Sick-lit books aimed at children

Anyone with any interest in what young people are reading must read this article from the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2256356/The-sick-lit-books-aimed-children-Its-disturbing-phenomenon-Tales-teenage-cancer-self-harm-suicide-.html.

Then buy some encouraging, inspiring books and give them to every child in the neighbourhood. Be warned, you will be shocked. Please share with your friends.

Bring some Light

I read a feature on the BBC website this morning about the plight of thousands of girls abducted from their famililes and trafficked for profit. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20938125

This story makes horrific reading, and makes one feel so helpless. In the face of such evil, what can one person do? Yet if we all do our bit, we can make a difference, one precious child at a time. 

Back in May, I met a foster family who take in children trafficked to this country (UK). The mum told me of a 14-year-old girl from Afghanistan, who had become pregnant on her terrifying journey, of trafficked children abandoned by lorry drivers at Clackett's Lane motorway service station (on the M25, not far from us), of so many children taken away from their parents, as young as eight. Either the parents thought that their children were going to a better life, or they needed the money.

Even right here in our own communities there are children who are abused, rejected and hurting - and we may not even know it. Let's keep our eyes and our ears open to what is going on, and reach out to every single child we know, just in case. 'Deepest Darkness' www.dernierpublishing.com/deepestdarkness.php and 'I Want to Be an Airline Pilot' www.dernierpublishing.com/airlinepilot.php are great books for hurting children. We have others too. Shine your light, bring some hope. Put a book through someone's door with or without a note. Buy a selection of books for a school library. You just never know.

May the Lord keep us from complacency.

Thank you for listening,

Janet

December news!

 

IT'S NEARLY CHRISTMAS!

What a great reason we have to celebrate! While the people around us gear up for Christmas along with us, we have a chance to share the good news of Jesus, sent in love, born to be our Saviour. Let's not get so sucked into the busy-ness of the “good time”, that we miss those God-given opportunities to talk about the baby in the manger, and all that He means to us. And let's not get so sucked into talking about Him, we end up ignoring Him!

Christmas Offer!

On our website this month we have the fabulous Beech Bank Girls

books on offer, all three books for the special price of £15! The perfect Christmas gift for all 10-14 year-old girls to encourage and inspire them in their faith, or show non-church girls what they are missing! Fun, exciting novels, as you all know by now - and one of the books is all about Christmas, so very topical, too :-) 

The set is also ribbon-wrapped for that festive finish to your gift!

One lady I know has asked Santa for a set! Do take a look at our website: www.dernierpublishing.com/offers.php

 

All our books are also available from bookshops, of course. Do support them if you can!

We have started having a special offer every month on our website to try to attract more sales - we want to get as many books as we can out to children who need to hear the 'message in a story'. Do try to take a look every month to see what is new!

 

 

The Treasure Hunt is now on Kindle!

We are passionate about spreading the good news wherever we can - The Treasure Hunt is the first of our books to go digital – download it from the Amazon kindle store for just £3.50! (Kindle files are easily converted to other e-readers.) This exciting story featuring four children from a church youth club is excellent for those who enjoy using e-readers – theirs or yours! 

 

Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem

I know this isn't a cheerful “Christmas” topic, but could there ever have been a time when Jerusalem needed our prayers more? Violence, tension, suspicion and hatred abound in this place about which the Lord said,“My heart will always be there.” If war breaks out in the Middle East, we will all feel the fallout. The world's governments and authorities need our prayers as they seek lasting peace in this region. These booklets with simple prayer pointers are a great way to encourage our young people (and you and me!) to pray for everyone caught up in the battle for the City of the Great King. Great for families, groups or individuals. For more details, reviews and prices, see our website: www.dernierpublishing.com/prayer.php

 

Do you know any children who might have a tough time this Christmas?

If you know children who might find Christmas hard, perhaps with illness or bereavement in the family, or split between parents, why not buy them a book to touch their hearts with God's love? Please be assured that we pray for all the children who read our books, as do many of our supporters. I believe that prayer is one of our greatest strengths. If you have any particular prayer needs for the children on your heart, please do let us know and we will pray with you. Visit your local Christian bookshop or www.dernierpublishing.com if you would like to browse our collection of books to find the perfect gift. I would also be delighted to help you choose – just let me know!

That just leaves me enough room to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Some of you I may never meet in this life, but maybe we'll have some great stories to share in the next :-) Thank you for being co-workers throughout 2012.

May the Lord bless you all,

Janet

Help! Which books would be best for my children?

Faced with a choice of twelve titles, how do you know which of our books to buy for your kids? I've jotted down a few thoughts, to hopefully help you make the very best choice for each of the children on your heart :-)

So, here we go:

The Only Way by Gareth Rowe

G. P. Taylor recommends this book! 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 good read – especially those who like G. P. Taylor's stories!
• Those who struggle with bullying at school and/or have difficulties at home. Also suitable for younger children who are good readers - but be warned that the story is quite gritty in places. There is some fighting, bullying and a bit of blood too!
• This is a great book for children who know what real life can be like - or to show sheltered children what life can be like for the less privileged
• If you want a subtle Christian message, this is the perfect book - great for worldly wise young people with no previous thought of God

 Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/theonlyway.php

The Birthday Shoes by Mary Weeks Millard

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

Who should you buy this book for?

