Today, I'm excited to introduce Robin Currie to you. Robin spent her library career in the children’s department where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but also in jumping, waving, and face-making. She has published more than 45 picture books, and now, she celebrates the launch of her latest one, Just Enough Room for Christmas (illustrated by Estelle Corke, published by Good Books/Sky Horse, 2025). Welcome, Robin!
Interview
Sue: Just Enough Room for Christmas is a fun and playful, fictional Christmas story, at times, reminiscent of The Three Little Pigs fairy tale. Please tell us the story behind the story. How did Just Enough Room for Christmas all begin?
Robin: In Story Storm (a 30-day idea brainstorming group every January) of 2023, idea #5 was “Stable is just a shed for travelers’ horses and donkeys, the inn keepers’ cow and a few mice – Nothing Happens in a Stable.”
That spring, my agent suggested I write 10 pieces about Christmas and see if he could sell some. That produced a few, including one called “Old Hannah.”
An early outline showed the animals asking Old Hanna to let them in to the stable, and the cow replying. The last to arrive is a tired couple about to have a baby. The animals quiet down to make room for the newborn King.
The agent told me that in today’s religious market, animals don’t talk, and my project had a better chance of selling if the cattle didn’t chatter.
And the title should be changed to something about Christmas.
After receiving input from critique groups, I sent it to a couple of contests, mostly for some outside feedback. The manuscript got an honorable mention in the Cascade Writers 2024 and won Silver for Royal Palm Literary Awards 2024 from Florida Writers Association.
In an Above the Slush Pile opportunity, I sent it to Good Books/Sky Horse (noting it was already an award winner and the animals did NOT talk!) and got an immediate response. Not only YES – but YES in 2025!
Sue: How might adults use this book with their children?
Robin: More animal noises mean more reader and listener interaction as everyone gets involved. This is a good story to read at home or in a group at preschool or even in a Christmas Eve service!
Sue: As a professional librarian and a volunteer who has read to kids in your home state and around the world, you've been immersed in children's literature. How has that impacted your career as a writer?
Robin: As a children’s librarian, I learned familiar and fun story formats, often with group participation. I enjoy finding ways to apply them to religious stories. This book is the “always room for one more,” like The Mitten by Jan Brett. But of course, the twist is at the end, where these animals are the first to see the newborn King.
I write not only for the kids I see all the time, but ones I met in India, Peru, and Tanzania! They all love animal noises!
Sue: What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
Robin: Pioneer Tree, the story of a Quaking Aspen’s contribution to forest regrowth after a fire. (The Little Press, fall 2026).
Sue: Please finish these thoughts:
I never have enough room for… more adventures! Bring on the Zipline!
A favorite Christmas tradition… is remembering the story behind each ornament as we place them on the tree.
I was hoping you'd ask… about my day job! I am an ordained Lutheran pastor/Episcopal priest! I had a solo parish for 15 years and now serve weekly when I am needed.
Sue: We're happy you joined us today, Robin, and wish you all the best on the launch of Just Enough Room for Christmas!
GIVEAWAY!
Just Enough Room for Christmas makes a great Christmas gift. Robin is giving away one copy of the book, and we’re delighted to pass it along to one of our readers. To be entered in the contest, leave a comment below by October 27th.
In Case You Missed It...
Check out Pam Halter's review of Just Enough Room for Christmas here.
Children’s author and educator Sue Irwin has written nature features, biographical articles, and how-to craft articles for various magazines, including AppleSeeds and Highlights for Children, and she’s a frequent contributor to Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Her middle-grade nonfiction books for the general market have received top awards, and she’s excited about her upcoming board book, Hey There, Blue Bird! Why Do You Chirp? (B&H Publishing, 2026). Sue hosts W2I’s monthly Time2Write sessions, and she invites you to connect with her here.
Aww, sounds like such a cute and fun book! I loved hearing Robin’s thoughts. All the best to both of you!
Thanks so much, Sue, for sharing Old Hannah and her noisy barn!
Great interview! I did love reviewing Robin’s story (I had it on PDF.) It would be a fun addition to our church’s library!
And I always tell new authors that the public librarian is their best friend. Librarians know what the kids are reading NOW and what they like and look forward to.
And animal noises? YES! Give me ALL the onomatopoeia words!! I host Storytime once a month at our local library and love reading out loud to the kids. I do all the voices and sounds and put in all the energy and fun I can! I think there are times when I enjoy the story more than the kids. haha!
Little one do love animal noises, and this book sounds like a great book for Christmas! The preschoolers at my school love books like this as do a couple little ones in my family! Great interview!
Just Enough Room for Christmas looks like a must-have for my youngest grandchildren.
I love Sue Irwin’s questions and enjoyed learning about Robin Currie’s persistence in pursuing publishing opportunities for this story — perhaps a parallel to elements in the story itself!
Hi Robin and Sue, It was so fun to hear the story behind the story! I’ve read this book and love it. ❤️