Interview with Debbie Green

As we see rising levels of anxiety in kids, Debbie Green has created See That Swooping Seagull to help children give their worries to God. The charming story in poem form encourages children to redirect troublesome thoughts and the accompanying colouring-in pictures will bring them moments of calm and peace. 

Debbie, could you tell us a little about yourself? 

I live in Lancaster. I’m married, with a patient husband and two beautiful grown-up daughters! I was a teacher for 5 years, teaching the whole of KS2, until I stopped to have my children. I was also volunteering for a Christian charity that works in schools and carried on doing that after my children. I gave that up nearly 3 years ago because I felt God was calling me to focus on resourcing and writing. 

What made you want to write this book? 

It actually came from my prayers for a young lady in my church who wasn’t living life to the full. She was hindered from the things she wanted to do because of worry. And so I went on a writer’s retreat and I just couldn’t get her off my mind, so I put my prayers into a poem.  

Who is this book for? 

Although primarily aimed at children, we all worry, so this book is for everyone. I think we all need reminding of biblical truths that lift us out of that place where we think that we can solve our own problems. 

The subtitle is Give God your worries colouring book. Why is it so important to you to frame a book on anxiety around God, and how have you done this? 

Wellbeing is talked about a lot, especially in schools. It seems to me that there is so much wonderful advice in the Bible.  Jesus – the Prince of Peace – is the best place to go when you are feeling anxious. It’s a no brainer for me – if anxiety and worry is an issue, then go to God first. 

Why was it important to make this a colouring book?  

I think colouring in encourages you to slow down and be present in the moment.  

You have illustrated this book yourself. How was that experience? Do you prefer writing or illustrating? 

Good question! Yes, I like doodling. I’ve been doodling for schools for quite a long time but if you ask me which one I prefer … when we used to have meals together as a family, we would ask ‘what’s your favourite thing on the plate?’ My husband’s answer, nearly always, was ‘it’s the combination’. I think that’s the same for me. It’s the combination. I like doodling, I like writing … so I put them together. 

Your previous books, the A-Z of Wellbeing for Children and the accompanying Toolkit, were written with your sister Ruth Rice. How was the experience different going solo this time? 

It was a bit more daunting! Ruth is probably the most encouraging person on the planet, so it was really nice to write with her. But writing for myself, and from my own heart and from my own experiences, has been good. It hasn’t been a struggle. 

Have you been reminded afresh about God while writing this book?  

I am constantly now being nudged by God to look up at swooping seagulls! Honestly, it must happen nearly every day - when I think I don’t know how to handle something then God says, ‘hang on, you wrote about swooping seagulls, so notice the birds, remember the words of Jesus.’ So yes, it is actually helping me, daily! 

What do you hope children will most get out of this book? 

I’d like to set them free from hours of needless worry. I’m hoping that God’s truth sinks deep into their hearts and then they are reminded of it at the most important moments, even into their adult life. 

In one sentence, how would you describe See That Swooping Seagull?  

A book to help children slow down and focus on what is good and true.  

You are currently working on your next series of books. Can you tell us a little about these? 

Bible Bundles is 48 sessions for children on the Bible, coming out in 4 books of 12. Inside are prayer ideas, games and crafts. But more importantly, it has a big focus on what the Bible actually says. So there are 2 printable sheets for every session, and in those are lots of puzzles and some questions from Steve the Woodlouse, Rose the Bee and Bob the snail. If you answer those questions then hopefully it will help you go deeper into what the Bible actually says. 

Is there anything we can pray for you? 

I have been amazed that since I gave up my other job that God has been giving me something to do - as soon as one project is finishing another one comes up. I am now working on 8 sessions that help children think about how they respond to God, looking at the stories of Mary in the Bible. I’m very excited about this, so my prayer would be that more children are able to be prompted to say yes to God.