About the Book
Gemma the diamond is tough as can be, but to never get hurt, there was no guarantee…
When Gemma leaves home she is faced with trials of many kinds. Her classmates cloud her mind with their judgements and Gemma loses her smile and ultimately her sparkle.
She runs home to visit her grandma Tique and grandmother Tique reminds her of where she came from, how strong she is deep inside and that she is the strongest material on earth - a diamond!
Gemma skips back out the door to be greeted by a wildflower and the breeze. Gemma decides that from now on when she is facing a trial she will remember who she truly is and is inspired by the wildflower blooming even in the middle of a bed of rocks.
About the Author
Emily Eggebrecht, often known as "Emma" in her hometown of St. Louis, now resides in Nashville, TN with her husband Ben, their four boys, and their soon-to-be first daughter.
Emily and Ben met at Belmont University in 2010 and fell in love during a choir trip to Italy. These two creatives transitioned from playing music together to running a small business and growing a family.
In 2013, Emily began making jewelry in her bedroom. Since then, Consider the Wldflwrs has evolved into a staple fine jewelry store with a flagship location in Edgehill Village. Over the past decade, Emily has created and designed jewelry, working with precious metals and gems, all while raising their four young children.
Emily's daily routine, which includes discussing the rare miracle of diamonds with clients and reading stories to her kids, inspired the character "Gemma". Gemma's story of resilience and adventurous spirit has been transformed into a children's book and coloring book that highlights some of Nashville's favorite locations. Both Ben and Emily have many stories to share about resilience and the wondrous miracle of God's creation, which shines in everyday life.
You can find Emily's jewelry designs at her company website:
Get to Know Emily
Fun Facts about the Author
Her childhood friends all call her “Emma”
She has had a rock collection since she could walk!
Her favorite food is popcorn with chili lime salt on it.
About the Illustrator
Sarah Beth Hsieh is an artist and illustrator living in Cambridge, UK, with her husband.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Sarah Beth studied Studio Art at Belmont University. After a brief stint of pursuing her dream job (animator for Disney), but ending up with a slightly different job (cashier at a restaurant called Restaurantosaurus at Disney World), Sarah Beth decided to change tactic and went on to get a Masters degree in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Arts in the UK, though mostly because she wanted to live in England for a little while.
Although Sarah Beth might have been a bit directionless, the Lord was directing her paths the whole time. Not only does illustrating children’s books and making art bring her so much joy and purpose, she also ended up meeting her husband in Cambridge.
In addition to illustrating children’s books, Sarah Beth creates artwork that celebrates the settings of people’s lives. She has a great love of buildings and the stories they tell, as well as landscapes and how they show the majesty of God. In essence, she loves painting the places in which people make their home.
You can find more of Sarah Beth’s work on her website, www.sarahbethhsieh.com.