Puzzle Piece Interview with Good Christian Reads

In August of 2024, Liz A. Pitman was awarded the Christian Market Children’s book of the Year for Where is the Missing Puzzle Piece? Good Christian Reads sat down with Liz to learn about her journey in writing this book. 

Why did you write Where is the Missing Puzzle Piece? 

Liz:  At some point in our lives, we all ask, “Why am I here? What is my purpose? Where do I fit in the big picture?” I asked these questions when God got my attention on an ordinary day in my kitchen, my “burning bush” moment. This unexpected encounter with the Lord ignited my writing journey. Where Is the Missing Puzzle Piece? was inspired by a puzzle piece sitting on my kitchen shelf that I spotted while cleaning and reached out to throw away in the trash. Since my son had collected numerous puzzles over the years, I didn’t think I would find where this piece fit. As I reached out to throw it in the garbage, the Lord spoke quietly to my Spirit not to touch it. That caught me off guard. For three days, I walked past this puzzle piece on my shelf and asked the Lord what He was trying to teach me. During that time, I started empathizing with it, as I, too, felt in that season of my life that I was sitting on the shelf in the hallway between two doors, waiting for God to open a new chapter in my life. God revealed that many people felt that way. In addition, He showed me that, like the puzzle piece, many don’t know where they fit or where they belong, and they discard their giftings as if they’re junk. He wants everyone to know that they matter and that each is a vital part of the big picture He created. I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do with this revelation, and while I was praying, He downloaded the story of Where Is the Missing Puzzle Piece? 

How does this book help kids who feel misplaced or discarded and why is this so critical today? 

Liz:  Pete the Puzzle Piece is the very relatable and lovable main character of the story, Where Is the Missing Puzzle Piece?. He lives in a Jigsaw box and life goes on in the inside of the box where all his puzzle piece companions live. He is just existing trying to find his place and where he fits, comparing himself to all the other puzzle pieces in the town. He tries to be like the basketball star, the artist, the singer…and fails at everything he tries because he’s not being who God made him to be. Pete goes on a journey of discovery of finding his purpose and that he is truly special, and in the process, both readers and listeners are inspired that just like Pete: they are truly loved, valuable, and God’s MasterPIECE (Ephesians 2:10). This message is especially important today because society has emphasized comparison especially with social media and technology. Although those avenues can be used for good, it is very important to realize that messages of comparison through likes, followers, television programming, etc…can make a child begin to feel less than at a very young age. The message of this book reminds all of us that we are uniquely made and loved by God and that we don’t need to compare ourselves to others as all of us have a special place in the big picture that He created. 

Why is it important to set the foundation of purpose and worth at a young age? 

Liz:  Setting the foundation of purpose and worth at a young age is vital. It reminds me of laying a foundation for a building. If the foundation is solid, it impacts the rest of the structure. When we base our foundation on who we are in Christ and what He says about us from His Word, it impacts us for the rest of our lives. Setting that foundation early can prevent unnecessary brokenness and negative choices. It can also help us remember to shake off hurtful words from others as we focus on the fact that the Creator lovingly designed us exactly as we are, and we are not an accident. Although God can certainly redeem and restore broken adults, why not set the foundation early to avoid unnecessary heartbreak and unhealed wounds? Planting the seeds of truth from the message of this book will impact not only young hearts but will also impact the adults who listen to the message. Pete the Puzzle Piece reminds everyone no matter the age that they, too, have a very important place in the big picture. 

Where did you get your inspiration to write this book and is there a main Scripture passage behind it? 

Liz:  After God got my attention in my kitchen with the single puzzle piece on my kitchen shelf and gave me the storyline for the book, I prayed and asked Him what key highlight verse He wanted both readers and listeners to remember from the story. As I was praying, He spoke to my heart Ephesians 2:10. “We are God’s masterPIECE. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (NIV) 

What is a key feature in the book that personalizes it for both readers and listeners?

Liz:  A special feature within the book is a designated spot to put an individual or group picture to really personalize yourself within the story. People love this unique feature as it allows them to surprise the reader or listener with a photo within the book. Another creative way that this feature has been utilized is by incorporating the book within the classroom. Teachers love to include group photos of their class and even incorporate the Pete the Puzzle Piece plushie as their class mascot with the book to remind each of the students how special they are and that they have a purpose.  

