Roger Hutchison is a bestselling author and illustrator of nine books including, The Art of Calm, My Favorite Color Is Blue. Sometimes., The Very Best Day: the Way of Love for Children, and The Painting Table. He is a recipient of the Governor’s Order of the Silver Crescent Award and is an award-winning photographer. Roger serves as the Director of Children's and Youth Ministries at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. He lives outside of Houston. Claire Westwood is a freelance illustrator who runs art workshops at the Pallant House Gallery. She does both digital art and collage, and she has done magazine and book illustrations, greeting card designs, advert illustration, photography backgrounds, logo design, private commissions, fine art, fashion, retail, and prints. Claire studied children's illustration at London Art College. She lives in Sussex, England.
"""The Gift of Baptism by Roger Hutchison is a captivating journey into the heart of Christian beliefs, beautifully complemented by Claire Westwood's enchanting illustrations. Through short poems and dreamlike mixed-media artwork, the book delicately unravels the essence of childlike faith and invites readers of all ages to explore the depths of their spiritual convictions. Each page offers profound insights into the meaning of belief in God, serving as an invitation to embark on an imaginative exploration of the gift of baptism. Whether for parents seeking to nurture their children's spiritual growth or individuals yearning for a deeper understanding of their religious tradition, this book is a poignant reminder of the beauty and wonder inherent in the journey of faith."" * The Rev. Santiago Rodriguez * ""Westwood's whimsical art paired with Hutchison's lyrical text pours forth God's unwavering love in The Gift of Baptism."" * Maria Marianayagam, Author of the Baby Virtues series * Roger Hutchison's The Gift of Baptism is a tender exploration of the love that flows from God's heart to ours, beautifully complemented by Claire Westwood's stunning illustrations. With gentle words and captivating artwork, Hutchison and Westwood remind us that baptism is a sacred moment of initiation into God's family, marked by unconditional love and acceptance. It is a treasure, to be sure! * Traci Smith, Director of Family Faith Every Day * In The Gift of Baptism, Hutchison sprinkles precious words like seeds for the soul, while Westwood’s colorful illustrations create a world of breathtaking beauty. * Ann Marie Stephens, Author of the Arithmechicks series * ""This is the kind of book that calls in young and old to remember the sacred gifts shared in baptism. Through it's beautiful illustrations and poetic words, we are invited again to the water's edge to remember who we are, Whose we are, and how we are to live as God's people: seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice and peace, and respecting the dignity of every human being, at one with and in Christ."" * Rev. Kelsey Davis, Deacon, The Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville, N.C. *"