Becky Van Vleet and Free Books!

Who could guess that Talitha is anything more than an ordinary skirt?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Nike Chillemi's inspirational mystery/crime novel, Acts of Malice, is:

kmb14787@...

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you via email, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Becky Van Vleet, author of the children's picture book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt (for ages 3-8) (Elk Lake Publishing Inc., August 2019).

Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal. She and her husband make their home in Colorado Springs, where Becky enjoys gardening and hiking and biking in the great outdoors.

Becky was inspired to write her first children’s picture book about Talitha to preserve a true family story. Becky is the mother of four adult daughters, each of whom also wore Talitha. To date, five of Becky’s granddaughters have also worn the little skirt.

She has another children’s picture book coming out in August of 2020, Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica. Her website is dedicated to creating and preserving family memories which she is passionate about.

Becky relishes spending time with her family and especially reading books to her grandchildren.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I enjoy lap swimming two mornings a week at 6:00 AM. Boy, do I ever wake up on those two days!

And you live in Colorado? I'm shivering just thinking about trying to stay warm those mornings.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Talitha, the Traveling Skirt.

Who could guess that Talitha is anything more than an ordinary skirt? Well, I could! You see, I have watched the history of this little skirt unfold in my lifetime for three generations.

A little red plaid skirt began traveling within my family in 1948 and has continued to travel across the country for more than 70 years. I was inspired to write this children’s story to preserve my family history.

Talitha’s name means “little girl” from Mark, chapter four, in the New Testament. Early learning, family life, family traditions, and imagination are key concepts in my picture book. Discussion questions are included to inspire dialogue and to check comprehension.

What is it about Talitha that will make your readers care about her?

As I wrote this children’s book, inspired by a true family story, I decided to write a fun, imaginary tale in which the skirt is the main character. Children will care about Talitha because she encounters problems when she least expects them and overcomes. Talitha loves all the little girls in her special family and never wants to be lost or forgotten. I believe all young children desire to give and receive love within their families and wish to belong. They never want to be lost nor forgotten.

What is something you’ve thanked God for this week?

Just a couple of days ago, my 7-year-old grandson and I were talking about our blessings. When I asked Julius what his blessings were, he gave me such a sweet and sincere reply. When he later went home, I thanked God for my grandson’s young faith and understanding of family blessings.

It really is a comfort when you know your children and grandchildren love the Lord.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I recently finished reading Callie by Sharon Srock. I was encouraged by Callie, the main character, as she worked through difficult grief and never gave up hope.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a young adult historical fiction novel about my father’s adventures on the USS Denver in World War II. The research has been so enlightening, and I’m very thankful I recorded my father in 1990 when he was lucid and willing to share his adventures and near-death experience upon this light cruiser.

Where else can readers find you online?

beckyvanvleet.com
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
LinkedIn

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



If you would like to read a sample of the book, you can see it HERE

Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

How do you create, preserve and share memories within your families?

Thanks, Becky, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Becky has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE