In this episode of TSO, we are joined by our new friend, James D. Witmer. James is an old soul, a writer, a bird watcher, and a gardener as well as a husband and father. He’s the managing editor for Story Warren, an online network founded by S.D. Smith that serves to help “foster holy imagination in the children you love.” They provide resources and media reviews for children in an effort to be allies in imagination.

In this interview, James talks about his children’s book, A Year in the Big Old Garden. He explains how his own toddlers helped inspire these stories and how experiences in his own backyard garden became the setting for many of the adventures he writes about. He also talks about the importance of creating green spaces of peace wherever you are to help you connect with God and gain a sense of clarity in the outdoors.

At the time of recording this episode, James’ newest book, The Strange New Dog: An Allen Family Mystery, had not yet been published. However, we want to point you to it and encourage you to purchase a copy when it releases in November 2020. The Strange New Dog is a chapter book for kids age 7-10 that features a lively family, their collection of pets, and—believe it or not—a strange new dog!

You can find James online the following ways:

Website: www.jamesdwitmer.com

Instagram: @jamesdwitmer

Purchase A Year in the Big Old Garden here.

Purchase The Strange New Dog when it is released in November of 2020!