Laura Sassi's Blog

Sharon Cooper first came into our lives in 1975 when, at the invitation of a neighbor, my mom started attending a large women’s Bible study led by Sharon at Edina Baptist Church in Edina, Minnesota. The format for this weekly gathering of approximately 300 was to meet first in small groups to discuss that week’s… Continue reading FAITHFUL AND GIFTED: Remembering Sharon Cooper

To the casual passerby, it looked like I was diligently weeding under the beautiful pine trees that shade the edge of our front yard. It’s true, I was weeding, but I was also deep in thought. Earlier in the week I had challenged myself to write two new poems and I had been having full-on… Continue reading Poet in Disguise: Thoughts on Weeding, Writing and Life

Did you know that National Pumpkin Day is October 26th?  It’s a day to celebrate pumpkins, pumpkin treats, and all the cozy fall vibes that pumpkins evoke. And this year because I love pumpkins so much that I wrote a story set in a pumpkin patch, I’m offering FREE 20-minute author visits featuring my pumpkin-filled… Continue reading Free Pumpkin-Themed Author Visits for Preschoolers through 2nd Graders in October

It’s hard to believe that after all the waiting and preparation, my next book, Love-a-by: A Bedtime Lullaby, illustrated by Janna Mattia and published by Zonderkidz, will be out in the world in just under three months! With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the things… Continue reading Countdown to New Book: Love-a-by Releases Soon!

To celebrate our 34th anniversary my husband and I decided to spend the day in New York City exploring the Cloisters, taking in a movie, and walking, walking, walking! To maximize the day, we decided to take an early morning bus from our suburban New Jersey town into the city.   There was barely any… Continue reading Lessons from a Tortoise: Kindness on the Road

TEACHERS, PARENTS, CAREGIVERS! In celebration of friendship, fall and, back-to-school, here are 10 activities created just for Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle designed to extend the fun and learning after reading this fall-themed picture book about the power of friendship and forgiveness. What activities would you add to my list? Let me know in… Continue reading Ten Book-Themed Crafts and Activities for PUMPKIN DAY FOR BOO AND BELLE

Today I’m delighted to have Christian children’s book author Sue Irwin as my guest sharing five fun facts about her faith-filled picture book Hey There, Blue Bird, Why Do You Chirp?, illustrated by Agnieszka Wajda and published by B&H Kids. Here’s the official description per the publisher’s website: Why does the blue bird chirp? Why does… Continue reading Five Fun Facts about HEY THERE BLUE BIRD, WHY DO YOU CHIRP? by Sue Irwin

Summer mornings on the porch with my Bible and journal are my favorite way to start the day. As I sit here on this muggy July morning, a gentle breeze tousles my hair and my senses are awakened. I hear a symphony of birds who, like me, are waking up to start their days, too. The… Continue reading Porch Ponderings: Embracing God’s Presence on Summer Mornings

As a kid, I loved summertime. For starters, it meant a break from the rigorous routine of the school year. It also offered extra time for reading, playing, art projects, swimming, and biking.  It was also the only time of year I was allowed to run around barefoot! Here’s a young me with my little… Continue reading The Joy of Barefoot Summers Plus a Printable Faith Challenge for Kids!

Today I’m delighted to have Christian picture book author Glenys Nellist and illustrator Natalie Merheb as my guests to chat about their darling new book. God’s Gentle Care (Paraclete Press) is the third in the Bedtime Blessings Series. Like the first two picture books in the series, God’s Gentle Care is a soothing bedtime read… Continue reading Interview with Glenys Nellist & Natalie Merheb on God’s Gentle Care (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)