Patti Ogden Shares Meaningful Message with Children in "Keoni's Big Question"
Cheryl C. Malandrinos
April 08, 2009
Hi Patti. Itīs great to have you with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello, it is wonderful to be here and thank you so much for featuring my book. I am a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and I love life with a passion. I see each day as a new opportunity. The downside is that I donīt have enough time to do everything I would like to. I juggle family life with writing and my career as a energy consultant. I am also an active Sunday school teacher and I enjoy interacting with children and inspiring them to work on their own personal walk with God. My husband Jeff and I live on 11 acres in Northern Illinois.
Why did you decide to write Christian childrenīs books?
There are many Christian childrenīs books on the market today that use cartoons and silly characters that could give kids the wrong impression. If they are told that their favorite cartoon character is not real, how can they believe that Jesus is real?
I saw a need to write books that hold a very high gospel standard, boldly approaching very serious and complicated Biblical subjects, yet all the while presented at a level the children can embrace and understand. This was a big challenge to take on.
What do you believe is the most challenging part of teaching young children about God?
To help them grasp the concept that God can be a real living force and friend in our life even though He is in the unseen realm.
Please tell us about Keoniīs Big Question.
Keoniīs Big Question is about a young boy who seeks answers about God's presence in everyday life. This is a gripping and touching tale of the friendship between a young boy and a kind old gentleman who is a family friend and a grandfather figure to Keoni. The setting is a fishing trip that suddenly turns dangerous, then miraculous, and ends up leaving Keoni with more answers than he dreamed possible.
Where did you find the inspiration for this story?
I was inspired to write this story after hearing a story told by William Branham about a little "lad" who was very curious and no one seemed to be able to answer his questions that he had about God. The book incorporates the link between the Creator and His creation, how we can see God in nature and it helps children learn how they can communicate with God on their own in times of trouble
Tell us about your main characters. Why will young readers relate to them? What will they like about them?
Old Fisherman is very dear to Keoniīs family; he is a Christian gentleman whom they befriended after his wife passed on. Old Fisherman is a mentor and grandfather figure to Keoni. He taught him many things about fishing and life in general. I think children will relate to this character very easily.
Keoni is of Hawaiian descent and he is just a curious boy who is also very persistant. It bothers him that people canīt explain where Godīs presence is even though he hears adults talk about it. I feel children often get frustrated when adults canīt answer the questions that are hard to verbalize. I think they will really fall in love with Keoni and like how he didnīt give up.
Keoni asks several adults about seeing God, but no one seems to be able to answer his question. Do you believe people find it difficult to understand Godīs presence in our everyday lives?
Yes, I do. Itīs sad in this age of high tech and so-called time-saving devices, we have less time than we ever had because we let those things consume us. Taking time to slow down and smell the roses that is when God can be seen.
What is the significance of the storm that blows in while Keoni and the Old Fisherman are out on the Ohio River?
Keoni and Old Fisherman suddenly find themselves in a bad thunderstorm while they are in the boat on the river. Keoni has always been scared of storms so to be out in the middle of one was terrifying to him. Old Fisherman tries to shelter and protect him when they finally reach the shore, but at one point he must leave him to go save the boat from sinking. Keoni realizes he must turn to God for help on His own. The significance of the storm is a personal experience that Keoni had with God and made him real.
Part of the proceeds from books sales will go toward charitable causes. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Yes, the sales from the books help pay postage to send Bibles and books to the needy overseas. It is sad to know that there are some people in other countries who have never had their own Bible. We want to do our part in spreading the gospel.
Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Bookch.com
Ask for it at your local bookstore.
Do you have a website or blog?
We sure do. www.Capstone-Productions.com
What is up next for you?
I have two more books that are coming out this year.
"Shamgar and the Ox Goad" is scheduled next. I am very excited about it! It is a very imaginative tale of the little known story of Shamgar, who was only mentioned twice in the Bible, yet greatly used of God. Taken from one verse in the book of Judges, this is a story of one man and how he delivers Israel from the hands of the Philistines. This is the first volume in our Untold Heroes of the Bible series and is a powerful, intriguing story that teaches children the virtues of Godly character and faith.
"Momma, Am I Pretty?" is about a young girl who deals with her first experience of religious persecution and how the wisdom of her mother helps her through her emotional reaction. Illustrator and designer Robert Sauber is busy working on this project and we hope to have this one out by late summer.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Look for the Keoniīs Big Question book trailer coming out in May!
Thank you for joining us today, Patti. We wish you great success!
Thank you very much for the opportunity. Blessings! Patti