About the ‘Lyrical Reads’ book series:
This series of stories and prayers inspired by the Old and New Testament is intended to be lyrical and thought-provoking for young and old alike. Stories are arranged in this and future books as patchworks of a quilt, symbolic of God weaving his plan into the life of his boundless creation.
The poetic formatting of each piece is purposefully written to be joyful and rhythmic whether read to oneself or spoken or sung out loud.
Each story in this book series has correlating ukulele (or guitar) chords and tunes. I typically play a baritone ukulele to accompany my sung versions of the stories. I find that singing can enhance the experience of sharing scripture, making the stories and lessons more memorable. As a storyteller, I find that I am able to more effectively portray emotion in stories with properly matched tunes. Prayers, stories, and songs from this collection are geared toward youth faith formation, though still contain a depth of illumination suitable for use in adult faith gatherings.
As a teaching resource for parents and catechists, each story section includes a correlating prayer, questions for discussion, an activity, and a word focus to prompt a deeper curiosity and understanding of God as revealed to us in scripture.
About the author/illustrator:
I grew up in a Catholic Christian faith tradition, raised in a loving home. I am blessed with a joyful confidence that I attribute to a certainty of God’s loving presence in my life. It is this joy born of trust in our loving God that I most wish to share with others through my work.
What the Holy Spirit has revealed to my heart through scripture, experience, and creation, I have composed in poetry, story, song, and prayer. As a young mother and church catechist, I used my writings and songs for teaching children.
Along my faith journey, my appreciation for the depth and richness of the Bible has only increased. continue to be inspired to retell these biblical gems in a poetic and lyrical way to nurture our children, and even, delightfully, when venturing into adult catechesis.
Linda McGerr
About the watercolor artist:
I began my career as an elementary school teacher. My initial painting practice was done while praying with scripture. I started doodling with watercolor in my Bible. Years earlier I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease. Painting became a way for me to relax my muscles and to pray.
Painting has also become a way for me to let go and put my trust in God. If I try to paint without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I get stuck. Watercolor has a life of its own and it cannot be controlled. When I turn it over to God, the most amazing creations are uncovered.
The watercolor art that you see in this book is prayerfully inspired to illuminate a verse of scripture correlating to each Bible story. My hope is that you will embrace your own creativity and open your heart to scripture and to God’s work in your life.
Micki Donovan