What tips do you have for moms on how to use this book? 

Liz:  Moms can sit down with their children as they read this story and surprise them by including a picture within the book. As they listen to the message and turn the pages, the readers and listeners will not only be able to relate to the story but also visualize themselves within it. The pages are bright and colorful and capture the attention and imagination of both adults and children alike. While they are going through the story, the relatability of Pete allows moms the opportunity to point out the situations where Pete may feel discouraged and struggling to fit in and remind their children that there are times in life where they may feel that way. Just like Pete finds he has an important purpose, they will, too. Also, moms can read the Scripture, Ephesians 2:10 over their children and remind them that they are God’s masterpiece created on purpose for a purpose. There is a picture of a puzzle within the book where they can explain to their children that they also have a special place uniquely designed just for them. On our website, petethepuzzlepiece.com, there are supplemental free downloads and coloring pages that they can incorporate alongside the book to plant the seeds of value, worth, and purpose over their lives. These free downloads that coincide with the book are called “Pete’s Proclamations” and include Scriptures and positive declarations. Parents can place these on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror to remind their children or even themselves as they are getting ready to leave for school or go to work that they are truly valuable. 

We know that you do children’s readings and events. What is your favorite part of doing this and who frequently accompanies you at these readings and events? 

Liz:  My favorite part of doing readings and events is seeing eyes come alive with purpose. You can see when the lightbulb goes on, and purpose is ignited. I have experienced this with both children and adults. The story resonates with all ages. Grown men have cried listening to it. Once I was filming for TV, and they had dimmed the lights, and a bright light was shining in my face, so I couldn’t see the people around me as I was sharing the message of the book. Once they turned the lights back on in the room, the camera man had tears streaming down his face because he was so moved by the story. I have had older adults tell me that they were encouraged by the message because they felt that they didn’t know what their purpose was anymore. God uses Pete the Puzzle Piece to remind us that we have value. All of us, no matter the age, need to know that we are a significant part of God’s big picture.  

At readings and events, I love to incorporate a giant, life size Pete the Puzzle Piece mascot. The grand finale is when he appears from “Jigsaw” after I have read the story. Children are so touched that Pete came all the way to see them, and it reinforces the message from the book. 

What do your kids think about Pete, the friendly puzzle piece from the town of Jigsaw? 

Liz:  My son absolutely loves Pete the Puzzle Piece. He is such an encouragement to me and a major part of my writing journey. I knew that when God called me into this adventure that having my son be involved in this writing journey with me was very important. In the book, he drew on the dedication page his interpretation of the boy that encourages Pete within the story. In fact, my son inspired that character within the book. I have also teamed with him as he co-authored with me The Christmas Memory Journal and Activity book that is a resource with the Pete Adventure Series.

Who frequently accompanies you at readings and events

Liz:  Team Pete accompanies me to readings and events. These are treasured family and friends that God has brought into my life who help spread the message of purpose and worth. In addition, our life size Pete mascot loves to come along when he can from “Jigsaw” and both adults and children alike love to meet him and have their pictures taken with him. 

Can you share a story from a child who has found purpose, value, and acceptance?

Liz:  I have had so many touching stories and continue to be moved by testimonies of how God has used Pete the Puzzle Piece and the message of the book to encourage hearts and lives. I have had parents tell me that their child needed encouragement because they were being bullied and struggling to fit in and that this book encouraged them. Teenagers have walked up to me crying saying that they weren’t planning to come to the event that day, but they now knew God brought them because they were supposed to hear the message from the book. Moms have bought the book for themselves because they needed to be reminded of their worth. I love it when children draw me pictures of Pete, their new pal, and it reminds them just how very special they are. God giving the message of the book from the puzzle piece on my kitchen shelf continues to amaze me as it is His story to encourage everyone that Just Like Pete: You are loved. You are valuable. You are God’s MasterPIECE. 

Is this a series? Can we expect more adventures from Pete the Puzzle Piece? 

Liz:  Yes, I am very excited to announce the next book in the “Pete Adventure Series” called Pete and Pals’ Christmas Surprise! is now available on my website petethepuzzlepiece.com and also on Amazon. This new book is fun and meaningful and inspires both readers and listeners to activate their purpose. You can expect more adventures in the series as you and your family journey with Pete to discover that you are loved, valuable, and God’s masterPIECE.