For many, God’s words and love are taught at an early age.
For Erin DeLozier, this early foundation is imperative for one’s life.
That’s why she decided to write a children’s book in 2023 titled “God’s Colorful Masterpiece.” The book teaches kids about God’s creation through rhyme and colors.
“There was something tugging at my heart to just be able to have something that I could provide as a mark in the world and to just share my love of Christ,” DeLozier said. “With my parenting background and teaching background, I really wanted to write something that was just a fun, easy read that could provide a conversation in the home or in the classroom for God and then also incorporate rhyming words and color words.”
Now, she goes to schools to read her book to children.
So far, DeLozier has been to two Foundation Academy campuses, The Christ School, Winter Garden Academy, The Learning Center and more, with other schools lined up.
“It’s been fun for me to get back into a classroom and get back in front of kids and read and share my book, and they are so excited to hear it and listen to it, which is just rewarding to me,” she said.
The whole process took about two-and-one-half years to complete, but DeLozier stayed motivated and consistent to share her love of Christ with others.
The writing process didn’t take long because to her background as a kindergarten teacher at the Christ School in Orlando, where she created lesson plans and was in charge of the chapel service, writing kids’ performances based on Bible verses.
“I’ve always had the joy of writing,” she said. “I’m also a very creative person, so I just combined the two. It hasn’t felt like a job or work; it’s just been a very pleasant, fun experience.”
The 24-page book is a colorful and easy read for young children who are interested and curious about God’s creation.
“It’s a little bit of foundation to get either the conversation started about how awesome God is and what He’s created for us or just a fun picture book for your kids to enjoy,” DeLozier said.
DeLozier, with the help of Janelle Bell Martin, a freelance artist and Foundation Academy’s AP Art and Digital Design teacher, made this book a reality.
Talking through FaceTime calls and emails, Martin illustrated DeLozier’s vision for the book.
“Erin came to me with a pretty clear vision of what she wanted,” Martin said. “For me, anything that talks about God and his creation, I love to work on.”
Martin is a graduate from the Columbus College of Art and Design and a former Disney Animation employee.
“I can honestly say (art) is part of my life, always has been,” she said. “According to my parents, I’ve been drawing since as early as I could.”
For a little less than a year, Martin and DeLozier worked together to make sure the pages were colorful and engaging, while ensuring DeLozier’s vision came to fruition.
“I’m truly blessed and thankful (for what) she did because the work we created together was phenomenal and it really blew me away, especially being able to look through it the first time,” DeLozier said. “To be able to hold that book in my hand and see those pictures with my words, it’s just a feeling that you can’t describe. It’s just awesome.”
As a stay-at-home mom and former teacher, DeLozier hopes to write more books in the future, gearing toward God and early education.
“I’d love to keep writing and keep sharing God’s word because I think that’s really important,” she said. “My pastor said, ‘I can’t take the credit because it comes from Jesus, but first you love God and then you share his love with others.’ That’s what our job is — as followers and believers.”
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