Austrian Press – Many children’s books convey important life lessons and values. What themes or messages do you aim to impart through your books, and how do you incorporate them into your stories?

Sarah May Feliciano– As a mother of two children, I’ve seen the joys and difficulties of everyday family life. My family’s experiences and ambition to write Christian children’s books inspired the Lea and Jakob stories. I was inspired by biblical stories that are fascinating and educational for children, and I wanted to strengthen their faith in God. Thus, the stories of Lea and Jakob emerged from the Bible and our daily lives. Each narrative helps children and parents relate to the characters and inspires them to face daily challenges.

Austrian Press – Illustrations play a significant role in children’s books. How do you collaborate with illustrators, and what is your vision for the visual aspect of your stories?

Sarah May Feliciano – My friend Lisa Schmidt is a talented artist who has painted since childhood. She was excited when I told her about my idea to write Lea and Jakob’s books. We shared the same vision of what the characters should look like and what scenes were important. The author and illustrator need to have a good connection, as the style of the illustrations is a result of this collaboration. As you gain experience in the industry, you get to know more and more people and eventually find the ideal partner for every project.

Austrian Press – What age group do you primarily write for, and how do you tailor your writing style to resonate with that specific audience?

Sarah May Feliciano – I primarily write for children ages four and ten. I enjoy working with children because it allows me to convey content simply and understandably without using complex formulations or foreign words. Narrative writing for children is a rewarding experience.

Austrian Press – Do you face specific challenges or considerations when writing for children, such as language choices or the appropriateness of content?

Sarah May Feliciano – When writing for children, it’s essential to keep things simple and avoid adding too many unnecessary details. Although I sometimes overcomplicate things, I consciously remind myself to keep the text easy to understand. However, proofreading the text is crucial to ensuring it’s error-free and flows well. Luckily, I have a fantastic editor who specializes in children’s books.

Austrian Press – Do you have a favorite character or story from your own works? What makes that character or story unique to you? How do you see the role of children’s literature in fostering imagination, empathy, and a love for reading in young readers?

Sarah May Feliciano – I have a great fondness for all of the characters I have created, but when it comes to Lea and Jakob, they hold a special place in my heart. I was not only impressed by their external appearance but also by their unique personalities. To bring more depth to each story, I derived many of the characters’ traits from my own children and added some of my own. I intentionally exaggerated their traits so readers could occasionally identify with a character.

Austrian Press – Are there any upcoming titles you could share with us?

Sarah May Feliciano – There have been 15 stories featuring the characters Lea and Jakob. The upcoming stories that will be published are “Lea and Jakob and the day Shelly got lost” and “Lea and Jakob and the Big Fish.” Currently, I am working on my first German novel, titled “Der Himmel über der kleinen Kappele: Die verschwundene Braut.” I plan to provide updates on the progress of this novel in the fall.

Austrian Press – What advice do you have for aspiring children’s book writers who want to impact young readers positively?

Sarah May Feliciano – It may sound cliché, but my best advice for other writers is to follow their hearts and write about what truly matters to them. Every story has a profound essence, emotions, and a moral lesson. Even if only one person reads it and their life is impacted, it would still be worth it to have written it.

Austrian Press – How do you manage your time and energy between your role as a parent and your work?

Sarah May Feliciano – I would like to be honest and admit that balancing my responsibilities can be challenging. Spending quality time with my children and partner is especially important to me. As a result, I typically find time to write when my children are in kindergarten or late at night. My husband is incredibly supportive of everything I do, and I also make sure to take time to pray and reflect, which helps me stay strong. It’s important to remember that there are times when we all need help, and it’s okay to ask for it. In this context, I would like to share my favorite Bible verse with everyone: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)