About the Author

Wendy Thomas Russell is a journalist, author and editor. A former newspaper reporter, Russell writes an online parenting column for the PBS NewsHour and is the co-founder of Brown Paper Press, an independent book publishing company. Relax, It's Just God is her first book.

Reviews

"'Relax: It's Just God' is valuable for so many reasons. The book offers helpful timelines for how to talk to kids about religion at every age and includes a handy appendix with the Cliffs Notes version of each major religion of the world, along with ways to observe their holidays in a secular way. The book's full of useful tools that you and your kids can use when confronted by religious peers and well-meaning family members. Best of all, it handles a potentially heavy topic with a lighthearted sense of humor, giving the reader the sense that we really can relax about it." -- True Parent Magazine


"Hers is a vital voice in the world today."
-- Chris Stedman, author of Faitheist: How and Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious

"In this gem of a book, journalist Russell explores religion from a nonreligious perspective, helping parents guide their children in a healthy, exploration-oriented direction without guilt, dogma, or indifference.... This singular book with a clean style and respectful approach is recommended for all libraries." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"Written for secular parents from a nonreligious perspective, this guide explores methods of teaching youngsters about God, religion and spirituality... Contains a wealth of information for secular or mixed-religion families
preparing for the God talk with kids." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Relax, It's Just God is a thought-provoking entry in the expanding category
of secular parenting advice." -- The Humanist Magazine

"Wendy is a strong, funny, articulate new voice in secular parenting."
-- Dale McGowan, author and editor, Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion

"If only we all could have a mother with the approach to religious literacy described in Relax Its Just God. Wendy Thomas Russell conducted a fascinating survey of parents for this important book, and the results deserve wide discussion... 'Relax It's Just God' is a friendly and wise and highly readable guide to teaching children about religion so they can respond with openness and intelligence." -- Robert Tulip, Booktalk.org

"One of the best things I've read in years." -- Karen Loethen, co-host of The Secular Parents Broadcast