Statesboro native Julie Lavender recently celebrated the release of her children’s picture book, A Gingerbread House, published by End Game Press. It’s her first picture book, and she’s thrilled.
“I’ve dreamed of writing a children’s book for years,” said Lavender. “Well, actually, decades. Over thirty years ago while teaching school in Jacksonville, Florida, I had a little spark of an idea to write a book for kids. I absolutely loved kids’ books, and I loved reading them aloud to the kids. But I also found a few books that I thought were poorly written, with typos or just boring plots. I can remember thinking, ‘Boy, it must be pretty easy to get a kids’ book published.’”
Lavender admitted she was wrong. “I found out pretty quickly the error of my thinking.”
After many rejections, Lavender began publishing in other genres. “God led me down a different path. My first published book years ago was a party planning book for parents, then a homeschooling devotional, then three short teacher books. Most of my writing acceptances turned out to be non-fiction, faith-based books for adults. Not at all related to my original dream.”
Lavender also wrote magazine and newspaper articles. “I never gave up on the idea of a children’s picture book,” she said. “And now that dream has come true. It’s like a sweet treat from God.”
Speaking of sweet treats, Lavender’s book, A Gingerbread House, tells the rollicking and rhyming story of a young girl and her grandfather creating a gingerbread house in a tale that tantalizes all five senses and brings joy to the two bakers, as well as the readers.
The perfect holiday companion for the most wonderful time of the year, A Gingerbread House celebrates the fun tradition of gingerbuilding, enjoyed with those who matter most.
“My book is a sweet story about family,” Lavender said. “For many years, I baked gingerbread houses for my kids to decorate. I wrote the book in honor of those special memories with my own four children. Now I have the joy of creating houses with my grandson, and when they’re older, my two newest grandkids will join in the creativity.”
Lavender is holding a book launch celebration on November 23, from 2pm to 4pm. She’s partnering with Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse owner Caroline Joyner.
“Caroline has some great ideas to turn my book launch into a fun, family festivity to welcome the holiday season,” Lavender said. “We’ll read my book, play some gingerbread games, and snack on scrumptious, bakery-fresh gingerbread cookies from the coffeehouse. We’re even having a Create Your Own Gingerbread House event from 4 to 5pm for those who want to reserve and purchase a gingerbread house kit.”
And for families who want to start a gingerbread house tradition of their own or continue an already established one, attendees can purchase and take home a pre-prepared kit, made and designed personally by Joyner and Sugar Magnolia’s baker, Kaylee Johnson. Participants who want to create a gingerbread house on-site can visit the website for details at sugarmagnolia.biz.
“Everything’s included to make precious memories and have gobs of fun,” said Joyner. “It’s perfect for the holidays.”
Lavender will have copies of her book available for purchase at the launch. Though no reservations are needed for the drop-in event from 2pm until 4pm, participants who want to create a kit on site at the Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse can visit the website for details at sugarmagnolia.biz and register by November 20.
Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse is located at 100 Brampton Ave Suite 1-I, Statesboro, GA 30458.