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 here.
 
"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.