All Categories

JUNE JOTTINGS

5/31/2023

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!

0 Comments

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.

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

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...

0 Comments

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

3/23/2023

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Where Have I Been in 2023?

2/26/2023

2 Comments

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

2 Comments

Good News to Share!

10/22/2022

0 Comments

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!

0 Comments

39 Years and Counting. . .

10/17/2022

1 Comment

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.

1 Comment

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, NEWBERY MEDAL

7/7/2022

1 Comment

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?

1 Comment

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO. . .

6/3/2022

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Grace Happens

4/7/2022

1 Comment

I am learning once again how grief and grace dance hand in hand.

In the midst of grieving the loss of our beloved Ellie (see March 18 post) I began looking online for another rescue dog. Ellie was a rescue, and once we adopted her we vowed to always adopt a rescue dog. It's shocking how many are available, once one starts to look.

And I spent a lot of time looking. In those weeks when I could hardly focus, and tears sprang readily and freely, I began to browse animal rescue sites. It felt almost disloyal to Ellie, even though I told myself it was anything but. Greg and I often have told a widowed person who remarries not to feel guilty. Wanting what one has had is an expression of the love shared and missed. We honor life by claiming it. Ellie is lodged deeply in our hearts and nothing will erase that. Loving a new dog, we're discovering, only makes more room in our hearts for expanding that love by welcoming another precious into our lives.

Welcome to our world, Sophie Grace!

Sophie is a mixed breed whose mother was rescued from the streets hours before giving birth to nine healthy puppies. The question, "Should we get a puppy or perhaps a dog a year or so old?" was promptly answer when we held this 5 pound baby in our arms for the first time.

Sophie is almost 10 weeks old, and even though she came home less than two weeks ago, she has quickly etched herself on our hearts. Love and joy and laughter abound in our home again.

Easter will be here in 10 short days. There is much packed into the church timeline between now and then: Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and then, resurrection! Joy! The promise of renewal, new life, and life everlasting.

I'm feeling that promise and joy even now as I walk through the rest of Lent.

In life and in death and every moment in between, grace happens.

And I thank God with my whole heart.

1 Comment

Missing Ellie

3/18/2022

2 Comments

I've had every intention of writing a blog a week since the Newbery Medal was announced in January. I planned to share stories of the Newbery medalists, their books, and my interactions with them. And then my life changed. My beloved rescue dog of nearly fifteen years, Ellie, died January 30. She'd been declining in health due to her heart condition but until the last days was a happy, engaged and loving girl.

During her rapid decline, I focused my attention almost completely on loving her through her dying and death. I don't regret that, not for a minute. I got way behind on many obligations, including this blog, but I was immersed in caring for my sweet dog who had been my faithful companion for so many years.

I've allowed myself to grieve; to cry when the moment strikes, to look at her photos, to share Ellie stories with my family and friends who also loved her. Grieving is hard, exhausting, and necessary work, and as a pastor who has also endured tragedy and trauma, I recognize that every person grieves in their own way, and that's okay.

I'm looking for a new dog to rescue but taking my time. Ellie will be hard to follow, and I want to be sure to love and cherish a dog for that dog and not as a substitute, which no dog can ever be.

I'll keep you posted and will soon post about Easter books for children. In my own recent time with death and grief, I can't wait for Easter. But walking this long, shadowed journey of Lent, it is exactly what I need right now. Resurrection only happens after death, and we all walk the valley of shadows. Let us be kind and gentle with others and ourselves and hold fast to our faith in Life beyond life.

2 Comments

<<Previous

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. . .

Grace Happens

Missing Ellie

Awards

Please share your comments

Archives

Categories

I hope You'll sign up for my monthly newsletter

Website designed by

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

Please share your comments

Archives

Categories​

I hope You'll sign up for my monthly newsletter

Website designed by

Categories