Driven by faith, family, and a passion for teaching, debut author Makennah Johnston is proud to introduce The McBrights. Born and raised in the quaint town of Benton, Illinois, Makennah holds true to her values and aims to produce work that is wholesome and family oriented. With several years of teaching experience at the elementary level and a master’s degree in elementary literacy, Makennah has transformed her love and knowledge of reading into a story that her two beautiful girls can enjoy on the brink of bedtime. In her spare time, Makennah loves to snuggle her girls, play mini golf with her husband, and enjoy Sunday family pizza nights.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: I have two beautiful baby girls to whom I LOVE to read children’s books. I have spent many late nights reading with my girls to soothe them and expose them to the wonderful world of reading.
I am also a fourth-grade elementary school teacher and have always loved reading The Day the Crayon’s Quit to my students. It has been a wonderful book for teaching and portraying personification. I knew one day I wanted to write a book that made some type of inanimate object come to life, and Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I was able to combine two of my favorite things to create a book that is so special to me!
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Pick up a pencil or pen (or grab your computer) and just let your mind work its magic. Once you unlock an idea for a special world you want to create, the rest just comes naturally. I have never thought of myself as creative. Writing The McBrights has taught me that anyone can be creative; the first step is just unlocking your potential.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Some of my favorite children’s stories are The Day the Crayon’s Quit and Little Red Sleigh. There is something so special about viewing the world from a different point of view.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Bernie, in a way, was modeled after me and my life experiences. I have always been zealous about life and have been able to identify my purpose. Within the last several years, I really have been taking time to reflect and learn about myself and what makes me “me.” The Lord has shown me that we all have a purpose in our lives, and seeking Him will ultimately reveal our calling. Bernie thinks his life purpose is gone, but really, he is in a new chapter of life and redefining his purpose!
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: The actual storytelling! I could write all day. I love creating stories that others will enjoy.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: It’s definitely a developed skill. If you want to be a good writer, you have to write. The more you write, the better you get, not only at writing but also at unlocking the creative juices that are naturally inside of you.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” —Proverbs 19:21. This verse fits nicely with Bernie’s journey of finding his new purpose in life.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Absolutely! I would love to see where Bernie goes with his new direction in life and how he fares.
I also have a precious baby girl at home who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. There are not many books out there to help siblings of patients and young patients themselves understand what this disease entails. I would love to create a children’s story that represents all cystic fibrosis children and tells a story about the world through their eyes.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: Max Lucado has written several children’s books that hold such special meaning. Even as an adult, his books captivate me! He has a way of relating children's stories to profound, real-life moments.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: All the Harry Potter books, of course! My girls and I love to read the Katie Woo books, so those would be must-haves as well.
Learn more about Makennah Johnston and her new book, The McBrights, here. Coming soon November 11, 2025!