Author Event: John Pavlovitz

Join Page 158 Books to welcome author John Pavlovitz back to the store for an event to celebrate his children's book--HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE.

A partnership with award-winning Canadian illustrator Stacey Chomiak, the book is a hopeful, spirited, heartfelt reminder of the ability each of us has in making the world a more compassionate and loving place.

Through a joyful and meandering journey, a diverse cast of characters from disparate places encounter one another, as they each learn how easy it is to do something powerful right where they are, without delay.

Their trip together culminates in a vibrant depiction of what happens when everyone does the little bits that they can, as our friends' individual offerings bring on a big, beautiful collective celebration.

HERE and NOW and SMALL and CLOSE explores themes of identity, empathy, meaning, and community in a way that speaks to children of every age.

Speaking about his first foray into children's books, John says, "This has been so long in coming! HNSC has been a dream of mine for nearly a decade, and once I met Stacey, I knew I'd found someone who could tell this story visually in a way that no one else could. It's truly a thing of beauty!"

The book will be accompanied by an interactive group guide developed by John for families, classrooms, and libraries to help readers make the concepts of the book come to life where they are; to take the ideas right from the pages and into their communities.

John shares the genesis of this story and his hopes for its readers:
"For years, I've told adults that they always have two things: proximity to need and agency to do something about it. The book reinterprets that sentiment so that even the youngest person can find their place and feel their power.

These are dark and terrifying times, and I hope that my words, along with Stacey's gorgeous images, will bring the world the light and hope we all need right now."

Author Bio:

John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, and activist known for his bold voice at the intersection of faith and justice.
A former megachurch pastor turned progressive Christian leader, he speaks candidly about inclusion, empathy, and the radical love of Jesus. Through his widely read Substack newsletter, The Beautiful Mess, and his best-selling books, including IF GOD IS LOVE, DON'T BE A JERK, A BIGGER TABLE, and WORTH FIGHTING FOR, John challenges readers to live out a faith and life that welcome everyone. He continues to travel, speak, and write, inspiring communities to pursue justice, compassion, and spiritual integrity in a divided world.
Stacey Chomiak is an artist, author, and LGBTQ+ speaker.
She worked as a designer and art director in the animation industry for 13 years, and is now focusing her talent on writing and illustrating kids' books that represent the queer community. Her illustrated memoir STILL STACE: MY GAY CHRISTIAN COMING-OF-AGE STORY published in 2021. Most recently, she illustrated RAINBOW BOY AND THE PRIDE PARADE, which was published in May 2025 by Beaming Books. Stacey loves to dance with her two kids, cycle by the river, and paint anything that inspires her.

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