Kathleen Long Bostrom

Ready to Get Back to Work: As I Recover

8/17/2023

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author, Pastor, Minister

Write on!
That's my motto, and I'm getting closer to being able to do that. I've been in this brace for 5 weeks as of August 21, but hopefully we can part ways soon. I'll get there!

This was a surprise and a thrill: to discover that my upcoming new picture book, Daddy Tell Me A Story, is already listed on online book sites and available for preorder! I'll be sharing more as the months lead up to it's release in April, but couldn't wait to share the good news!

Here are three of my extra-favorite people enjoying a reading of my latest book, Since the Baby Came. The book is slowly making its way into the world and I'm so grateful for your help with reviews, recommendations and purchases of the book as a gift to someone you love, for a preschool, church or you name it!

Please post a comment to let me know how you've shared the book and I'll give you a ticket for this September's Baby Gift Basket Raffle (including a signed edition of Since the Baby Came). Thank you!

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JULY JUMBLE

6/20/2023

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San Diego Union Tribune Festival of Books

Come one, come all, to the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of books on Saturday, August 19, on the University of San Diego Campus. I'll be in the Children's Section at the SCBWI-San Diego Book Table from 10-11 a.m. I'll have a few copies of my books, Since the Baby Came and Will You Be Friends with Me? along with activity and coloring pages. Bring your friends and spread the word!

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

I'm celebrating the United Nation's International Day of Friendship early this year!
Meet my new friend, Rocket!

Rocket is a cute little puppy with lots of energy! He just joined our web designer, Lisa Scott Jones' family! We are looking forward to lots of play dates! I am so happy to have a new friend. Speaking of friends. . .

Did you know...The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. Will You Be Friends with Me? would make a perfect gift or read-aloud on the 30th.

A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)
I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)
Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)

This September: A Raffle For a Marvelous Gift Bag!

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Since the Baby Came as well as a copy of Arianne Braithwaite Lehn's book of beautiful devotions, Ash and Starlight. Also included are a few special treats for a baby and mom. The raffle will. only be open to subscribers of my newsletter, so encourage your friends to sign up! You'll get a raffle point for every friend who becomes a new subscriber, so let me know when your friends sign up so I can save your points!.

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JUNE JOTTINGS

5/31/2023

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Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author Rachel Kent Literary Agent

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Author The View At the Zoo and Count Count Your Blessings

Traveled to Savannah, GA for the Books & Such Literary Agency Retreat. I got to spend time with my wonderful agent, Rachel Kent, and met her husband and new baby boy, too!

We visited friends in Atlanta and South Carolina, and found two my books (The View at the Zoo, and Count Your Blessings) in a Publix grocery store in a small town along the road.

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

Guess who is a character in my mom's new book??

Since the Baby Came, Christian Older Sister and Brother Book for new baby, Kathleen Long Bostrom and Janet Samuel

Ellie was the family dog before I came along. Cat Owens did a great job bringing her to life from Janet Samuel's perfect illustrations! Maybe I'll be in a book one day, too!

Have you seen the fabulous resources for parents that go along with the book?

I'd love it if you left a review on your favorite book website!

What would you like to hear about in the next Kathy's Musings?
Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!

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Due Date May 2!

4/20/2023

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Since The Baby Came by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Janet Samuel www.Kathleenlongbostrom.com

I'm thrilled my new new "baby" is about to arrive in the world! Even though it has over 50 siblings (my other published books), this one is extra special. From the first inkling of the idea to holding the completed book in my hands took eleven years! It was worth waiting for.

Illustrator Janet Samuel used our beloved dog, Ellie, as a model for the main character's dog. The publishing team came up with the idea when Ellie died during the creation of the book. I will never forget their kindness.

I'll be writing more about the creation of this book, but for now, I simply want to share my joy and invite you to spread the news by pre-ordering the book.

MY AUTHOR COPIES! WHAT A THRILL!

Great reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal

While I was out, Greg put copies of my book all over the house!

Our sweet Ellie, captured in Janet's beautiful illustrations...

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Happy Gotcha Day! A New Book Soon to Arrive and the Easter Sale Continues!

3/23/2023

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Since the Baby Came: A Sibling's Learning to Love Story in 16 Poems arrives in bookstores May 2, and can be pre-ordered now! This is a perfect gift for Mother's Day, just around the bend. If you pre-order you'll have your copy in time to celebrate! The book isn't just for Mother's Day, however: It can be for Father's Day or any day a family prepares to welcome a new baby into their lives.

Happy Gotcha Day!

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!
March 26, 2003
Happy Gotcha Day to our precious Sophie Grace! We've had her for one year now, which is hard to believe. You can see how much she's grown in a year, although she still curls up in her original bed. She's gone from 6 lbs. to 21 and is full of joy and zest for life. We can't imagine life without her!

ORDER BY APRIL 1 TO RECEIVE BOOKS IN TIME FOR EASTER!
Website sales only

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Where Have I Been in 2023?

