Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators.

Congratulations to Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer on the release of The Youngest Disciple and The Mouse in the Manger

How did you come up with the idea for your books?

Our passion is to write books that help children better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. When we learn the context of the stories in the Bible, we better understand what the authors of those stories were trying to communicate. Both of our new books tell familiar Bible stories but in a new and fresh way. Through the words and illustrations, we get to teach about the original context of these stories.

The Youngest Disciple is the story of John as he walks in the footsteps of Jesus. When we learn about discipleship in its 1st century context, we learn that the disciples would have been quite young – probably teenagers. John could have been as young as 13 years old. Jesus believed that John could be like Him. The Youngest Disciple shows children that they are never too young to be a disciple of Jesus.

The Mouse in the Manger is a story about a little mouse who wants to give Jesus a special gift when He is born. This story is set in the correct cultural context of the Christmas story. Instead of Mary giving birth alone in a barn because there was no room in the inn, it is much more likely that Mary and Joseph were welcomed into a home and that Mary gave birth surrounded by the women of the village, who lovingly took care of her. In our book, the Christmas story becomes one of radical hospitality – through the eyes of a little mouse.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your books?

We hope that after our readers read our books they will have learned something new about God and the Bible. We hope that they have a new excitement and understanding of the stories in the Bible. Ultimately, we hope that our readers know how much God loves them and that they are then inspired to love others in the same way.

What inspires you to write?

We have two children, and we love seeing when a simple story has a profound effect on their hearts. When our books can teach both parents and children something that they had never known before it is incredibly exciting. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to create resources and tools that help families grow in their faith and love of the Bible.

What are your marketing plans for the books?

To market our books we have a launch team that is helping us get the word out. We are also planning multiple school visits, podcast interviews, and in-person book events. We are excited to get these two books out into the world.

What's next for you?

We are currently working on an activity set for the season of Lent that includes a picture book, a 40-day family devotional, and plush toy to hide around the house. We are also excited about a new picture book project that will be published by Zonderkidz and released in the spring of 2024.

A little bit about the books . . .

The Youngest Disciple

You are never too young to be a disciple. Join John, the youngest disciple, as he responds to Jesus’ call and follows in His footsteps.

From the shores along the Sea of Galilee to the empty tomb in Jerusalem, The Youngest Disciple takes children of all ages on a journey to discover how they are called to be disciples too.

Walk with John as he learns how to be like Jesus.

The Mouse in the Manger

Little Mouse feels small and insignificant, especially compared to all the other animals in the Bethlehem house where he lives. He wishes he had a special talent to share or an important purpose to fulfill.

Then one night, a couple named Mary and Joseph arrive looking for somewhere to stay after a long journey. The usual guest room is full, but the family members offer radical hospitality and make space for Joseph and Mary to be comfortable and warm.

That same night, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus. Little Mouse wants to do something special for the new baby but feels like he has nothing to offer.

Will Little Mouse think of a way to give Jesus a special gift?

A little bit about the authors . . .

Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer are both storytellers at heart. Eric is an award-winning filmmaker and music composer. Meredith is an award-winning journalist and news anchor. Eric has his Masters of Divinity and leads biblical study trips to Israel and Jordan through his ministry The Acacia Project. Meredith is a certified Enneagram Coach and facilitator. Together they created Fresh Wind Studios where they create resources that help children and families better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. They are the creators of the award-winning Christmas resource, The Wandering Wise Men and authors of Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening, The Youngest Disciple, and The Mouse in the Manger. Eric and Meredith live in Grand Rapids, MI with their two children, Meryn and Judah.

Eric's Social Information

Websites:

https://www.theacaciaproject.com/

https://www.ericschrotenboer.com/

https://www.freshwindstudios.com/

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricSchrotenboer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.schrotenboer.9

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eschrotenboer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericschrotenboer/?hl=en

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ericschrotenboer

Meredith's Social Information

Websites: https://www.meredithterhaar.com/