Merry Christmas to all Dernier Publishing supporters!

 I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all our supporters, and to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful thing it is that the true light came into the world at Christmas! May the light continue to shine His light into our lives, that we also may bring His light into the world where we are now, today.

Please click on the link below for the 44 second video :-)

Click here for your thank you and Merry Christmas message!

Latest news from Janet Wilson of Dernier Publishing

Welcome to the
December 2013

Dernier Publishing

newsletter!

Family, food, friends and fun?

It's great to celebrate. Like many other Christians, though, I struggle with the mix of consumerism and faith at Christmas. There's Jesus in the manger versus Santa in his grotto (yes, I took my grandson to the latter). There's our joyful celebrations when brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are having their churches bombed and their services disrupted. Half the world will go hungry while we will stuff our faces until we can't eat any more. For days on end. But I will join in, and be grateful that Christ came. Can you guess what these lovely festive items are in the photo? They're Christmas treats for dogs. You can buy Christmas outfits for your dog, too. Has the world gone mad? No, just desperately seeking something to fill the hole that only God can fill. We need to help them find it. After all, that's why Jesus came.

It's a Wonderful Life!

Remember that old film, 'It's a Wonderful Life' where the hero is shown what would have happened if he hadn't done the good he did for the people of his town? We have been placed where we are for a reason – God has prepared good works for us to do! Christmas is such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to those we love with a gift of a book instead of chocolate (tin of chocs same price as one of our books!) - if you're not sure what to buy, your local Christian bookshop can help you choose the perfect present. Don't let's miss that opportunity – books can change lives! If you can afford it, why not buy Christian books/gifts for all your friends, family and neighbours? You could be the sower of so much blessing, to pass on down the generations . . . awesome! Click here if you'd like to look at our books for children.

Is it Santa's birthday?

According to a survey conducted for the Children's Society, 14% of 6-12 year-olds think 25th December is Santa's birthday. Want to fight back? How about offering a gift of books for your local school library or local library this Christmas? Check out the latest 'special offers' page on our website for a good deal to help you reach out to the children where you are with the 'message in a story'. Click here to go to Dernier website

Kindle for Christmas?

You can buy 'The Treasure Hunt' and 'Mystery in the Snow' on Amazon. Great if you need a story for your 8-11s in a hurry – ready to read in just five minutes – perfect for a wet, grey day in the holidays! Also great for reluctant readers who think it's fun to read on something digital, or for those with less than perfect eyesight – you can increase the size of the font :-)

Books for children in Kenya

Thank you to those of you who have bought books for children in Kisumu in Kenya. It's not too late to buy a book; all donated books will be taken over to the children in the spring. Let me know if you would like to join in the blessing!

Also, I have been talking to a lady who works for a Christian charity that reaches out to prisoners in this country. Did you know that there are around 200,000 children in England and Wales with a parent in prison? 7% (around 1 in 15) children will experience their father’s imprisonment before they leave school. This charity helps prisoners send presents to their children (including a Christian book if the parent would like this) – you can read all about it here: Angel Tree Wouldn't it be great if we were able to help supply books for these children, to share the 'message in a story' with them, and help their relationship with their parent? Please pray as we consider how we can best help. If you have any ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Sharing the wealth :-)

Here is a book review we received recently of 'Under the Tamarind Tree', with many thanks to all of you who pray. “My name is Annie*, I’m 11 years old, and I’m a missionary kid in Central Africa (in Cameroon). I’ve lived in Africa for 8 years. I’m home-schooled and I like to do art.

I like “Under the Tamarind Tree” because I find it interesting reading about a boy who’s just become a missionary kid. The book is set in Rwanda and I lived in Rwanda for 5 years. I can relate to a lot of what the book is about. Mary Weeks Millard describes life in Rwanda so well that it makes me feel like I’m back there.

“Under the Tamarind Tree’’ is exciting and interesting. It really gives you a feel for what it’s like for kids who have left their home country to serve God where people need Him.

I think this book is good for both boys and girls, aged 12 and under. When I read it, it makes me forget my worries and problems because I get into the book so much. The book isn’t just for missionary kids – anyone would enjoy it.” *Name changed

If your church supports missionaries with children, how about sending them a parcel of exciting Christian stories? 

Well I was hoping to fit in some more reviews, and news of the Christian Parenting Challenge, but I've run out of room! I'll try to fit in another newsletter between now and Christmas :-)

May you have a wonderful time of Advent, and may you sow many seeds!