2/26/2023

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Hi, everyone! It's me, Sophie Grace, answering that question for my Mom. She and Dad started January with COVID, then rebound COVID, and they isolated together (with me!) for several weeks. Then, I turned ONE YEAR OLD on January 29. That was a fast year! I am (in Mom's words) a lovable, cuddly, clown with my own mind! And my mind says, "Play with me! Throw the ball! Snuggle with me!" I love my family so very much and I know they feel the same way. We are all very lucky, aren't we?

Thanks, Sophie! I'll take over now. Once healthy, I flew to Alexandria, Virginia, to spend a week with my beloved Uncle David who is almost 92 years old. He's the youngest of my mom's 11 siblings and the only one still living. His short-term memory is gone but his long-term is still excellent. I loved listening to him tell stories about his life, and about my mom. I brought lots of old photos to share with him, and that led to more stories. What a treasure to have this time with him. After a wonderful week, it was great to return home to Greg and Sophie (photo taken around midnight after a long day of travel, can you tell how happy I am?).

Here's My BIG news:

My new book, will be released May 2 and I can hardly wait! It tells the story of a child adjusting to a new baby in the family, with all the roller-coaster of emotions. I wrote it using 16 different poem forms, which was difficult but immense fun; and my hope is that this will invite children into the world of poetry in its many facets. Click here for a sneak peek!

Since the Baby Came, Big sister book, Big brother book, new baby book, Kathleen Long Bostrom, Janet Samuel

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Good News to Share!

10/22/2022

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Kathleen Long Bostrom's Dog Sophie Bostrom

Our sweet Sophie Grace is 9 months old, 18 pounds and been part of our family for 7 months. She is a complete joy. Her tail wags constantly when she's awake, beginning with her first greeting of the morning when she runs and gets a toy to share with us. She keeps me company while I write, watching over my shelves of books and inspiring me (also making sure I get out for walks!). We can't imagine our lives without her. Sophie loved hosting our grand-dog, Emmie, while her mom and dad finally got to go on their honeymoon.

Look at that winning smile on this beautiful little girl, Reina. Reina and I have never met but her mother reached out to me on Facebook to share that her daughter, now 5 and who has had some challenges with learning delay, recently read her very first book and is now reading at first grade level. The book? What About Heaven? one of my early books that recently went out of print. I'm so humbled and honored that the first book she read was one that I wrote. Reina's Grandma found a used copy at a Goodwill shop and bought it for her granddaughter. It's wonderful how God's word finds its way into the hands of children in so many ways. I had been feeling a bit down at the declining number of children's books I've published in the last few years along with the number of books that have gone out of print, but this unexpected gift lifted my spirits. It filled my heart with joy to know that books first published over 20 years ago and now no longer available are finding their way into the hands of children who love them. if you are interested in getting What About Heaven? for a little one in your life I do have a few copies available as part of Easter Stories and Prayers (four books in one).

And now for more good news. . .

Kathleen Long Bostrom, Since The Baby Came, Toddler book for children

COVER REVEAL for my next book, available in May 2023: Since the Baby Came, published by Waterbrook & Multnomah, a division of Penguin Random House Books. More info to come in my next newsletter! You can pre-order now on Amazon.

CURRENT ONLINE BOOK SALE EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 25
20% Off All Signed Editions - Just In Time For Christmas!

Click Here for the Fall Book Sale!

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39 Years and Counting. . .

10/17/2022

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On October 16, 1993, I stood before my home church congregation, First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro, and took my vows of ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. It was one of the holiest moments of my life and I will never forget all the people who came for the service on a weeknight. I was such an unlikely candidate for ministry. I did not grow up in church. I was (and am) an extreme introvert, terrified of speaking before a group of people. Ministry was such an unlikely calling that I knew it came from God as it was not a vocation I would have chosen for myself. I have done my best to be faithful to that calling. I love(d) being a pastor of several incredible churches. I am blessed by sharing ministry with my husband, Greg, who continues to serve a congregation. I now work full-time as a writer, and that is my extended calling, but I will always have the heart of a pastor. My congregation is now my readers, but also the people I've served and loved throughout my 39 years of ordination. I often think of Elizabeth's proclamation to Mary: "You are, among women, most richly blessed" (Luke 1:42). I feel, among women, most richly blessed.

On the back of this photo I wrote: Present and future clergy! Randy Branson, in the robe and stole, is the pastor who suggested I go to Princeton Theological seminary to study Christian Education. Randy's belief in me changed my life. Carl Jacobson, new pastor to youth, in the tie. He was also very supportive of me during my seminary years, as were so many in my home church. I was the first person in their 150+ year history to attend seminary and become ordained. I still keep in touch Randy, and also with one of my high-school youth advisors, now nearly 93 years old.

One of my first sermons as a seminary student, preached at First Presbyterian Church, San Pedro, CA.

