In my limited experience, the day a book launches often proves to be pretty much the same as any other day. Except for feeling kind of silly because it's supposed to be a special day. My newest book, Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most, released on Tuesday, and the best thing that happened was the card William presented to me that morning

(see photo). It reads "happy birthday small talk. I think it will be a big success and if it is it will be good."

But in additon to that terrific show of support, I also am excited to report that I had a few articles and a television interview this week as well.

First, on Monday, I had an essay on ABCNews.com: "What I Learn From My Kids in Talking About Disability." The title pretty much says it all.

Then, on Wednesday morning I was interviewed for The Harvest Show. I had a terrific time with Valerie and Chuck, and we talked for about ten minutes about parenting, disability, and Small Talk. If you're interested in watching the video, my interview starts around minute 20 of the show. (My favorite part is when I told a story about knocking William over with a pillow and then the producers showed a photo of William with no front teeth. Classic.)

Finally, this morning I have an opinion piece in USA Today (page 9A if you have a paper copy) about talking with our children about hard things in the news. It's called "Parents, Take Your Kids Seriously."

I also appreciated blogger Mark Leach's review of Small Talk:

"Becker's prose, pace, and word choice convey an open, welcoming feel, drawing the reader into a conversation. Her writing sounds quiet, questioning without confronting or judging. It’s a style that fits perfectly for thoughts inspired by the words of small children about issues that we all wrestle with."

Click here to continue reading Mark's full review.

If you haven't already purchased a copy of Small Talk, you can Click Here to Order one now. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on some of these topics, and here's what other people are saying:

Endorsements:

“Amy Julia Becker gets to the heart of our most valuable moments with our children – the ones in which we laugh, cry, and marvel at the unex- pected revelation of truth and joy in our everyday lives. Small Talk reveals how talking with our children about the most important things in life actually ends up growing us up just as much, if not more, than them.”

Gabe and Rebekah Lyons

Cofounders of Q and authors of The Next Christians and Freefall to Fly, respectively

“Small Talk is a gift to parents who long to connect with their children about the joys and everyday rituals that sustain us, as well as about the griefs that capsize our hearts. Amy Julia Becker is an astute observer; she watches and names how, along with her children, she is maturing and coming to understand the world and her place in it. Thoughtful, wise, and engaging, Becker’s work inspires me to live with intention and keep alert to the presence of God. Highly recommended.”

Jennifer Grant

Author of Love You More, MOMumental, Disquiet Time, and Wholehearted Living

“Amy Julia Becker does big things in Small Talk, delighting and challenging readers with stories of conversations with her kids’ and the thoughts on life, love, and God that follow. Small Talk is a must-read for anyone who’s ever learned about the bigness of life from the smallest of folks – or anyone who wants to.”

Caryn Rivadeneira

Author of Broke: What Financial Desperation Revealed about God’s Abundance and producer and host of Midday Connection on Moody Radio