JFH News: Critically Acclaimed Singer / Songwriter Jason Gray Debuts First Children's Book, "Sparrows," Oct. 22 From Centricity Music

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SINGER / SONGWRITER JASON GRAY DEBUTS FIRST CHILDREN�S BOOK, SPARROWS, OCT. 22 FROM CENTRICITY MUSIC

New Book Inspired by Gray�s Popular, Award-Winning Radio Hit �Sparrows�

Encourages Children to Trust God with Their Worries and Know That He Loves and Cares for Them

NEWS SOURCE: Hoganson Media
September 4, 2024

Critically acclaimed Centricity Music singer/songwriter Jason Gray debuts his first children’s book, Sparrows, based on his popular award-winning song by the same name. Drawing inspiration from this radio hit off his 2016 album Where the Light Gets In, Gray joined creative forces with noted children’s author Jes Woller and illustrator Hilary Griffith in the release of this heartwarming children’s hardcover book geared to kids ages three to eight. Releasing October 22 via Centricity Music, Sparrows is available to order now from https://store.centricitymusic.com/collections/jason-gray/products/sparrows-book.

“I've always dreamed of writing a children's book,” declares Jason Gray, “And when Centricity Music offered to partner with me in that endeavor, I sat down with my friend Kory Henkel, Director of Marketing and Communications, to discuss which of my songs had a message that could translate well to children. ‘Sparrows’ was the obvious pick!

“From there we brainstormed about a storyline that would be age appropriate and meaningful, ultimately collaborating with co-writer Jes Woller, who has a real gift for speaking the language of children,” continues Gray. “The process resulted in the story of Ellie, a little girl who struggles daily with stuttering, and how she overcame her anxiety by trusting God with her worries and responding to bullying with love, kindness and compassion instead of retaliation.”

With a genuine heart for connecting with others and known for the compassionate honesty and authenticity he offers through his music, Gray drew from his own personal experience and shares that Matthew 6:25-34 and Matthew 10:29-31 are the cornerstone verses for both the song and the book, each addressing the theme of trusting God in the face of anxiety and worry. As a child, Gray struggled with a speech impediment, so incorporating this into the storyline of Sparrows was a way to share his own struggles in hopes of helping others.

“Growing up with a stutter, I was always anxious about being called on in class, or being singled out because I was different. It was especially tough since I was actually eager to speak up, but didn't feel like I could,” recalls Gray. “As I began to be aware of God's calling on my life, I had to learn to trust Him with all of that. We tried to bring elements of that experience into the story of Ellie.”

Additionally, Gray shares that Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:43-44 are important verses to the story, as well as Romans 5:8, which says “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Because Ellie felt bullied by another classmate, she learned about how God wants us to treat our enemies and how to answer cruelty with love.

“I hope the story of Ellie will remind kids that God is with them in all of their fears and anxieties. The best thing we can do to keep our hearts intact is to give our anxieties to God and trust that He is with us, He constantly cares for us, and that He's always working behind the scenes,” shares Gray.

Book Synopsis:

Ellie worried constantly. She worried about her little brothers making her late, forgetting to bring her lunch to school, or getting teased about her stutter. When her desk was moved next to Annabelle’s, she had more to worry about than ever. One Sunday morning Ellie heard about how God cares for the sparrows, and something started to change.

This engaging picture book:

Addresses the theme of trusting God in the face of anxiety and worry based on Matthew 6:25-34 and Matthew 10:29-31.
Reassures children that God loves them and constantly cares for them.
Reminds kids that they are seen, loved and cherished by God.
Teaches young readers about empathy and compassion and how to show love to others by answering meanness with kindness and cruelty with love based on Proverbs 15:1, Matthew 5:43-44 and Romans 5:8.
Echoes the message from the chorus of “Sparrows”:

“You may feel alone, but you’re not on your own

…If He (God) can hold the world, He can hold this moment

…Not a field or flower escapes His notice

Oh even the sparrow knows, He holds tomorrow”

Shows kids how to be a kind and loving friend.

For all the latest Jason Gray tour, music, news and more information, go to http://jasongraymusic.com/, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

About Jason Gray:

Since his 2007 nationwide label debut, All the Lovely Losers, Gray has established himself as a true songwriter’s songwriter. He has garnered multiple ASCAP Performance Awards for popular songs like “Remind Me You’re Here,” “I'm Gonna Let It Go” and “Sparrows,” and summited the radio charts with hits like his first No. 1 AC standard, “With Every Act of Love,” and chart-topping inspirational single, “Nothing Is Wasted.” His current album, Land of the Living, plumbs the depth of human experience and serves up a batch of pop-friendly, radio-ready contenders primed for conversation.

Throughout his celebrated tenure, Gray has shared the stage with genre leaders like Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, TobyMac, Lauren Daigle and others, in addition to headlining tours of his own. Moreover, he is the host of the popular writers-round radio show Acoustic Storytime heard on SiriusXM The Message on the second Friday of every month at noon ET.

About Jes Woller:

Jes Woller joined Christian Family Solutions (CFS) in March 2024 as a Mental Health Technician before transitioning to her clinical mental health counseling practicum and internship in the summer of the same year. She received her Bachelor of Theatre Arts from Bethany Lutheran College and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same institution. With over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents in various settings, Jes has also published three children's books. She calls Milwaukee home with her husband and four children, always anticipating what God may have in store for her next.

About Centricity Music:

The No. 1 Billboard Top Christian Albums Imprint for three consecutive years, Centricity Music is an independent Christian music company based in Franklin, TN. Founded in 2005 with a commitment to artist development and stylistic diversity, its artist roster includes Andrew Peterson, Band Reeves, Bay Turner, Brandon Heath, Centricity Worship, Chris Renzema, Jason Gray, Jaye King, John Allan, Jordan Feliz, Katy Nichole, Lauren Daigle, Mack Brock, Natalie Layne, Patrick Mayberry, Rachel Purcell and Unspoken. Providing label and publishing services, Centricity is a family-owned organization. The committed work of its staff and artists has yielded successes such as Grammy Awards, Billboard Awards, Dove Awards, K-Love Fan Awards, and multiple Gold and Platinum Albums and Singles. For more Information on Centricity Music, visit https://centricitymusic.com.

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For more info on Jason Gray, visit the JFH Artists Database.