In my next Kathy's Musings, coming in mid-November, I'll share good news about two upcoming new books, plus an update on Sophie Grace who will then be 9 months old.

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HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, NEWBERY MEDAL

7/7/2022

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The Newbery Medal is 100 years old this year!

Have you ever picked up a book at the library or bookstore and noticed that mysterious gold label on the front cover? Maybe you already know that that particular book has been awarded the Newbery Medal, an annual award given to the best middle-grade book of the previous year. But what kind of books are eligible? How is a book chosen? Who are the past winners? And how many Newbery winning books have you read?

The 2022 Newbery Medal was awarded to Donna Barba Higuera for her book, The Last Cuentista. What led her to write this book? Read her acceptance speech and discover the answer.

Listen to (or read) my interview about the Newbery Medal with podcaster Terrie Hellard-Brown and check out her other podcasts while you're at it.

Did you know that I wrote about about the first 75 years of the Newbery award, with profiles on all the authors up until then? The book, Winning Authors: Profiles of the Newbery Medalis ts isn't easily available anymore, but if you're interested, you can find it on my website under "Books for Adults." Leave a comment and let me know which authors are your favorites!

Be sure to spell "Newbery" with one "r!"

Here's an interesting Newbery Nugget:

"I truly believe that reading can help dreams come true. Whatever you want to become in your life, whatever you want to do, reading can help you get there!"
- Linda Sue Park, 2002 Newbery Medalist for A Single Shard

A WOOF FROM SOPHIE GRACE

Hi, everyone! Sophie here. I'm 5 months old now and growing fast!
When I came home the end of March, I weighed 6.5 pounds and now I'm 13.5 pounds. Mom can still carry me around sometimes, but only when I hold still which I don't always do. Guess what? I got bitten by a baby rattlesnake, but Mom and Dad took me to the animal hospital. I had to stay overnight. I did not like being bit one bit! I was so glad to come home! I love all my family and they love me. Aren't we lucky?

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WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO. . .

6/3/2022

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Mostly this. . .
Life with Sophie Grace (shown here at 13 weeks) is full of grace, joy, The Zoomies, and lots of snuggles and cuddles. I don't get much writing done except in my head. I vowed to enjoy her puppyhood, and I am. Doesn't leave much room for anything else but we'll get there!

Sophie's official welcome from Pippa and Emmie. She did get to meet them and loves to play with her "cousins." but wishes they lived closer. So do we!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hello, world!

Recent Publications

Presbyterian Outlook article by Kathleen Long Bostrom

I've been writing for a number of Presbyterian publications during the last few months...

Just Published:
"How Do You Pray With Others in Their Time of Need" Presbyterian Outlook
The topic for the article was spurred by a reader seeking guidance for Elders and Deacons when called upon to pray for people in times of crisis.

One of my very first publications when I was first seeking to become a published author was an article in the magazine for women, Horizons. I later had the honor to write the 2005 Women's Bible Study on the church seasons. My recent article, "In Praise of Sloth," appeared in the November/December issue. I wrote about learning to let myself take time to heal after my knee replacement, and to accept the help offered to me rather than feeling guilty.

I wrote two weeks of devotions for These Days, a daily devotional. I've written for this publication several times through the years, and it always helps me sink deeper into Scripture. My devotions will be published in December 2022.

Books That Spark Podcast with Kathleen Long Bostrom and Terrie Hellard-Brown

In Other News:

I was interviewed by podcaster Terrie Hellard-Brown who writes about and interviews authors of children's books. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out: Books That Spark Podcast 103: Helping Our Children Navigate Their Faith with Kathleen Long Bostrom

My picture book (first published in 2006), Why is There a Cross? was listed as 53 out of 100 in a listing on Christian Book Expo's Christian Juvenile Bestsellers for Easter 2022.

I had a picture book accepted for publication, not sure when yet but I'll write more about it once it's in the works. My picture book, Since the Baby Came was highlighted in Publishers Weekly, which was a great thrill: I'm loving working with Sarah Rubio at WaterbrookMultnomah.

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Ready to Get Back to Work: As I Recover

JULY JUMBLE

San Diego Union Tribune Festival of Books

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

This September: A Raffle For a Marvelous Gift Bag!

JUNE JOTTINGS

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

Due Date May 2!

Happy Gotcha Day! A New Book Soon to Arrive and the Easter Sale Continues!

Happy Gotcha Day!

Where Have I Been in 2023?

Here's My BIG news:

Good News to Share!

And now for more good news. . .

39 Years and Counting. . .

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, NEWBERY MEDAL

The Newbery Medal is 100 years old this year!

A WOOF FROM SOPHIE GRACE

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO. . .

Awards

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San Diego Union Tribune Festival of Books

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

This September: A Raffle For a Marvelous Gift Bag!

SOPHIE SAYS. . .

Happy Gotcha Day!

Here's My BIG news:

And now for more good news. . .

The Newbery Medal is 100 years old this year!

A WOOF FROM SOPHIE GRACE

Awards

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