• 8-11 year old girls who love shoes!
• Girls with a great imagination
• Friends of girls who go to church, to see what it's all about
• Girls with African background - Emily Jane, the main character, lives in the UK but  'visits' different places in Africa with her magic shoes!
• Girls with disability/illness in the family (Emily Jane's father is disabled)
• Church children who need to build a relationship with God for themselves - Emily Jane discovers this on her adventures

Click and buy now:

www.dernierpublishing.com/birthdayshoes.php

Beech Bank Girls, Every Girl Has A Story by Eleanor Watkins

Shortlisted for Children's Book of the Year (over 12s category), Christian Resources Awards 2011

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!
• All 10-14 year-old girls who enjoy reading
• Church girls who are growing in their relationship with God
• Perfect for girls struggling with family issues

Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/beechbankgirls.php

 

Beech Bank Girls II, Making A Difference by Eleanor Watkins

Shortlisted for Youth Book of the Year, Christian Resources Awards 2012

Chick lit for10-14s.

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

Who should you buy this book for?

• Girls who have children from different cultures in their schools
• Church children who want to make a difference
• Girls with issues of many kinds - these books show that it is perfectly normal to be normal!
• Also great for Christian girls, as these books show quite rightly that it's great to be a Christian!

Click and buy now:  http://www.dernierpublishing.com/makingdifference.php
 

Beech Bank Girls III, Christmas is Coming! by Eleanor Watkins

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 struggling with body image and issues of any kind really!
• Any girl who loves to curl up with a good book

 Click and buy now:http://www.dernierpublishing.com/beechbankgirls3.php

All the Beech Bank Girls appeal to girls from all walks of life - there is a bit of adventure, lots of fun and laughter and sorting out of issues - the girls are also learning and growing in their Christian faith in a very real way through issues they are facing. They are really well-written stories with no waffling, preaching . . . and all are totally cringe-free!

 London's Gone by J. M. Evans

For ages 12+.

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

Who should you buy this book for?

• Older girls who love a thrilling drama full of tension - at least up to age 16, but older girls (and women!) enjoy this book too
• Boys who wouldn't shun a book with lots of emotion!
• Those who feel that being a Christian may be slightly embarrassing
• Introducing Christianity to those with no previous church experience

 We have had really good reviews of this book. The Christian element comprises of one character - Arthur - whereas neither of the girls are believers. This is a totally cringe-free story with lots of tension and drama, which you may well enjoy too!
Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/londonsgone.php

The Treasure Hunt by J. M. Evans

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

Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/treasurehunt.php

 

Mystery in the Snow by J. M. Evans

Thrilling sequel to The Treasure Hunt.

“I would definitely recommend it.” - Joshua

Who should you buy this book for?

• Boys and girls who love adventure, cats, and the snow!
• Kids who need to know that they are as important to God as adults
• Children you would like to introduce Christianity to in a fun, relevant way!
  
  
  Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/mysteryinthesnow.php

Both the above books are also great for reluctant readers as they are quite slim volumes, but keep the pace going, with a hook at the end of every chapter!

I Want To Be An Airline Pilot by Mary Weeks Millard

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
  
  
  Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/airlinepilot.php

 
Living in Hope by Mary Weeks Millard

The thrilling to sequel to 'I Want to Be an Airline Pilot', for 8-11s.

“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

Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/livinginhope.php

NEW! Under the Tamarind Tree by Mary Weeks Millard

The final book in the Rwanda series for 8-11s.

“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
• 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
  
  
  Click and buy now: http://www.dernierpublishing.com/tamarindtree.php
  

 

Deepest Darkness by Denise Hayward

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 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 deeply moved by this book.
  
  
  Click and buy now:

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/deepestdarkness.php

If you would like any more help in choosing books, please don't hesitate to contact us :-)

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

Newsletter September 2012

Welcome to the September 2012 newsletter from

Dernier Publishing!

Summer is over – welcome to the harvest!

No more chances!

As I write, swallows are swooping around outside, having a break on their long journey to warmer climes – proof that summer is over, sigh. I must admit to being a 'summer' person; nevertheless I had been impatiently waiting for the combine harvester to cut the wheat in the field opposite our house. I know nothing about farming (as you will have gathered from the last few newsletters!), but I had been worrying about how much of the crop would be left by the time the farmer came to harvest! I suppose it's probably usual, but massive flocks of birds had been swooping down and eating swathes of the wheat once it ripened until it looked almost bare in places. Rabbits had been eating the crop since it first popped through the soil. The heavy rains we had in July had flattened big patches of the growing wheat, and dog walkers straying off the footpath and allowing their dogs to run through the field hadn't helped. So I was impatiently waiting for the farmer to hurry up, in case there wasn't anything left by the time he harvested! But then when he did come, there was a kind of finality about it which was sobering. No amount of sunshine or rain could help now. That was it. The Bible talks a lot about harvest – sometimes after watching the news we are tempted to think, 'How long, Lord?', but He will come at just the right time – the big question is, will we be ready? Don't let's miss the opportunities given us today.