   

With grateful thanks as always,

Janet

P.S. If you need any help choosing a book or a selection of books, please do ask :-)

Special offer – this weekend only – act NOW!

Friday 29^th November – Sunday 1^st December

Those of you who know us well and are familiar with our books and our aims might like to cut to the chase and just go straight to the website to pick up their bargain! You can do that here:

Dernier Special Offer 

Those of you who might like a bit of help to choose your books, you might like to keep reading! Thank you either way, we appreciate you all :-)

All our books are published with the aim of encouraging and inspiring young people in their faith and showing non-church kids what they are missing.

We've all seen children who have grown up in church, but have grown away, and children who are growing up not hearing the good news of Jesus.

Christmas is a great opportunity to offer a simple, non-threatening gift to non-church children you may not usually buy for. It's also the perfect time to pop a Christian book in your own child's stocking, or to give away to any child we care about. We have received so many testimonies of how the Lord has used our books to touch children's lives – your gift could be the best present they will receive this year :-)

So here's an offer to make it a bit more affordable for you to reach out to the children on your heart this year:

£1 off every book you buy

Friday 29^th November –

Sunday 1^st December

Be a part of it – your gift could change a life!

Please find below a little bit of information about each of our books on the one page, to help you choose. We've also added some ideas about who each book would be perfect for!

Just order in the normal way, and your discount will be taken off at the checkout.

Click here to go to the website:

Dernier Special Offer

May the Lord sow many seeds through your gifts this Christmas!

Beech Bank Girls, Christmas is Coming!

Eleanor Watkins

Christmas is coming! Along with the excitement, life holds its challenges for the Beech Bank Girls. Holly's family faces financial ruin, Rachel is worried about her sister, a sledging incident nearly has disastrous consequences, and an unusual nativity play brings home the true meaning of Christmas.

The perfect Christmas gift for 10-14s.

“An amazing, heart-warming story. A definite 10/10.” - Ellie

Who should you buy this book for?

• Any girl who loves Christmas!
• Girls who love their friends
• Girls who love reading about girls just like them!

The Only Way

Gareth Rowe

When a miserable, disaffected teenager meets the beautiful and mysterious Lily, he discovers a new way to live. Later, when Lily's life is in danger, he is willing to risk everything to save her, but circumstances are against him.

How can he live, if she doesn't survive? For ages 12+.

“The Only Way is a moving, fast-paced, gripping and genius piece of writing.” - G. P. Taylor

Who should you buy this book for?

• Anyone who loves a fast-paced read – it really is a brilliant story
• Those who struggle with bullying at school and/or have difficulties at home
• Young people with no previous knowledge of God. Great for lads.

The Birthday Shoes

Mary Weeks Millard

All Emily Jane wants for her birthday is a pair of fashionable boots. She

hates the fake crocodile-skin shoes she is given instead, until she discovers they hold an incredible secret! Join her as she goes on exciting adventures to Africa, making friends and discoveries about God along the way. For 8-11s.

“It made me feel like I was there!” - Susanna

Who should you buy this book for?

• Girls who love shoes and have a great imagination!
• Church children who need to build a relationship with God for themselves
• Friends of girls who go to church, to see what it's all about!

Beech Bank Girls, Every Girl Has A Story

Eleanor Watkins

Shortlisted for Children's Book of the Year (over 12s category),

Christian Resources Awards 2011

Six teenage friends draw nearer to God and to each other through real life issues. Amber, Holly, Willow, Annie, Rachel and Chloe share their laughter, their tears, their hopes, their fears and their secrets with each other and with us. Miracle and party included! Chick lit for ages 10-14.

“Really enjoyed it and found it helpful at the same time.- Claire

Who should you buy this book for?

• Girls from any background who love their friends!
• Church girls who are growing in their relationship with God
• Girls going through illness in the family, parents' separating and /or issues
• with step-families.

Beech Bank Girls II, Making A Difference

Eleanor Watkins

Shortlisted for Youth Book of the Year, Christian Resources

Awards 2012

The Beech Bank Girls are back! An interesting hike, a new culture on their doorstep, an emotional evening . . . the friends learn from some tough issues that they can make a difference right where they are and have lots of fun at

the same time! Chick lit for10-14s.

“A very exciting, fun to read, really well-written book.” - Taylor

Who could you buy this book for?

