Q&A with Kate Rietema

Kate Rietema is a mom, registered nurse, community educator, amateur potter, and speaker. Her debut picture book, When God Makes Scribbes Beautiful is available where all books can be purchased.

I first bought When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful as a gift for a family going through a hard time. I loved it so much that I bought a second copy for my family. Since then, I've recommended it to so many other families.

When did you become interested in storytelling?

It wasn’t very long ago! It was spring of 2020 while reading the picture book “River” by Elisha Cooper. The book was similar to an experience I had bicycling across the United States, and I had an instant urge to write my story in the form of a picture book. That manuscript is lovingly tucked away in a file on my laptop, but in the process, it opened up the world of writing for children. I joined SCBWI, attended online conferences, met my agent, and began writing for children’s magazines like Highlights, Cricket Media, and Clubhouse.

What inspired you to write When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful?

This story came on the heels of an extra special foster placement. He had limited verbal skills and a long list of medical diagnoses. We all adored him, but wow, his life seemed really unfair. I worried about his health, his future, and what would happen when he left our home. I felt the tension of believing in the goodness of God, but wondering where that goodness was for our foster son. So, one day, I sat down and typed out all the things I knew to be true—even if I was struggling to feel it. When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful started as a pep talk to myself, turned into a prayer for my foster son, and eventually became a children’s book.

Which is your favorite part of When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful?

I love how the Bible verses on each spread reinforce the text. It’s fun to talk with kids about how we can use the Bible to answer tough questions. The publisher created an additional resource called “Promise Cards.” These are flash card-style reminders with Bible verses from the book. The front of each card has a question. For example, “What can we do with our worries?” And when the card is flipped over, it reads, “Give all your worries to God, because he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:7. These are available for free on my website.

Another favorite part is the illustrator’s addition of a hedgehog on every page—kids love to point him out and I always bring my stuffed animal hedgehog along on author visits.

Where did you come up with the title (by the way, LOVE the title)?

My original title was, “Something Beautiful.” After the manuscript was purchased, the publisher wanted to tweak it so the theme would be evident in the title. We kicked around a few ideas with the marketing team, and landed on, “When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful.”

What type of books are your favorite to read?

Picture books! I love picture books because is pairs well with my other favorite hobby—cuddling. I have five sweet, book-loving daughters and the year I decided to write for children, we read over 1500 picture books together.

Do you have any advice for young readers/writers?

Read lots and lots. While you’re reading, pay attention to what you like (and what you don’t like) about each book. What feels inspiring as you read? Ask yourself, “How can I create that emotion in my own writing?”

Do you have any other books/stories in the works?

Yes! I have a board book called All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption that will be releasing in October from B&H Kids.