This week I would like to introduce you to another wonderful children’s author and illustrator. Although, I have never met P.K. personally, we have mutual friends and have become fast friends thorough Facebook. His children’s books so beautifully talk to children on their level.

Hello P.K., thanks for talking with us today.Tell us about yourself.
      Well, I’m 71 years old, I’ve been married to Jeannie for 31 years, and we have lived in Ashland, Oregon for the past 26 years. I have also been an ordained minister and pastor for the last 20 years.

How long have you been writing and illustrating and what got you started?
      I have been writing children’s books for 45 years. I started when my wife asked me to write a little book for our two sons, Kenny and Mike, then five years old and three years old respectively, as a Christmas present. Although I was a complete novice, the book turned out so well that people encouraged me to write another one. I did—a little book called, “How Really Great to Walk This Way,” and it sold to the first publisher I sent it to.

Out of your many accomplishments, what do you consider the highlights of your career?
     My entire career has been a highlight. But I was especially pleased when Focus on the Family named my book, “Let’s Be Kind,” and one of America’s Top 10 Most Family-Friendly Children’s Books for 2008.
      It also touched me when a local school used my book “Heartprints” for a weeklong celebration of friendliness. Whenever a child was found to have performed “a deliberate act of kindness,” a little red heart with their name on it was posted on the walls in the corridors. There were hundreds of little red hearts all over the school!

For those just getting to know you or maybe those wishing to purchase books as gifts forChristmas, which of your books do recommend first?
     I would recommend,”How Do I Love You?” “Heartprints”, I’m Thankful Each Day!”, “Thank You, God, and Let’s Be Kind.”

Are you working on any new projects at this time?
     Yes, I have a book called, “Happy Are the Children,” (sort of a Beatitudes for Kids), which is currently being reviewed by a publisher. I also have about 36 titles which I have recently made available on Amazon’s Kindle Books (ebooks).

How can we purchase your books?
     I would recommend Amazon, Barnes & Noble (on-line), and many smaller bookstores, as well as TJ Maxx.

I know that you’ve had a recent injury and following surgeries.Would you share a little aboutthat and what you learned from it?
     I fell and broke my left kneecap last November. It’s been a long and difficult year, with seven surgeries and many setbacks. My knee is now essentially crippled for life, working at about 75% of normal. But one thing I’ve learned is that people are much kinder and much more thoughtful than we normally give them credit for. I have endless stories of people, including complete strangers, going out of their way to make my life a little easier. God bless them all.

As we end our talk today, do you have a favorite scripture that you would like to share with us?
     Yes. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.—(Rom. 8:28) (KJV)
      It is profoundly true.

Please check out the books from P.K. for wonderful gift ideas for your little ones. Join me in praying for continued blessings on P.K. and his ministry.