Today, I have the privilege of meeting with Laura Sassi to celebrate the launch of her latest picture book, Faithful Feet (illustrated by Emauela Di Donna, published by Worthy Kids).

Interview

Sue: Hi, Laura. Welcome back to Write2Ignite, and congrats on Faithful Feet! This book is so much fun to read, and it’s already receiving great reviews. Kirkus has called it “a solidly presented, sure-footed message rooted in the Christian faith.” What a unique way of presenting the Gospel message to young children!

Let's start with a stroll down memory lane. We know that from the first story spark to publication can be a long process. What inspired you to write this book?

Laura: First, let me just say that I love your questions with their foot-themed play on words. Taking that walk down inspiration alley, I’d say two things provided those first sparks of inspiration. First, I’ve always loved the Old Testament verse from Isaiah that talks about the beautiful feet of those who spread good news (Isaiah 52:7) and had decided that I wanted to write a book for children with that as the anchor verse. But, how, I wondered, could I bring that verse alive to kids in a fresh, fun way? The answer came one day as I was strolling through an old writing journal and found a silly poem about feet that I’d written but never done anything with. The poem made me giggle and I knew right away that I’d found, not just the opening verse to the story, but also the structure and lens through which I’d tell the story—feet!

Sue: You make writing for kids look like a walk in the park. What tips do you have for a new writer?

Laura: Writing, in my opinion, is more like a long, long hike than a walk, with many opportunities for growth and improvement along the way. With that in mind, my top tip would be not to rush the process by sending manuscripts out to publishers prematurely. Instead keep honing your craft, day by day. This honing could include reading mentor texts, attending writing workshops or joining a critique group and, of course, writing daily.  When you think a piece is ready to submit to a publisher or agent, I would suggest setting it aside for at least a week, or preferably several. Then, give it another careful check, possibly sending it to a trusted critique partner for one last review, if necessary.  Repeat until you feel certain it is the best you can make it. Then, and only then, start sending it out strategically. Remember, though, that like a hike, which can cause blisters and other setbacks as you build up resilience, writing is a tough business with lots of hurdles along the way.  My last tip, then, is to gird yourself with patience and a positive, prayerful attitude.

Sue: You specialize in writing Christian picture books and board books. Is there a genre of writing you haven't tried, that you might like to dip your toes into?

Laura: Great question! I love stretching myself by writing in new, different ways. In 2023, I wrote my first devotional for preschoolers. This was a new genre for me and I loved every moment of the process. As I was writing it, I kept thinking and praying over all the little ones (and their mamas and others) who would soon, I hoped, be reading it.  And that got me thinking that it might be neat to write a devotional for the mamas.  I’m still praying on that idea.

I’ve also been kicking around (to use another foot image) an idea for an early chapter book series and even have a very rough draft of a possible first book, but it’s not yet singing…or tapping!

Sue: What are some ways parents and educators might use Faithful Feet?

Laura: Here are just three (of many) ways:

First and foremost, I hope Faithful Feet is read and explored, page by page, as a fun introduction to God’s love and His longing for us to trust and follow Him fully, and to share His good news with others. 

Second, since the story culminates with Easter, Faithful Feet I think it would be a great choice for a church or school Easter event or as the spark for an Easter-time Sunday School lesson.

Third, because the modern-day children in the story are shown spreading God’s love in various hands-on, mission-oriented ways, I think it would be meaningful to pair the book with a kid-appropriate mission or outreach project, such as making and delivering sandwiches to a food shelter or making cards to deliver to a nursing home etc.

Sue: What's next for you in your writing journey?

Laura: Right now I have several projects at various stages of readiness. These include a couple picture book manuscripts, several poems and crafts for magazines, and a lineup of blog posts for 2025. I’m also praying over some new book ideas. 

I’m also excited to share that I have two books releasing in 2025. The first is Faithful Feet, which we’ve been chatting about today.  Then, coming in July I have a picture book with Paraclete Press called Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle, about a mouse and a chipmunk and a tea party that goes terribly wrong!  

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

When starting something new, my first step is to pray for God’s direction and blessing.

This year, I’m looking forward to visiting new schools and churches and returning to others as I share God’s love through story!

I pray that the words that we (all of us who write in faith-filled ways) craft into stories would be pleasing to God as they point others to Him.

I wish you'd asked… if there were any special resources to go with Faithful Feet. And the answer would be, YES!  Worthy Kids and I created a free activity kit to go with the book which you can find here.

Giveaway!

Laura is giving away a copy of Faithful Feet, and we’re happy to pass this along to one of our readers. For your chance to win, leave a comment in this blog by March 3.

Sue Irwin is a children’s author and educator. For fun, she loves to read funny stories, mystery adventures, and fascinating nonfiction. In addition to two middle-grade nonfiction books about sports, she has written articles for Clubhouse Jr, Clubhouse, AppleSeeds, and Highlights for Children magazines. When it comes to writing, more than anything, Sue enjoys sharing the story of God’s love with kids. Sue is also W2I’s Time2Write coordinator. Find her online here.