"M is for Mason Jar" and Carolyn Bennett Fraiser

A couple of years ago, at a Write2Ignite Master Class, Wiley Blevins, Associate Publisher at Reycraft Books, presented the beautiful nonfiction picture book, Moon Tree: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser. But that wasn’t the first time I heard the author’s name. I felt like I already knew Carolyn – from her newsletter, where she regularly lists learning opportunities for kidlit writers. Today, Carolyn is celebrating her newest picture book, M is for Mason Jar: A Homesteading Alphabet (illustrated by Sally Anne Garland, published by Familius Publishing), and I’m delighted to introduce her to you. Welcome, Carolyn!

Sue: Let’s start with “A” – for an awesome author’s amazing ideas. Where did you get the story spark for M is for Mason Jar?

Carolyn: During the summer of 2020, I read a thread about the ABCs for homesteaders on a Facebook group. The comments were hilarious, but I joked with my husband that I should write a version for kids. He dared me to do it! At first, I didn’t take it seriously. Then I read a blog post about the lack of children’s books for modern day homesteading families. So, I gave it a try!

Sue: Now, “B.” This beautiful book about the bounty of harvest – and many of your other nonfiction books – is written for the general market. How do you build faith into your books?

Carolyn: My faith had always informed everything I wrote. I wrote for the adult Christian market for many years and wasn’t sure if my writing would cross over. While I don’t explicitly mention God or my faith in my books, it’s still a thread through my writing — in the topics and themes I choose. Messages about purpose, family, and togetherness are universal. Families need good quality books that show kids those values.

Sue: And, “C.” What are some ways parents and educators might use this book with curious and creative children?

Carolyn: M is For Mason Jar is an ABC book, but I use repetitive alliteration on every page to help young learners hear the sounds of each letter. It also introduces kids to homesteading. Survival, self-sufficiency, healthy lifestyle, and taking care of the environment are important skills to learn at any age. It’s a great launching off place for older kids to learn more about growing plants (biology), farming basics (ecology), building a root cellar (geography), and canning (chemistry).

Sue: One of our goals at Write2Ignite is “to share our faith with the world – through literature,” and our services and resources are developed especially for writers, educators, and parents and caregivers. I’m interested in how you use your writing ability to serve with Operation Blessing for Christian Broadcasting Network, and at Bound for Glory Camp. Would you please tell us more about this work?

Carolyn: I love writing for a ministry that responds to humanitarian crises around the world with compassion and God’s love — from writing articles for our magazine and devotionals for CBN to creating products like a weather book for kids or a gardening book for urban families. It’s been fun watching all my worlds come together.

Bound for Glory is a summer camp for struggling readers. I serve on their board of directors, but I also volunteer as a reader. I love working directly with the kids and getting them excited about reading. After Hurricane Helene, we also collected books for schools impacted by the storm. It was a great way to serve our local community together and help kids stay on track.

Sue: What can we look forward to seeing from you next?

Carolyn: Well, I’m so excited to be able to share that my next nonfiction picture book, Fire Seeds, a lyrical story about the life cycle of seeds that can only grow through fire, is officially under contract with Familius Books. It’s scheduled for release in 2028. With the recent wildfires surrounding Los Angeles, my editor is excited about adding an educational book about fire to their catalogs.

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

One of my favorite homesteading tasks… is making homemade tomato sauce. In August, I make a huge batch of sauce — enough to last us an entire year. There’s nothing like opening a jar of fresh sauce in the middle of winter!

My favorite Bible verse… comes from Psalm 62:1 – “[God] alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.” As someone who daily deals with shakiness (I had essential tremor and epilepsy), this verse is my lifeline!

I was hoping you’d ask… about my Write2Ignite award! I was one of the first award recipients through your picture book contest. It came at a time when I needed a boost and encouraged me to keep writing.

Sue: Thank you so much for visiting us today, Carolyn! We wish you all the best on the launch of your book, M is for Mason Jar!

This interview first appeared on August 28, 2025 on the Write2Ignite blog.