'Mrs T's Kooky Pants' Book Launch

It’s finally here…

Mrs T’s Kooky Pants is now published, with my official launch being held at The Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft on 20th September at 2pm (refer invitation for full details).

Proceeds from the sale of every copy of Mrs T’s Kooky Pants will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), who have actually endorsed the book.

My artworks will also be on exhibition at the launch, with a portion of art sale proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

It all seemed a little surreal that I’m finally a published author, until being notified by my publisher, eTV Publishing, that online sales of my book have already reached ‘53 books sold’ as at today! I feel so honoured that people are buying my book!

Here’s what my publisher and the NBCF say:

“Mrs T’s Kooky Pants is an engaging and vibrant story suitable for younger readers, that tells a valuable lesson in an interesting and entertaining format. With themes including cancer, death, acceptance and learning how to move on, it is a story that will connect with children and allow them to understand some of the more unpleasant aspects of life in a supportive format.” eTV Publishing

“For many years Jennifer has helped people from all walks of life understand more about breast cancer by sharing her own personal story as a National Breast Cancer Foundation speaker. Jennifer has now drawn on her own experience to help explain cancer to children through Mrs T’s Kooky Pants. Mrs T’s Kooky Pants is a beautiful tool to fulfil an unmet need – for teachers and parents with young children, how to communicate the reality of cancer in an age-appropriate way.” Carol Renouf – CEO, National Breast Cancer Foundation

“Cancer comes with a myriad of challenges. But perhaps one of the greatest is communicating this to our loved ones, especially children. Research tells us that communicating to children about what is happening with family members can really help to reduce their anxiety. Jennifer has used her own experience with breast cancer to help young children better understand cancer.” Dr Alison Butt – Head of Research, National Breast Cancer Foundation

Here’s what the lovely Jackie Hawkes, Children’s Book Council of Australia NSW Inc. Committee Member, iRead Editor and Teacher Librarian, says:

“Wow Jennifer, what a beautiful book. Absolutely full of your own kindness and energy! I didn’t realise it was part of a personal journey. We can’t ignore cancer, but it seems we CAN move on from it.

You have really captured the essential qualities of what teaching is about – helping kids become positive and caring so that they do cope with personal snags along the way and giving them a support base for when big issues become part of their lives. Ready to go because “every day is a new day and a chance to start again.” The soft and subtle pictures contribute to the gentleness of the story.

There has to be a lot of you in Mrs T. I just get the feeling that you are great plus with your kids. Writing can make you feel very vulnerable, but words and ideas just need to be out there to share with the broader world.”

And here’s what my mentor, author Amanda Hampson said:

“Jennifer Reid’s personal experience of grief has been channeled into a sweet, gentle tale to help children discuss and understand the sadness of loss.”

If you’re in town, I’d love to see you at my book launch on 20th September. If you can’t make it and you happen to be one of the 53 people who have already purchased my book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Feel free to write a review on Amazon or my Facebook page.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s aspirational goal is for zero breast cancer deaths by 2030 … gathering interest in my book is my way of continuing my ongoing support of this goal, so please help me spread the word.

Jennifer xo