Ecclesiastes 3 is clear: there are times for both beginnings and endings. My career in Christian publishing began more than 50 years ago, and I’ve been wondering for a while if I should continue or close the door.

I’ve gone back and forth about it in my heart and with the Lord, and in the past couple months the answer came, and with it, peace.

Author Ann Spangler wrote recently about her own need to put her Substack, Surfing the Culture, on hiatus. She said:

“I’m … old enough to realize I have less stamina than previously. Things have shifted. These days I find myself longing for a little more white space—what publishers call the blank space on a page that makes for easier reading.

“I long for more hours in which to be less productive and more reflective. I would also love more space to simply be available for those who need me, like family members and friends.”

Ann expressed exactly how I feel.

I’m grateful for all I’ve experienced as an editor and author through the years. I’m especially grateful for everyone I’ve learned from and everyone who’s helped promote my books in any way at all. I appreciate you!

A special thank-you to all who’ve sent me photos of your children or grandchildren with one of my books. I cherish each of those pics!

My prayer for all of you is that you will remain faithful to the Lord and continue teaching the children in your life about God’s wonders and His unswerving love for them.

My Advent Nativity Press-Out-and-Play-Book, by Tama Fortner (Tommy Nelson). Day by day from December 1 to 25, families can learn about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas and build a childlike nativity scene with figures and stable that actually press out of this board book.

Fly High: Understanding Grief with God’s Help, by Michelle Medlock Adams and Janet K. Johnson (End Game Press). This new picture book helps children give names to the emotions they experience as they go through grief. A sister and brother enjoy watching a mama bird care for her babies, but the mother bird dies. When the baby birds learn to fly, the children experience the promise of hope that’s found in new beginnings. Features layered text (story text for children plus explanatory text for adults).

Fanny Crosby: The Girl Who Couldn’t See but Helped the World to Sing, by Laura Caputo-Wickham (The Good Book Company). An easy-to-read children’s biography of Fanny Crosby, known for her joyful life and some of the world’s most famous hymns despite the blindness she developed at just six weeks of age. Part of the Do Great Things for God series.

All About Christmas: Over 100 Amazing Facts Behind the Christmas Story, by Alison Mitchell (The Good Book Company). This colorful hardback book provides at-a-glance content about the first Christmas to help young readers learn that the Christmas story they hear so often is an actual event rooted in real places, real people and real history. Includes fun facts about how Christmas is celebrated around the world today.

The Worried Wiseman, by Susan Eaddy (Morehouse Publishing). What if not all the magi began their journey from the same location? What if one of them felt compelled to search for the newborn king but worried about every detail of the trip? An imaginative take on the biblical account that strays in details but stays true to the reason the magi followed the star—to find and worship God’s Son, Jesus. Well written and designed, with 3D clay illustrations by the author.

Who God Wants Me to Be by Crystal Bowman and Michelle S. Lazurek (Waterbook). A brand new rhyming picture book just for little girls. A diverse cast of characters imagines all the things they could be when they grow up and how they might serve God in those careers.

Courageous & Bold Bible Heroes: 50 True Stories of Daring Men and Women of God by Shirley Raye Redmond (Harvest House). For middle graders. Concise one-page biographies of men and women in the Bible who acted with bold trust in God in big and small ways. Includes characters kids don’t always hear about, like Zipporah and Eunice.

The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children (A FatCat Book) by Harold L. Senkbeil (Lexham). Reflections on the model prayer with illustrations from Jesus’ life. FatCat, hidden on every spread, gets his name from the idea of using a catechism to aid Bible learning. Includes a responsive reading to use as a family prayer time and a list of Scripture references at the back.

Psalm 23: A Colors Primer by Danielle Hitchen (Harvest House). The newest addition to the Baby Believer series, this board book quotes the beloved shepherd’s psalm directly, paired with illustrations that change color spread by spread to help little ones learn Scripture and colors.  Lovely and definitely not just for babies!

A Very Thankful Prayer Seek and Find by Bonnie Jensen (Tommy Nelson). This larger-sized edition of A Very Thankful Prayer features whimsical illustrations of woodland animal friends and plenty of hidden objects on each page to seek and find. Perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving season.