• Girls who have children from different cultures in their schools
• Church children who want to make a difference
• Girls from broken homes

London's Gone

J. M. Evans

London has been bombed by terrorists. Now Maria must make a hazardous journey to safety with her sister and a Christian friend. For Maria, the journey is also within as she discovers another side to life that she did not know existed. A thrilling drama full of suspense. For ages 12+.

“I just couldn't put this book down.” - Gilly

Who should you buy this book for?

• Older girls and boys who love a good read
• Those who feel that being a Christian is slightly embarrassing
• Introducing Christianity to those with no previous church experience.

The Treasure Hunt

J. M. Evans

Four Christian friends fall into an exciting mystery adventure. Prayer, faith and their Bible knowledge all help, but when the case takes an unexpected turn, the friends also need to be courageous and obedient. Will they find out what is going on and find the real treasure? For ages 8-11.

“Brilliant.” - Ben

Who should you buy this book for?

• Boys and girls who love mystery adventure stories – this is an up-to-date Christian equivalent of Enid Blyton's Famous Five!
• Kids who are familiar with Bible stories, but need to see faith outworking in experience
• The story is a gentle introduction to the issue of people trafficking

Mystery in the Snow

J. M. Evans

Thrilling sequel to The Treasure Hunt. Ravi, Debbie, Lance and Joel set out to discover who burgled Ravi's shed. The plot thickens as a handbag goes missing, then a cat disappears. Can all these things be connected? Join the Christian friends as they find answers in unexpected places. For 8-11s.

“I would definitely recommend it.” - Joshua

Who should you buy this book for?

• Boys and girls who love cats, the snow, and dislike visiting old people!
• Kids who need to know that they are as important to God as adults
• Children you would like to introduce Christianity to!

I Want To Be An Airline Pilot

Mary Weeks Millard

Shema, a Rwandan goatherd from a child-led family, has many adventures, including a close brush with a snake and a goat eating his only T-shirt! Little by little Shema learns about Mister God and discovers that he has a Father in

heaven who loves him. A victorious, heart-warming story for 8-11s.

“I really enjoyed this book, it's one of my favourites.” - Kemi

Who should you buy this book for?

• Boys and girls who enjoy stories about children from other cultures
• Kids who do not realise that God loves them
• Children who lead comfortable lives, to see how many others have to manage

Living in Hope

Mary Weeks Millard

The thrilling to sequel to I Want to Be an Airline Pilot, for 8-11s. Shema and his family and friends have many exciting and dangerous challenges to face in the Village of Hope. Frida is tricked into leaving her family, Sam is falsely

accused of stealing; will their faith triumph?

“This is the best book I have ever read and I would recommend it to anyone.” - Sophie

Who should you buy this book for?

• Boys and girls who need to know that prayer changes things
• Kids who are growing in their faith
• Children who know someone who has been abducted, or who have family problems themselves

Under the Tamarind Tree

Mary Weeks Millard

The final book in the Rwanda series for 8-11s. Joshua and Timo's fathers are doctors and the boys have to go with their families to live in rural Rwanda, leaving their old lives behind. Neither wants to go, but they soon make friends with Shema and a lad with disabilities and discover that God

does know best.

“It shows us how God helps us in our lives. I would recommend this book to my friends.” - Jacob

Who should you buy this book for?

• Children struggling with a house move or a change in their lives
• Church and non-church boys and girls who need to learn to trust God for themselves
• Boys and girls who have friends with a disability, or who have a disability themselves
• Missionary kids

Deepest Darkness

Denise Hayward

Abi suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. She makes a new friend who shows her that true light shines, even in the deepest darkness of the rain forest at night! Abi gradually faces her fears and finds a new freedom. A thrilling, moving story for 8-11s.

“This is one of the best books I have read – EVER!” - Maddie

Who should you buy this book for?

• Children who struggle with fears/anxiety  of any kind
• Kids for whom the concept of prayer is new, or needs exploring
• Boys and girls who enjoy thoughtful stories. Many have been deeplymoved by this book.

 . . . and here's the link for the offer: Click here for website offer

Do hope you fun choosing!

May the Lord bless each and every one of you, and all the children on your heart :-)

Until next time,

Janet

All that's new from Dernier Publishing!

Welcome to the November 2013

Dernier Publishing

newsletter!

