Book Mary on your Podcast or as a speaker

*

Book Mary on your Podcast or as a speaker *

Mary's Bio:

Mary Grace Johnson is a published author, former English teacher, and librarian who writes inspirational stories to encourage those facing difficult times to point them toward the hope found in Jesus Christ.

She is the author of the children’s book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope (2026), and its companion hope journal Sunlight for the Soul and writes weekly on her own blog.

Mary has also contributed to Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story (2024), Hope for the Holidays (2024), and A Year of Hope Devotional (2025).

She lives in South Dakota with her husband, her greatest cheerleader, and treasures time with her amazing adult children and young grandchildren, who bring joy and light to her life.

A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a yellow patterned blouse standing outdoors during sunset, with trees and sunlight in the background.

Podcast Information

Book cover of "And The Sun Came Up" by Mary Grace Johnson, featuring a young girl with red hair, wearing blue overalls and a green shirt, standing outdoors near a barn and a fence on a yellowish-green background.

Mary’s Book

And the Sun Came Up is a picture book for children (approx ages 4-10) about Mary's family of 5 children who loses their dad in a farm accident and how the main character, Lucy, continues on, even through this traumatic event as Jesus Christ gives her hope for the future.

And the Sun Came Up
A brick wall with an arched, boarded-up window featuring a spray-painted question mark. To the left, a drainpipe runs down the wall, with a small pipe connecting to a spigot near the ground. The sidewalk is tiled, with some debris scattered around.

Questions to ask Mary

  • What inspired you to write this book, and how did your personal experiences shape the story?

  • Why do you think it's important for kids to read stories that don’t shy away from hard topics?

  • How can faith-based stories offer something different—or more lasting—than general inspirational children’s books?

  • What role does hope play in healing, especially for kids?

  • How do you balance honesty about pain with a message of encouragement and comfort?

  • What are some signs that a child might need emotional support, and how can books like yours help?

  • What do you hope children—and the adults reading with them—take away from this story?

  • Have you received feedback from families or readers that confirmed the impact of your message?

  • How would you encourage other Christian authors who feel called to write children’s books?

  • What’s next for you in your writing journey, and how can people support your work?

A woman with shoulder-length gray hair wearing glasses and a yellow floral top, outdoors during sunset.

Why Mary Wrote the Book

Mary writes to help children (and adults) who deal with loss find Jesus Christ, who brings hope to go on.

And the Sun Came Up
Close-up of a vintage-style metal microphone with horizontal grille slats and a logo, set against blurred warm and cool background lights.

Topics Mary can Discuss

  • How to Talk to Kids About Hard Things Without Losing Hope
    Exploring age-appropriate ways to guide children through grief, fear, or trauma while anchoring them in faith and resilience.

  • The Power of Story: Why Children’s Books Matter in Healing
    How storytelling helps kids process their emotions and why Christian children’s literature offers something unique.

  • Turning Trials into Testimonies: Writing for Young Readers from a Place of Faith
    A behind-the-scenes look at the author’s personal journey and how it informs her writing.

  • Faith, Imagination, and Emotional Safety: What Christian Authors Can Give Kids Today
    Discussing the intersection of spiritual formation and emotional health in children’s literature.

  • Raising Hopeful Kids in a Broken World
    How caregivers and communities can build resilience and hope into the next generation—even when life is messy.

A woman with gray hair and glasses smiling as she peeks from behind a pine tree during sunset.

Request Mary Grace for your Podcast