 

Could you be our first Church Representative? :-)

I've been thinking for a long time about setting up a church rep scheme! Our aim is to reach as many 8-16s as we can, but we can't do that alone, we need you! It would be great to spread the news about the “message in a story” among ministers, Sunday School teachers and youth workers, parents and carers. Could you be a rep for your church? We would send catalogues, information on new releases, encouraging stories and prayer requests for reps to pass on to churches and Sunday Schools. We would also provide information on ordering and local stockists, and encourage reps to print off newsletters and pin to the noticeboard, although of course anyone can do that (could you do that with this one?!)! We haven't got a single rep at the moment, so you could be our first! We would be so delighted to have you on board – together we can make a difference. Email me on: info - at - dernierpublishing.com (replace -a- for @ of course!) and I will be in touch!

 

Inspiring stories!

Chris Old from Cudham in Kent was amazed to find our books 480 miles away from us, in 'Number 62', a Christian bookshop in Blairgowrie in the highlands of Scotland! Thank you for stocking our books, Morag :-) (Blairgowrie is approximately as far away from us as Frankfurt - in the the other direction of course!) A free book will be on its way to Chris – anyone else got an inspiring or interesting story to tell us about our books? Free book with the best story accompanied by a photo! Email your entries to me on info-at-dernierpublishing.com  (replace -a- for @ again of course!)

 

Our twelfth book – we couldn't have done it without you!

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Under the Tamarind Tree, the wonderful sequel to I Want to Be an Airline Pilot and Living in Hope will be with us next month – you can now order it from our website www.dernierpublishing.com/tamarindtree.php, or of course you can pop down to your local bookshop! This is our TWELFTH BOOK, which is totally amazing - many thanks to all of you who have supported us and helped to get all our books out to children all over the world. Lots more information next month, but here's a review to encourage you: “The book is about two boys whose fathers are doctors. They have to leave their homes and go to live in Rwanda. The boys are scared about leaving their homes but make friends with a girl and a boy. My favourite part of the story was about Joshua learning to speak the language of Rwanda and teach his new friends English. I liked the story because it was quite adventurous and I learned that we are lucky here in England because we have lots of Doctors and hospitals. The book shows us how God helps us in our lives. I would recommend this book to my friends.” - Jacob (aged 10).

 

Going for gold!

It's just not true that kids don't read!

Did you watch more of the Olympics and Paralympics than you intended? I certainly did! Unsurprisingly, with the great successes of both British teams, there have been calls for more sports facilities for young people . . . and we certainly do need to encourage our children to begin good exercise habits while they are young. Same with reading, which can lead to a lifetime of learning, inspiration and of course much pleasure! And what could be better than a Christian book, with the “message in a story”? Especially if accompanied by prayer, books can be life-changing. In church recently, one lady mentioned to me that her son had read a Christian novel when he was younger and it had affected him deeply. He is now on his church leadership team. We make all sorts of sacrifices for our children – why not commit to buying a Christian book a month? It could be the best few pounds you ever spend . . . and there's no taxi service or muddy kit involved! Pop to your local bookshop or visit: www.dernierpublishing.com/youthf.php Why not start today!

 

Christian Pakistani teenager accused of blasphemy

Now available for kindle

This recent story cannot fail to have touched and horrified most of us – what a terrible ordeal, not just for the poor girl but for all her family. One BBC report mentioned that the whole family have been taken into protective custody following threats, and many other Christian families have fled the neighbourhood. We desperately need to pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer persecution simply because they believe in Jesus. I'm going to make our 'Prayer- just do it!' booklet into an e-book as soon as possible so that it can be more readily available. [STOP PRESS - NOW AVAILABLE FOR KINDLE.] In the meantime (and for those who don't have an e-reader) here's a special offer to make sure everyone can afford to have this helpful little booklet, because most of us want to pray in a meaningful way but could use a bit of help . . . 12 booklets for £5.99 (p+p free in UK), so you can pass them on to your prayer group, youth club, church, housegroup or any of your praying friends. Email me on info-at-dernierpublishing.com with your name, address and how many booklets you would like (in packs of 12), and I will get those sent off to you. If you would like just one booklet, you can buy a single copy on the website for 90p. For more information about the booklets: www.dernierpublishing.com/prayer.php Each booklet contains 30 prayer pointers so anyone can just open the booklet and begin praying. One lady said about the booklets: "They are fantastic - the best no nonsense prayer material I've ever seen and they have got me straight into prayer! Most materials just talk about praying. Thank you, you have really blessed me and enthused my prayer time!"

And I've run out of space! May grace, peace and mercy be yours in abundance.

Janet

PS don't forget about the church rep scheme – could you do that?