Ishnabobber Books Launched February 2019!
The Character
Ishnabobber is a fun-loving lighthouse with an amazing heart for helping others. He shines brighter than all other lighthouses but strives to do more. Ishnabobber sets out to discover how to be the best he can possibly be. Eventually he is told Jesus is the answer but has no idea who or what Jesus is. Ishnabobber will take you on a journey of discovery as he seeks, asks and knocks to learn all he can about Jesus. Evenutally he discovers Jesus is the answer to being the best he can be. In John 8:12 Jesus spoke these words: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." It was this scripture that inspired the character of Ishnabobber to be a lighthouse.
The Author
Susan Anderson is a grandmother to seven, mother to five (plus three amazing “in-loves”) and wife to a wonderful man who supports and encourages her to follow God's calling. Most of her career was spent working with children in coaching, education and ministry. Her life experiences, growing faith and obedience to God’s persistent nudging inspired her to write children's books (Ishnabobber Books). She also enjoys hosting women's retreats at her cabin home in the north Georgia mountains (TLW Ranch). Her passion is to help others understand "the peace that surpasses all understanding" as result of personal relationship with Jesus drives her. She enjoys time with God, family, friends and nature.
The Illustrator
Traci Allison is an artist who enjoys exploring various art mediums and techniques, including pastels and watercolors, mixed media and collage, and alternative photography. She earned her BA in Graphic Design from Georgia State University. After leaving the corporate world to raise a family, she kept her passion for art alive as a freelance artist.
The Books
When asked by her pastor, “What is the one thing that breaks your heart?”, Susan Anderson realized it was Christians not understanding that a personal relationship with Jesus was possible. Having worked in children’s ministry, she knew children were capable of understanding this so set out to illustrate her own faith journey in a fun way and so ISHNAOBBER BOOKS came to be.
ISHNABOBBER BOOKS will be a collection of 23 short story picture books, one building on the next, presented in a five series format. The books take the character of Ishnabobber from not knowing Jesus to loving him as his best forever friend. They appeal to the preschooler as well as the early reader (and parents love them too). Within the pages of each book is Scripture and questions to encourage wonderful parent/child conversation about faith. These books are more than a story. They are foundational tools to help grow faith from a young age.
Series 1: The Discovery Series
Book 1 of 3
How Can I Shine Brighter?
A young lighthouse with an amazing heart for helping others shines as bright as he can. Even though he's been told he shines brighter than all other lighthouses Ishnabobber believes there is more he can do. This is a story of patience and persistence as Ishnabobber seeks to be the best he can be.
Book 2 of 3
Who Is Jesus?
Ishnabobber sets out to discover who Jesus is. He's told reading the Bible will tell him everything he needs to know. He doesn't like to read. Eventually his curiosity enables him to open the book and continue his journey to being the best he can be. To his amazement, he learns all kinds of wonderful truths. This is a story of overcoming obstacles and doing the right thing even when it's hard.
Book 3 of 3
Why Is Jesus Special?
Release Date: November, 2019
Through reflection of all he has learned, Ishnabobber still cannot figure out what kind of light Jesus is. Peace overcomes him as well as a joy he doesn't understand. And to top it off, a strange stirring lurks inside him. “Is that you God?” he asks. This is the story of how Ishnabobber began a personal relationship with God.
More to come, 23 books in all!
The Discovery Series • The I Am Series • The Super of Super Powers Series The Come & See Sereies • The Go & Tell Series
The Back Story
In 2010 I was on a plane flying home and praying for clarity. It was a tough time in my life. Head back, eyes closed, trying to keep tears from trickling down my face and praying, "Father, what now; what purpose do you have for my life?"
Forever etched in my heart is the memory of that still small voice, "I want you to write children's books. I told you this long ago.."
Instantly, I recalled a time when I was 17 years old. That same voice spoke to me when I was trying to discern what to do with my life after high school. I ignored that voice that I came to realize was God’s. The idea of writing children's books made me laugh and I remembered telling myself, "Yeah, right. I don't like to read let alone write." I never gave it another thought until that plane ride home.
In that momen,t with no hesitation, I knew what I needed to do even though I felt God had the wrong person for the job. This time, I needed to pay attention to the voice of God. I looked at the iPad my husband specifically gifted me for this trip telling me I needed it when I didn’t think so. I smiled, and began to write. It was as if the Holy Spirit took over. The words flowed and the first story came to life but the journey was just beginning. To continue with the story go to our BLOG.