my students and loved the book fairs. The desire to write my books never left. My first book, The Baby Garden, I wrote in 1994 when I was pregnant with my second daughter. It was the story I told my oldest daughter about “where babies come from,” based on Jeremiah 1:5. I sent it to over 75 publishers, getting back 75 rejection letters, all by snail mail. In 2018, I shared the manuscript with my grown daughters, who encouraged me to try again. With lots of edits, I submitted it, which got picked up by the publisher, Ambassador International. Now it is in over 300 pregnancy centers nationwide with the prayer that it will save babies from abortion. When my first granddaughter was born, I was looking for a book to read to her as her very first one. I didn’t want to read Dr. Seuss or the traditional classics; I wanted to read scripture in a children’s book. This was when I knew that my next children’s book was to write all the scriptures that I had prayed over my daughters had to be written. It is written as if God is speaking to the babies himself. Then he gave me the text in rhyme, which captures a little one’s attention.

Regarding the illustrations, Beth Snider’s name was given to me by a person I respect regarding their art opinion. I contacted Beth, and her style was perfect. Her idea to use animals was perfect because animals worldwide speak to children and encourage diversity. I know the Plans clearly show that God’s love is everywhere for all his children. It is a great book to learn scripture promises for parents and children. The illustrations are off the chart with talent, and the muted rainbow theme over every page is spectacular.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
When you sign up to publish a book, there are always challenges. Also, the timeline for the release date always takes longer than originally anticipated. Beth and I shared the same vision for the illustrations, but at times the creative director of the publishing company had different ideas. So, we had to stay very firm on our vision, and in the end, the publishing company saw the benefits of our suggestions.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Whenever I commit to writing a children’s book, I think, “What message do I want to leave for my grandchildren and future generations?” For me, it is always the Christian principles that are the bedrock of my foundation. These truths are the only things that will stand the test of time in a person’s life on Earth. Faith in Jesus removes life’s scariness and offers the peace that passes all understanding. I want this message of hope in Jesus to be passed down to all children. From being a teacher for over 23 years in a public elementary school, I know what will hold kids’ attention in a book. Rhyming with added scripture and adorable animal habitat illustrations from six out of the seven continents wins over children. Beth and I met for author and illustrator visits in the Kansas City area. We went to two Christian elementary schools over two days and did author visits in over six classrooms from preschool to elementary-aged students. It was a great experience to have us both together for the author and illustrator visits.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My enthusiasm for author visits and classroom experience makes the book come alive in Christian elementary schools or preschools. Also, the scriptures in the book become promises for the kids and parents reading them.

Pricing:

• 18.99 hardcover
• 14.99 softcover

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenniferbosma.com
• Instagram: @frontparkingspot
• Facebook: Jennifer Bosma -Author and Blogger
• Twitter: @jennifer_bosma
• Other: jenniferbosma.com/linktree