C. E. Walz, local children’s book author and composer, will be selling and signing her latest children’s book at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School Who-liday Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Mary’s Treasure Box” is a children’s Christmas book with a unique perspective featuring Mary, the mother of Jesus. Walz was inspired by a simple verse from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke: “For Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Walz imagined that Mary was like most mothers today. Perhaps she kept a few mementos from that first Christmas in Bethlehem – a bit of straw from the manger? a shepherd’s flute? a piece of swaddling cloth? The story begins years later as Mary shares the contents of her treasure box and gives her own account of Jesus’ birth.
Walz’s book is published by B&H Publishing Group in Nashville. Its illustrator, Bruno Merz, recently illustrated a children’s book for Max Lucado, one of America’s most prolific Christian writers.
Visit www.cewalz.net to find links to book vendors that carry “Mary’s Treasure Box” or stop by the school Saturday to meet the author. Each book comes with information on how to create your own treasure box, and for church leaders, there are tips on how to present the story of “Mary’s Treasure Box” to congregations and children’s groups. Included is free vocal sheet music to accompany a scene in the book where Mary sings a song. Walz’s website also offers links to music vendors who sell her piano arrangements for worship.
“Mary’s Treasure Box” will be the theme for a Christmas VBS program December 20-22 at Inman United Methodist Church where Walz is the pianist. Contact the church office at 770-461-2123 for more information.
