Author Interview: Vicki Michela Garlock, author of ABCs of the World’s Religions

My books teach kids aged 4-10 (and their adults) about the world’s religions in non-devotional, not-trying-to-convert-you way. Both the text and the images present factual, non-judgmental information that helps kids learn about the world while maintaining pride in their own faith/no-faith tradition. Much of the content focuses on tangible aspects of religious traditions – like holy days, clothing, ritual practices, and sacred spaces. Age-appropriate similarities and differences across faiths are also explored.

I am especially excited that my most recent book, ABCs of the World’s Religions, has been named an International Impact Award winner and Book Excellence Award winner, and a Next Generation Indie Award finalist. It also received a Silver Award from NFAA and a Bronze “IPPY” Award.

We All Have Sacred Spaces earned a Gold Award from NFAA and a Bronze “IPPY” Award.

What inspired you to write your book? My inspiration is 3-pronged:

When my kids were young, I looked everywhere for books that offered information about the world’s religions in a single volume. I could literally count them on one hand. So, I am hoping, in some small way, to fill that void.
Religion can be problematic as we have seen over the course of history. Sadly, this view often underlies religiously-motivated violence, which is currently on the rise around the world. I don’t think we are well-served by avoiding the topic of religion with kids. I believe kids are more than capable of learning about the world’s religions in age-appropriate ways, and I think it’s essential that we meet that need in the interest of global harmony and peace.
Religiously-motivated violence is horrible. But the neighborly interactions that pass us by because we don’t know what to do or what to say to someone who follows a religious tradition other than our own (or the one/s we are familiar with) are also detrimental to our communities. If I can help people feel a bit more comfortable, a bit more likely to reach out across typical religious divides, then it’s a good day.

If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:

World Religions for Kids offers a variety of ways to help kids (and their adults)learn about the world’s religions. These include: one-minute TikTok videos, links to my presentations, recommendations for other mostly non-devotional published kids’ books in various religious traditions, and blog posts.

What is a typical day like for you?

Honestly, I’m not sure I have a “typical day.” There are always so many options! They include:

developing social media content around holy days, my awards/events, and interesting religion-related news articles. I also try to support other like-minded organizations on social media by liking/retweeting/reposting.
writing proposals (and then presenting) at conferences around the country – mostly to K-8 Social Studies teachers and librarians
marketing my books and applying for book awards
writing articles and posts for various outlets (e.g., Multicultural Kid blogs, Divine CEO, Deseret News)
marketing my services – presentations for kids/families, school-based educators, religious educators, and library-users; library reviews; school visits
attending rituals, holy days, and other events at various faith communities in my region
maintaining my website

I also serve as the Editor for Religion Matters blog, so I help others prepare their content for publication.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?

Every day is interesting, and every day is different! Plus, I get to meet – both online and in person – amazing people from around the world.

What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?

I mostly read kids’ books about the world’s religions. I’m not sure how many people want to read those, but I do put my recommendations up on my website!

What advice do you have to offer our readers?

Hmmm…I’m not very good at advice. I guess I would remind everyone that there are a lot of different ways to engage with your market – so think about focusing on the strategies that are most enjoyable for you. Doing something you dislike isn’t sustainable. And, if you end up with a little bit of money, consider paying someone to do the stuff you don’t enjoy…because there’s someone out there who loves doing it.

Also, there is always more to learn, and there are lots of ways to learn. My background is NOT in marketing/branding or media appearances. But I’ve learned over the years that I need to get better at that. So, I took Carla King’s Author Branding workshop and JoAnne McCall’s Media Training course. There are experts everywhere. Find them and take advantage of what they can teach you.

Finally, enjoy the journey! We are all so fortunate. We have so many opportunities to write and learn and chase down our dreams. Hundreds of millions of others, around the world, are not nearly as lucky.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I don’t love social media and that I have 3 other part-time jobs!

What’s next for you?

There’s always more to do (especially when it comes to marketing), and there’s always more to learn! I am in the process of creating TikTok videos with a new format. I am working with a colleague to develop and secure funding for a Religions of Raleigh experience in June 2025. I have a few new book ideas, so I’m shopping around for a publisher for one of those. I’m working on op-ed. pieces that can be sent to national news outlets. And one of my longer-term goals is creating a YouTube channel. So, check back in with me in about 5 years, and I’ll let you know how I’m doing on all of it!

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