Who is Crystal Bowman?

Crystal Bowman is a best-selling Christian children’s author who has written more than 100 books for kids, with over 3 million copies sold worldwide. Her books are loved for their warm, accessible lessons about faith, family, and Bible values, paired with charming illustrations that appeal to children of all ages.

Where is Crystal from, and what’s her background?

Crystal was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, on May 9, 1951. She graduated from Holland Christian High School and earned a degree in elementary education from Calvin University in Grand Rapids. She and her husband later raised three children—two sons and a daughter—and she is now a grandmother of eight.

How did Crystal become a writer?

Crystal wrote her very first poem at age 10, when her teacher, Mrs. Beckman, told her she would be a poet someday. While raising her children, she began writing poems again, eventually self-publishing a collection of funny children’s poems called Cracks in the Sidewalk. That early success opened doors to writing lyrics for piano lesson books, beginning reader stories, devotionals, and picture books for major Christian publishers.

What inspires Crystal’s writing?

Crystal’s Christian faith is the heart of everything she writes. Her ongoing desire, in her own words, is “to tell little ones that God loves and cares for them very much.” She draws inspiration from Scripture, from her own children and grandchildren, and from everyday moments that spark ideas she can shape into stories, rhymes, and devotions kids will love.

What kinds of books does Crystal write?

Crystal writes across many categories for young readers: board books for babies and toddlers (ages 0–5), picture books (ages 4–8), beginning readers, devotionals, prayer books, Bible storybooks, holiday books, and poetry collections. Most of her books are written to help children learn about God and grow in faith.

What are some of Crystal’s most popular books?

Some of her best-known titles include Our Daily Bread for Kids, M Is for Manger, My Grandma and Me, My Mama and Me, My Arms Will Hold You Tight, I Love You to the Stars, and The One Year Book of Devotions for Preschoolers, which has sold more than 300,000 copies.

What is I Love You to the Stars about?

I Love You to the Stars—When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers (Kregel) is a tender picture book that helps children understand dementia in an older loved one. It gently shows kids how to keep loving someone even when memory and behavior change.

Has Crystal written for any well-known children’s series?

Yes. Crystal has contributed to the I Can Read! series (HarperCollins/Zonderkidz), the Little Blessings series (Tyndale Kids), the Princess Parables series, the Berenstain Bears, and Boz the Bear. She also writes stories, poems, and a comic page called Friends Out Back for Clubhouse Jr. Magazine.

Which publishers has Crystal worked with?

Crystal has written for many leading Christian and children’s publishers, including Zonderkidz, Tyndale Kids, Baker, Eerdmans, David C. Cook, Focus on the Family, Thomas Nelson, Our Daily Bread Publishing, Kregel, WaterBrook, Standard, HarperCollins (I Can Read!), and End Game Press.

Does Crystal collaborate with other writers?

Yes. Crystal frequently writes with her daughter, Teri McKinley. They have co-authored Our Daily Bread for Kids, Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers, M Is for Manger, the Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts board book series, and more. She has also collaborated with author Michelle Lazurek on Who God Wants Me to Be.

Are Crystal’s books available in other languages?

Yes. Many of her books have been translated into multiple languages and are sold around the world...something Crystal finds delightful since, as she likes to say, she doesn’t speak other languages, but her books do.

What awards has Crystal won for her books?

Her work has earned numerous awards over the years. M Is for Manger won the 2016 Selah Award, My Mama and Me received the Logos Bookstore Award, and My Grandma and Me and My Arms Will Hold You Tight have also won recognition. Crystal is quick to say that God deserves the credit for any awards her books receive. For a list of each book and book award, click here.

Does Crystal write for adults too?

While she’s best known for children’s books, Crystal also has a “For Women” section of her work, where she shares writing and reflections geared toward women readers. She also blogs and offers resources and encouragement for aspiring writers through her “Tips for Writers” page.

How does Crystal help other aspiring writers?

Crystal is also a children's book editor and coach on Reedsy.

How can readers connect with Crystal?

Crystal is active on Facebook (facebook.com/crystaljbowman), Pinterest, and LinkedIn, and she also has a podcast available through her website. Readers can explore her full catalog, blogs, and writer resources at crystalbowman.com.

Major Publishing Houses

• Zondervan / Zonderkidz: One of her earliest and most consistent partners; published many of her beginning readers (like the Jake series) and poetry books.

• Tyndale Kids House / Tyndale Kids: Publisher of the Little Blessings series and My Arms Will Hold You Tight.

• Thomas Nelson / Tommy Nelson: Published various children's titles and Bible storybooks.

• WaterBrook: Known for publishing Who God Wants Me to Be.

• Baker Publishing Group: One of the houses she began writing for early in her career.

• HarperCollins Christian: Parent company of Zonderkidz and Thomas Nelson, specifically for the I Can Read! series.

Specialty & Independent Publishers

• Our Daily Bread Publishing: Home to the popular Our Daily Bread for Kids and Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers series.

• Kregel Publications: Published I Love You to the Stars—When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers.

• End Game Press: A more recent partner for various children's and family titles.

• Eerdmans Publishing: One of her initial publishing partners.

• Standard Publishing: Published The House in the Middle of Town.

• Our Daily Bread Publishing: Former name for Our Daily Bread's publishing arm.

• Worth / WorthyKids: Published several of her board books and devotionals.

• Hal Leonard: Published her lyrics for children’s piano music, specifically for the Piano Adventures series.

Other Notable Credits

• Clubhouse Jr. Magazine: She is a frequent contributor of stories, poems, and the "Friends Out Back" comic.

• Focus on the Family: Published various media and devotional content.

• David C. Cook: Listed in her professional bio as a partner for children's resources.

• Self-Published: Her first book, Cracks in the Sidewalk, was originally self-published before gaining mainstream attention.