The Author's Story

Gloria Jean Bodenmuller grew up in a “migrant family” in the Santa Clara Valley and began to enjoy reading books at an early age.  She began writing while in school and was encouraged by her teachers and classmates.  While in high school, she wrote about school activities in the San Jose Mercury News, and more recently she has been published in Good Old Days magazine.  Gloria Jean has improved her writing skills by completing a correspondence course from the Long Ridge Writers Group and has taken Adult Education Classes on writing. She has also participated in Seminars on writing skills and has written for the bimonthly newsletter for the church where she attends.

Three years ago Gloria was inspired to write a children’s book after meeting the children at the school where her granddaughter, Laurel Shea, attends and where Gloria volunteers once a week.

After encouragement from a friend, she began to write the children’s book but soon put it aside.  Then in early 2008 she decided to complete the book, “Angels All Around Me.”  And thus, Gloria’s first book was published in 2008 and is dedicated to her granddaughter, Laurel Shea Bodenmuller, 7.  “It’s about how God places angels around children … around all of us.  Children today are frightened and this is a way to give them a sense of peace.  Although it was written for Laurel, it is meant for all children who often have fear they are unable to understand, be it from broken homes, money troubles or other adversity.  I love children and there is a little child in me that relates to them, making it easier for me to understand and write for children. God has gifted me in this way." Sometimes our pain becomes our passion.

“Angels All Around Me ” uses appropriate passages from the Bible and conveys the message that angels offer their protection to everybody, every day.  Gloria also created all of the colorful illustrations in the book that help tell the story.

Gloria's second book, “My Very Own Book About Gardening,” is dedicated to her three grandchildren, Laurel Shea, Aubrey Joy and Steven Joseph.  This is a children’s book about gardening, based on Christian principles and is the first one in a series on gardening, harvesting and processing food from the seeds we plant.

Gloria's third book, "What is Easter," explains what Easter is all about. (32 pages) Included is an audio CD with narration by Gloria Jean.

Gloria's fourth book, "The Christmas Star," explains to children the true meaning of Christmas. (38 pages) This book also includes an audio CD with narration and music.

Gloria's fifth book, "Harvesting," explains to children how to harvest the vegetables and fruits that were planted in their garden. (32 pages) Included is an audio CD with book narration by Gloria Jean.

Gloria's sixth book, "Heaven,"explains to children how heaven will be. (63 pages) Included is an audio CD with book narration by Gloria Jean.

Gloria's latest book, "What Is Love," has just been published and is available on this site. The children virtually wrote and illustrated this book, and Gloria added appropriate scripture for each illustration.

At present Gloria is working on her autobiography. The purpose of the book is to better serve hurting women and children. "... Lord willing..." it will be available in the summer of 2012. More information on this new book will be available at a later date.

Recently the Lord made it possible for Gloria to attend a Christian Writers Conference with a full scholarship to advance this ministry. PRAISE THE LORD!!! And our books will soon be available as e-books, to read on your Kindle, iPad and iPhone.

New: Christian Books for Children is featured in the Samaritan Ministries Newsletter for December 2011. Click Here to View