Death and life

What is your favourite season? Mine has to be spring, when bulbs start to push up through the ground, buds on trees begin to unfurl and the sun begins to get warmer – wonderful! But to get new life, there has to be a death first. Did you know that new buds growing on trees force the old leaves off? So, in our lives, all that is temporal is being gradually pushed out by the new life we have in Christ! How amazing is that! So let's embrace the winter, making the most of every opportunity we are given :-)

Why not take a few minutes to consider what the most important things in your life are . . . then consider what changes you might need to make, to make sure that your time and energy are focused on what really matters.

My second grandson!

May I introduce you to the newest little member of the family? He was born a little early and weighed just 5lb8oz (2kg). He is the sweetest, cutest, most precious little thing :-) You know, it's the quality of our relationships which make us rich or poor. So if you want to get rich quick, work on your relationships! I don't think the Beatles knew much about theology, but they got it right when they said that money can't buy love :-)

Christian Parenting Challenge

 If you knew you had a limited amount of time with your children, would you spend your time differently? My first husband died suddenly when our children were aged ten, fifteen and seventeen. My second husband's children only live with us for part of the time – the rest of the time they are with their mum. I have a friend whose son died in a tragic accident aged sixteen. Life can surprise and overtake us. Life is precious, but less than perfect.

Because our children grow up so quickly, I have set up a brand new Christian Parenting Challenge for those of us who would like to deepen our relationships with our children. Every day for 30 days, subscribers will receive an email with a challenge for that day. Challenges include things like listening to your child, creating something together, doing something for someone else together, the thorny issue of discipline and lots more . . .  Some of the challenges I did quite well when my children were 'children' (they're all grown up now!), some I really should have done a lot better, and many I never even thought of at the time. The thought behind writing the challenge was that perhaps I might be able to help others on their parenthood journey.

Christian Parenting Challenge is for mothers and fathers, for single parents, step-parents, and any other kind of parent. It's for those of you who have your children 24/7, those of you who have them at weekends, and those who only see them once a month. Whether you have the occasional nagging feeling that there could be more you can do to deepen your relationship with your child, or feel like you have hit rock bottom, please do consider joining us. You are assured of a warm welcome! You will find yourself doing all manner of simple but effective things to deepen your relationship with your children. And have lots of fun at the same time! Want to give it a go? Email me on Email Janet and I will add you to the list.

Christian Parenting Challenge is completely free

with absolutely no obligation :-)

Deepest Darkness in audio and on video!

 

I recently spent some time with author Denise Hayward recording 'Deepest Darkness' for audio and video! Many thanks to Sheila and Phil of PDT Media who are working on this project with us.

As you see, we had a lot of fun doing the recording! Will keep you posted as to when it will be available. You can listen to me reviewing Deepest Darkness on YouTube here: Deepest Darkness on YouTube :-)

Will keep you posted as to when the audio version will become available. If you would like to pre-order, let me know! It's a really gripping story, and Denise (did you know she is a trained actress?) is absolutely brilliant on camera - she kept us all spellbound!

Here's a bit about the story:

Abi suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. She makes a new friend who shows her that true light shines, even in the deepest darkness of the rainforest at night! Abi gradually faces her fears and finds a new freedom. A thrilling, moving story for 8-11s.

“This is one of the best books I have read – EVER!” - Maddie

Books in schools

I heard recently from a teacher at a Christian school in Northern Ireland, whose students are enjoying studying 'London's Gone' as part of their literacy. If you are involved in any way in a school, either as a parent or governor or teacher, why not mention our books to the English or library staff? As you know, all our stories are wholesome and inspiring for children to read, as well as having the 'message in a story' :-)

Sharing the vision with your group?

Thanks to Nicolette Gunn and the lovely group of ladies at 'Gods's Oasis' at Emmanuel Church in Guildford who gave me such a warm welcome when I went to speak a couple of weeks ago. I love meeting our supporters and I'm only sorry I forgot to take some photos! If you would like me to come and share the Dernier vision with your church group, contact me at the usual address – I'm based in London but can do a bit of travelling :-)

Absence of Christmas

Have you noticed I haven't mentioned Christmas yet? I hope you are impressed! Actually, I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet . . . the only thing I have is the Christmas pudding, which I won in a raffle! If you are looking for great Christmas presents for the 8-16s you love, though, you know where to find them : Dernier website or your local Christian bookshop! I will be in touch again soon!

With many thanks for your support as always,

Janet

P.S. Don't forget to join the Christian Parenting Challenge! 

Email Janet