Karen believed as a young child that her elementary school library in her home town of Fort Myers, Florida, (Orange River Elementary School), was one of the most special and
magical places on earth. It was here that she fell in love with books, reading, and the written word, discovering that reading could take you on exciting journeys and adventures of a lifetime. Karen began using her writing talents at a young age, writing for her middle school and high school newspapers and working in her beloved library as an assistant in high school. During the early
years of marriage and raising a family, Karen continued her endeavors with journaling, writing short stories and creating picture books for her children.
Her writing has now come full circle with the publication of her first award winning children's book,
Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid, published in January 2010 by Heart to Heart Publishing, Inc.
and illustrated by Mona Larkins. This book was the recipient of the Finalist Award - Children's Religious Category of the National Best Books 2010 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.
And most recently, a winner of the Finalist Award - Children's Religious Category of the
International Book Awards 2011.
Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid was written by Karen to bring comfort, peace, joy, and victory over fear to children, especially fear at bedtime, nightmares, or night terrors. After winning
her own battle over fear which began as a very young child, it is Karen's heart's desire to teach children how to overcome fear and anxiety in any situation, by using God's word,
His name, and His power through prayer.
Karen wrote Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid from a big sister ''teaching standpoint'' though she was the one who suffered with nightmares and night terrors for years.
"All of the characters in this book are very real." says Karen. "In the story, the focus is on Annie, my little sister who really was a "fraidy cat" at bedtime as the book describes. She was very fearful at night and went to bed many nights with the covers over her head. Unfortunately, her fear was made much worse by my nightmares and screaming night terrors over the years."
"Today, my sister and I both are free from fear through the loving grace and power of God. And we know how to stay free by using His word, His name, and His power through prayer."
"I wish I would have had a children's book like this to help me way back then" says Karen. And so...Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid has been born, and I am so excited to share it with children and adults everywhere ! "
As a registered nurse, health science instructor, preschool teacher, and daycare operator,
Karen has worked with children of all ages, from newborns to teens, nursing and teaching
them, dedicating her life to improving theirs. She believes it is a privilege to be able to
love, nurture, and make a difference in a child's life.
Karen has been a registered nurse for 12 years, and is currently in her 8th year of teaching the health science program at her local high school in central Alabama where she lives with Robert, her husband and sweetheart of 32 years. Karen and Robert have 3 grown children.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
If your child is experiencing any problem with fear in their life, especially at bedtime, or having nightmares or night terrrors, then this book, Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid, is for you.
Jesus was the greatest storyteller of all time, and we know from reading His word that He taught His children through stories on many occasions. By using His example of teaching through a story, this book can bring comfort, peace, and joy to your child. By listening to, or reading this delightful story of two little sisters, Annie and Susie, your child will learn by example how to overcome fear in any situation by using God's word, His name, and His power through prayer.
So parents, you may want to snuggle up with your little one in a comfy and cozy chair with that special bedtime blanket, and enjoy reading Sweet Sister Don't Be Afraid together. As your child identifies with each character in the story, they will learn how to overcome fear in their own situations, while being comforted by the powerful message in this book.
May God Bless You and Your Child With Comfort, Peace, and Joy
Sincerely,
Karen Vause Green