Season 9 Bonus: Celebrating Christmas in July with Sonia Anderson

Send us Fan Mail Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews children's author Sonja Anderson about her book 'A Christmas Wish for a Little Dala Horse.' They discuss the inspiration behind the story, the incorporation of Swedish traditions, and the deeper messages of love and acceptance within the narrative. Sonja shares her journey to becoming an author, her favorite books, and her future writing projects, all while celebrating the joy of storytelling and the magic of Christmas.  Sonja Anderson Join BookWorthy's Summer Reading Challenge   **Takeaways** Sonja's book is inspired by her Swedish heritage. The story incorporates Swedish vocabulary and traditions. Sonja's husband supported her writing journey with thoughtful gifts. The message of the book emphasizes love and acceptance. Sonja's childhood experiences shaped her desire to write. She aims to help children understand diverse backgrounds. Sonja's favorite book is 'Heidi' by Johanna Spyri. She has several picture books in progress with her agent. Sonja won a writing contest for her novel set in Japan. The podcast celebrates the joy of reading and storytelling. **Chapters** 00:00 Introduction to Sonja Anderson and Her Work 02:43 The Inspiration Behind 'A Christmas Wish for a Little Dala Horse' 05:26 Exploring Swedish Traditions in the Story 08:20 The Message of Love and Acceptance 11:11 Sonja's Journey to Becoming an Author 13:35 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Writing 16:28 Future Projects and Aspirations 19:08 Favorite Books and Their Influence 21:59 Conclusion and Where to Find Sonja's Work Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy\_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress