I first met Jennifer Jahn at a Write2Ignite's Time2Write session. It's always a treat to chat with Jennifer, and today, it's a special joy to introduce her to you as she celebrates the release of her debut children's book, God's Wide Wonderful World (illustrated by Chloe Labian, published by B&H Publishing). Welcome, Jennifer!

Interview

Sue: Please tell us the story behind the writing of God's Wide Wonderful World.

Jennifer: I wrote what now feels like a basic outline of the book in 2021 when I was part of the 12x12 group. We would write a picture book a month. God’s Wide Wonderful World was one of my first manuscripts. I think the more we know about God the deeper the trust, love, and dependence we will have for Him. I hope that this little board book will be a toe in the deep ocean of who God is and that we ultimately belong to Him because He is our Creator.

Sue: Your home is a full house—with your pastor husband, four kids—and you. But I understand that's not all. Tell us about the WIDE assortment of animals a guest might encounter when they visit. Did these creatures have anything to do with sparking the idea for your book?

Jennifer: For a non-pet family we have many… Some make sense, like our chickens. I love not having to buy eggs from the grocery store! But then we also have ducks, not as logical because I found out after eating the eggs that I am allergic to duck eggs. I didn’t even know that was possible! Now inside our home we have 6 fish - 3 Fantail Goldfish - and one Bernedoodle, Tucker. Our inn is full.

Believe it or not I actually wrote this book when we had no pets!

Sue: As a homeschooling mom, you bring a unique perspective to your writing. What are some ways adults might use this WONDERFUL board book with children?

Jennifer: There will be some great parent resources through the B&H website. I wrote the curriculum for the bird animal class. Aside from that you can use the book as part of your nature study. Take the book to the zoo and do an animal scavenger hunt. Use the different animals within each class and compare/contrast the animals’ diets, habitats, coloring, etc. 

Sue: What in the WORLD can we look forward to seeing from you next? ☺
Jennifer: While still part of our world, it feels a little out of this world because my next picture book is about the stars! Probably one of my most favorite parts of God’s creation (other than His people) are the stars. I wasn’t fully aware of them until we lived in the desert. They are gorgeous, with so much purpose, and, like all things God created, point us back to Him. 

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

There's nothing more wonderful than...whales. I love whales! All types. Way back when, I thought I would be a marine biologist, but then I saw you had to take calculus in college. I’d rather read than do math.

My wish for the world...I’m not sure about the whole world, but for my world, my 8-15 people I do life with, I pray that they all respond “Yes!” to the gospel so that we all can be true companions walking each other home to Christ.

I was hoping you'd ask...I don’t even know…this is only my second interview regarding my book and me as an author and the whole experience since my literary agent said “yes” to me has been surreal! It’s fun, humbling, and extraordinary. I don’t deserve any of this and I am so thankful. Just to be included in the “published writers club” is beyond what I thought was possible.

Sue: Thanks again for joining us today, Jennifer! It's been so good to learn more about you and your family, your writing, and your beautiful board book. We wish you all the best on the launch of God's Wide Wonderful World. Readers, to learn more about Jennifer, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram or Facebook.

GIVEAWAY!

Wonderful news! Jennifer is giving away a copy of God's Wide Wonderful World, and we’re delighted to pass the book along to one of our readers. For your chance to win, enter the contest by leaving a comment on this post by March 26th.

Children’s author and educator Sue Irwin has written nature features, and biographical 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. She’s excited about her upcoming board book, Hey There, Blue Bird, Why Do You Chirp?  (B&H Publishing, 2026) – releasing in August! – and more coming in 2027. Sue hosts W2I’s monthly Time2Write sessions, and she invites you to connect with her here.