Children's Picture Book

Aim: I am raising money to produce a children's story book about and in support of A Rocha International's work.

What?

I am raising money for the publication of a children's book to support the work of A Rocha International. 

Please get involved with the project by making a donation.

 A Rocha is a Christian conservation charity that was started in the Algarve 42 years ago by Peter and Miranda Harris. It is now a global organization that works with a wide variety of communities, living out and teaching others about the care of God's creation.

Here in Portugal, where my family and I have been volunteering for the last 6 months, the A Rocha project monitors bird populations, particularly migratory birds that stop in the food-rich Algarvian estuaries (Alvor estuary shown by cover photo). A Rocha Portugal also provides environmental educational and campaigns for the protection of key habitats.  

(Chiffchaff being released after scientific bird ringing to monitor population size and health, contributing information to national and international databases.)

Why?

'Under The Bright Wings' by Peter Harris is the story of the birth and growth of A Rocha. Throughout the book’s narrative, the themes of creation care, community and God's provision, are explored. I wanted to bring these themes into a story that children can learn from and enjoy, as well as celebrating the amazing work that A Rocha does. 

One of the things I love about stories is that they can be shared; cosying up with hot chocolate on an evening in, shortening a long train journey or in the shade of an oak tree on a warm, lazy summer afternoon. Now I would love to share the story of the work of A Rocha with you and your children. 

Please can you help me to share this story...

The story is based on an actual event from the early days of A Rocha when Peter Harris and his family looked after an eagle owl with a broken wing. The story describes a young girl’s journey of faith as she helps to look after the eagle owl, using humour and imagination to explore the themes of creation care, community and God's provision. 

Here's a sneak preview!

‘…. I love everything about him, like his bright orange eyes and his bright

nighttime, ‘hoot, hoot,’ call. 

Last night, I snuck out of bed after bedtime to play hide and seek with the friends who are staying with us. I found a wonderful hiding place on top of the fridge.

Suddenly, the eagle owl gave a loud hoot! It made me jump in surprise and I fell off the fridge with a big bump…’ 

A brilliant Portuguese-Belgian artist and illustrator, Ana Rita Robalo, has joined the project. She will be creating beautiful watercolour pictures to bring the words to life. Find out more on her website or Instagram.

(Hoopoe being released after scientific bird ringing to monitor population size and health, contributing information to national and international databases.)

How?

In 2022, I worked with Stepping Stones DS, a charity supporting families who have children with Down Syndrome, to create a children's story. The story explored the genetics behind a Down Syndrome diagnosis, and was written for parents to share with children of any learning ability. 

I created this A Rocha’s children's book for enjoyment by both families and churches. The Sunday school material provided to complement the book will be particularly useful to congregations involved with EcoChurch. The story will also be translated into Portuguese to be shared with families and churches in Portugal.  

 Your contribution will help cover the costs of Ana's artwork, as well as translation and printing charges. All money raised from the sale of books through A Rocha will go towards supporting their important and ongoing conservation work.  

‘This [is a] beautiful and inspiring story, that has much to teach both to children and grown-ups.’                                         

                                                             Rui Ramalho (Centre Director, A Rocha Portugal) 

Any donation you can give will be deeply appreciated. 

Thank you very much, 

Emma

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 9th August 2025 at 9:54pm