Launchs

Childhood anxiety is one of this generation’s growing problems and this
story opens this topic up to be enable parents, teachers and
grandparents to discuss fear with their kids.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM, who supports a reduction of
fear in this vulnerable group (4-9 years) of the community, joined more
than 300 guests for the book launch of “Francy the Fearful Firefly” at
Menai Anglican Church on Sunday 9th March 2008.
He encouraged parents and grandparents to support their children and
discuss fear with them. He pointed out that in life only a small percentage
of what we fear actually eventuates. He talked about how God is greater
than all our fears.
Jen Anderson, author of the book shared her own struggles with fear as a
child. She also shared the Francy journey and the writing process which
involved children in focus groups and a book survey. The bright and
vibrant pictures in the book catch all children’s attention and were drawn
by Illustrator, Stuart Smith. The team effort of this book was celebrated.
All those involved rejoiced at what a privilege it is to be involved in God’s
work. The team hoped and prayed God would use this book to build godly
character in children.
Charlotte McKay (8 years) and Jack Knight (9 years), enthusiastically
supported the book and encouraged other children to read it. Charlotte
said “I was so excited when Francy ended up with a red bow and red
shoes as that was what I said she should look like.” Both Charlotte and
Jack reflected on needing to pray and trust God more when they feel
afraid.
Given the growth in childhood anxiety it is important that parents,
teachers and grandparents discuss fear with their children and
grandchildren. “Francy the Fearful Firefly” is a Christian book aimed at
children 4-9 years that opens up communications channels about fear,
anxiety and trust.

The second book in the “Francy and Friends” series by
RU4Kidz, “Lenny the Lying Lemur” has finished production.
Byron’s next lesson from the Bible draws on the story of
Joseph from Genesis. It teaches children that lying leads to
trouble and hurts others through Francy meeting a lying
Lemur called Lenny. Lenny learns what it is like to have
real friends for the first time and just how much trouble you
can cause when you don’t tell the truth! Jen has read the
story to over 60 children to gauge their understanding and
feedback from the story. The feedback from the focus
groups has been very positive. One of the children said “I
loved this story better than “Francy the Fearful Firefly”, it’s
the best story yet.

Francy launched at the Christian Book
Selling Association of Australia

On 7-9th September, 2008, Jen and Tim were invited to
join HSM Publishing for the launch of “Francy the Fearful
Firefly” in hardcover at the Christian Book Sellers
Association Trade show in Canberra. Jen had the
opportunity to share her journey with Francy and the work
of God in her life at the Trade Show dinner. During the trip,
Jen was very uplifted and encouraged. Jen got to meet and
discuss the highlights and challenges of being a new author
with other Christians who are also just starting this
journey. Jen met up with Joy and John Barnett from CBAA
and realised that as a young girl she would visit and play
with their daughter. It was lovely to hear the story of their
grandson (Jen’s childhood friend’s son) who at 3 years old
and after hearing Francy was sharing this story with a
preschool friend who had said he was afraid of something.
God was certainly shown to be bigger than his fears!!