Patricia J. Murphy is the author of over 150 books, ranging from adult nonfiction to early readers for kids. Recently, though, she felt called in a new direction. “I should be writing books about God,” says Murphy, who is also a contributor to Publishers Weekly. In her first book about spirituality, God Is Everywhere: Wise Words for Little Ones (Candle Books, out now), Murphy applies teachings from the Bible to difficult emotions such as anger, loneliness, and disappointment.

Why did you write God Is Everywhere, and for whom?

I wanted to be able to introduce little people, their caregivers, and parents to God's love and the power of His word. I don't think it's ever too early to share God's love and the beauty and power of His words. This book is the first in a series called Wise Words for Little Ones. I envision the series as a little launching pad to building relationships with God.

How are the three main ideas in the book, “You are a Child of God,” “Never Fear, God is Near,” and “Love God, Love All,” connected?

Each section of the book introduces children to stories based on three Bible verses. “You are a child of God” is about how we were made with great love and for great love. And, that if you are a child of God, you will put Him in the center of your life. “Never Fear God is Near” is about how when children have uncomfortable thoughts, fears, or worries, that they can put them aside and know that God is near to help them. “Love God, Love All” addresses the first two commandments in the Bible to love God, and love all.

You write about mistakes and difficult emotions such as loneliness and guilt in the book. Why do you think it's important for kids to learn not to be afraid of things in life that are hard?

Children have minds, bodies, and spirits. We want to be able to connect to all of those. There might be times when you are sad or you make a mistake, you feel badly, or maybe you've hurt someone's feelings. Those are things that all children go through. I know that I did when I was little. I had parents who said, "Hey, come to us and we'll talk about it." They were very comforting, and some kids might not have that in their lives. I want to show kids, when they understand that God is part of their lives and that God's with them, that they can feel better, they can feel maybe less fearful or less sad.