S6Ep40: Sparrows from Jason Gray
This week hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with acclaimed singer, songwriter and now author Jason Gray about his new children's book, Sparrows.
Critically acclaimed Centricity Music singer/songwriter Jason Gray debuts his first children’s book, Sparrows, based on his popular award-winning song by the same name. Drawing inspiration from this radio hit off his 2016 album Where the Light Gets In, Gray joined creative forces with noted children’s author Jes Woller and illustrator Hilary Griffith in the release of this heartwarming children’s hardcover book geared to kids ages three to eight.
“I've always dreamed of writing a children's book,” declares Jason Gray, “And when Centricity Music offered to partner with me in that endeavor, I sat down with my friend Kory Henkel, Director of Marketing and Communications, to discuss which of my songs had a message that could translate well to children. ‘Sparrows’ was the obvious pick!
“From there we brainstormed about a storyline that would be age appropriate and meaningful, ultimately collaborating with co-writer Jes Woller, who has a real gift for speaking the language of children,” continues Gray. “The process resulted in the story of Ellie, a little girl who struggles daily with stuttering, and how she overcame her anxiety by trusting God with her worries and responding to bullying with love, kindness and compassion instead of retaliation.”
With a genuine heart for connecting with others and known for the compassionate honesty and authenticity he offers through his music, Gray drew from his own personal experience and shares that Matthew 6:25-34 and Matthew 10:29-31 are the cornerstone verses for both the song and the book, each addressing the theme of trusting God in the face of anxiety and worry. As a child, Gray struggled with a speech impediment, so incorporating this into the storyline of Sparrows was a way to share his own struggles in hopes of helping others.
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His most recent project, an early-reader book series published by Tyndale House titled The Dead Sea Squirrels, has been adapted into a 13-episode animated series now streaming on Minno, with more books and a season 2 of animation currently in the works. Mike also serves as an assistant professor of film and animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and co-hosts the weekly podcast, “The Bible for Kids.”
As a homeschooling mom of ten and wife to John, Tricia knows firsthand the joy (and the chaos!) of discipling kids in real life. She's written more than 500 articles, speaks at homeschool and family conferences across the country, and loves helping parents and grandparents pass along a living faith to the next generation. Her recent releases include Twist of Time, co-written with her son Nathan. Learn more at triciagoyer.com.
