Introducing Hannah and Naomi Carrington – sisters and best friends. They are creating beautifully written and illustrated books for children through Crown of Life Press, combining a love for writing, art, and stories about Christians who were faithful to Jesus Christ. If you love biographies, subscribe to their newsletter and take a look at their shop.
How did you get the idea to write and illustrate a book together?
The idea to write and illustrate a book together actually came from our Dad. We both have grown up reading tons of Christian biographies, and have always felt inspired by the amazing ways God has used ordinary men and women to build His kingdom.
Hannah: I have always loved to draw, and I was getting into watercolor painting around that time.
Naomi: I love to write and study history and am currently working on an in-depth writing course for authors.
We had watched the Torchlighters cartoon on Vibia Perpetua several times when we were younger, and we both loved her story so much. When Dad shared his idea with us, we immediately thought of her, especially since there aren’t any illustrated kid’s books about her. After publishing our book Vibia Perpetua we wanted to do one on a missionary as well. Hudson Taylor’s life and trust in God have always been an encouragement to us.
Naomi: So I got out all the books we had about him, took notes as I read them, and we started the book-creating process again!
What lessons did you learn in the process of creating and publishing your first book, Vibia Perputua?
Working on our first book together taught us so much! One of the biggest things was communication, as we made many mistakes that could have been avoided. As with any project involving multiple people, it can be easy to get frustrated, but it really helped us learn to be gracious and over-communicate, if necessary.
Hannah: I was in charge of most of the technical side of things: setting up the book using InDesign and Photoshop, and that was a huge learning curve for me. I enjoy learning about computers and software, so it was a great opportunity to take some classes and learn.
Naomi: I learned to not use too much information from the biographies I read when writing the stories, but to be selective and include the most impactful moments of their lives while still making sure the story flowed well. I had to make sure that I had a clear list of numbered and titled illustrations-to-do in sync with the writing so there would be no confusion as to what to draw and for what parts.
How has your faith been tested in your work?
We have had to learn to trust that God will use this book in the way He wants and for His glory, and not be focused on the return we think we should get on the work we did. We pray that God will pierce the hearts of many boys and girls with a passion for His glory, His kingdom, and His immeasurable worth as they read about a woman who truly believed these things with all her heart.
How has living in another country for the sake of Christ and the gospel influenced the Hudson Taylor book project?
Having lived on the mission field multiple times and currently living in Turkey, the missionary stories have come alive for us in a whole new way. God has helped us over and over again through the hardships, the sufferings, and blessed us abundantly in our family relationships that have been able to grow since we are alone. We have learned that we have a constant need for unwavering trust in God and faithfulness to keep pressing on. We feel like Hudson Taylor’s story has impacted us living on the mission field far more than us living here has impacted the story.
What advice would you give a young girl who is interested in the creative arts?
We would say that now is the time that God has given you to be able to pursue and hone the skills that He has given, and to use your time wisely and for His glory. There are so many opportunities for young women, and we should be faithful laborers and not idle. If you’re interested in something like art or music or health, go for it! We have learnt and are learning the importance of doing all we can with a whole heart, wholly unto the Lord. Keep learning and studying, it will be a huge benefit for your family in the future.
Hannah: a daughter of the King of Kings. Also a daughter to wonderful, godly parents, and the oldest of six! My best friend is Naomi, my co-conspirator and confidant. The greatest desire of my heart is to live for the One who lived and died for me – that all my days may bring glory to His Name. My favorite missionary is Jim Elliot. I never cease to marvel at his wholehearted abandonment, passion, and zeal for the sake of his Master and for the love of lost souls.
Naomi: as a follower of Jesus Christ, I was brought into the fold of the True Shepherd at a young age. I seek to glorify and serve my Lord in all that I do and be salt and light in the world. I am the second child of God-honoring parents. Hannah is my life-long best friend. I am ever thankful for the bond we share in Christ and the countless things we share. One of the books that most impacted my life is To the Golden Shore about the missionary Adoniram Judson, who went to Burma at age 25 and would serve till his death forty years later.
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