Would You Rather… Step Into the Bible? A Conversation with Marianne Hering & Brock Eastman
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Some devotional books teach. Some entertain. And then there are the rare few that manage to do both — while also making kids laugh, think, and lean forward in anticipation. That’s exactly what authors Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman have created in their newest release, Would You Rather Bible Challenges, a 52‑week devotional packed with humor, immersive storytelling, and unexpected Bible moments.
I first interviewed Marianne and Brock back in 2022, before BookWorthy was even a podcast. So having them back — together — felt like a joyful full‑circle moment. These two are creative powerhouses, each with a long history of writing for kids, and their combined energy is as delightful as their book.
What unfolded in our conversation was a blend of laughter, deep biblical curiosity, and a shared passion for helping kids fall in love with Scripture.
Random Question of the Week: How Do You Spend a Weekend?
We kicked things off with our weekly warm‑up question: What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Marianne didn’t hesitate.
“Hands down — camping outside. I live in Colorado, can’t get enough of the outdoors,” she said.
Brock echoed the sentiment, describing paddle‑boarding with his wife and four kids at Palmer Lake, surrounded by mountains and fresh air. “It feels like you’re out in the wilderness, even though you’re two minutes from town,” he said.
As a Texan, I couldn’t help but laugh — our outdoor experiences depend heavily on whether the humidity is trying to suffocate us that day.
But weather aside, we dove into the heart of their newest project.
Introducing Would You Rather Bible Challenges
This devotional is exactly what it sounds like — a mash‑up of:
Would You Rather–style choices
immersive second‑person storytelling
obscure and exciting Bible stories
humor that actually lands
and meaningful spiritual application
The book includes 52 devotions, each pairing two Bible stories or themes and inviting kids to imagine themselves inside the narrative.
Marianne explained why the idea grabbed her attention immediately:
“The Bible stories we could pick were all exciting or obscure and kind of odd… that’s what I always like,” she said.
She loved the challenge of writing in second person — “in your face description,” as she put it — something she hadn’t done extensively before.
Brock, who originally pitched the idea, said he’d been trying to collaborate with Marianne for over a decade. “I’ve been throwing ideas at her for 15 years,” he laughed. “This one finally stuck.”
Hidden Bible Stories Kids Rarely Hear
One of the most compelling aspects of this devotional is the stories they chose — not just the “big” ones, but the strange, overlooked, or rarely taught moments in Scripture.
Marianne lit up when talking about the fortune‑teller of Philippi, a story tucked into Acts 16 that most kids never hear. “You really can’t get to it in most devotionals,” she said.
Brock shared one of his favorites: pairing the Fruits of the Spirit with the Armor of God.
“It was fun to put them together… kids are designed differently. Some resonate with armor and battle imagery, others with gentleness and patience,” he said.
The devotional invites kids to see how both sets of Scriptures shape their character and choices.
And because each devotion is written in second person, kids aren’t just reading about the Bible — they’re stepping into it.
The Goal: Get Kids Off Screens and Into Scripture
When I asked what they hoped kids would take away from the book, Marianne’s answer was simple and honest:
“I want them to put down their phones willingly and joyfully to learn about God.”
That’s the heartbeat behind the humor, the immersive writing, and the creative pairings.
Brock added:
“Kids face situations just like the people in the Bible — maybe not walking through the Red Sea, but facing great challenges. Their Red Sea looks different.”
The devotional helps kids:
imagine themselves in biblical moments
understand the choices biblical characters faced
connect those choices to their own lives
see God’s faithfulness across time
It’s not slapstick humor or shallow entertainment. It’s thoughtful, engaging, and spiritually rich — disguised as fun.
Did They Always Want to Be Authors?
Marianne surprised me with her answer.
“No. I wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “But God had other plans.”
Brock, on the other hand, has always been a storyteller — though his childhood dream was to be a paleontologist.
“Dinosaurs,” he said simply. “Just something about those magnificent creatures.”
He laughed about taking apart old TVs as a kid — not realizing until adulthood that some components can hold dangerous electrical charges even when unplugged.
“That explains a lot about you,” Marianne teased.
Their childhood curiosities — dinosaurs, adventure, imagination — now fuel their writing for kids.
How They Stay Connected to Young Readers
Writing for kids requires staying close to the world kids actually live in.
For Brock, that means listening to his four children.
“My kids are quick to tell me when something doesn’t work,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘Dad, nobody says that anymore.’”
He uses their feedback to keep the writing fresh, relevant, and not tied to a specific year or trend.
Marianne stays connected through teaching Sunday school and spending time with a friend’s six children.
“I get toddler hugs, and I talk to the elementary kids… I just listen,” she said.
Their combined perspectives — Brock’s humor and energy, Marianne’s precision and insight — make the devotional both fun and deeply thoughtful.
Their Favorite Books
When asked about their favorite books, their answers were as charming as they are.
Marianne’s Favorite Book
Right now? Anne of Green Gables. “Matthew Cuthbert… he makes me cry,” she said.
She recently visited Prince Edward Island and revisited the books and film adaptations. “The books are better,” she said with a smile.
Brock’s Favorite Book
He chose a YA novel:13 Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman.
“There’s something about the storytelling and creativity… I really love it,” he said.
And for children’s books?
Marianne’s Pick:
Goodnight Gorilla — a board book she buys for every new parent.
Brock’s Pick:
Bored—Nothing to Do! by Peter Spier.
“As a young boy, the idea of building an airplane from garage parts… it was so cool,” he said.
What’s Next for Marianne & Brock?
Both authors have exciting projects on the horizon.
Marianne’s Upcoming Series: A Pair-a-Bulls (2027)
Co‑authored with Lori Z. Scott, this early‑reader series features:
a bullfrog
a bull
retellings of Jesus’ parables
comic‑strip style illustrations
humor (of course)
“I pretty much only do hilarious,” Marianne said.
Brock’s Upcoming Releases
Would You Rather Bible Challenges (out now!)
Parable Port Book 3: The Collector’s Cavern (2027)
Dr. Fizzlebop Devotional #2 (2027)
Parable Port Book 4 (2028)
He’s a writing machine — and his enthusiasm is contagious.
Where to Find Them
Marianne Hering: mariannehering.com
Brock Eastman: brockeastman.com
Both sites include book lists, updates, and resources for families.
Final Thoughts
Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman have created something truly special with Would You Rather Bible Challenges. It’s fun, smart, immersive, and spiritually rich — the kind of devotional kids actually want to pick up.
It invites them to:
step into Scripture
wrestle with choices
laugh
learn
and see themselves in God’s story
In a world full of screens and distractions, this devotional offers something better: a chance to encounter God’s Word with curiosity, imagination, and joy.
Happy reading, friends.
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