“Nurturing generous-hearted living may be one of the greatest things we can do for young people,” says Judy Rois, Executive Director, Anglican Foundation of Canada. After launching AFC’s Generosity podcast in 2020, Canon Rois is deepening this theme in 2021, with her latest children’s book, Generous People are Everywhere.
“This book asks simple but pointed questions such as: What is generosity? What does generosity look like? Are generous people happier?” says Rois. “These questions are really meant to be a starting point for a broader discussion. We want young people to think about generosity as a way of life: how the spirit of giving flows in them and through them to the wider world.”
To get the conversation started, Rois is inviting children, families, and youth ministry leaders to consider the book as a small group or home-based study. Rois says the illustrations and text, geared to ages 8–14, make this an excellent choice for Lent. “I can imagine this book being used by families, at meals or other gathering times, to stimulate a conversation about an important spiritual topic that has the potential to be transformational in a child’s life.”
In addition to encouraging children and youth to read the book, AFC wants to include their voices in recorded interviews to be featured in Foundation Forward, a podcast inviting Canadians to talk about generosity. AFC is offering a free copy of the book to the first 20 young people who are willing to make their voices heard. Recorded submissions are required by April 12, 2021.
Generous People are Everywhere is Canon Rois’ third collaboration with illustrator and artist Michele Nidenoff. It follows on the heels of Children’s Prayers with Hope Bear and Dear God: Prayers for Young Children.
To order Generous People are Everywhere, visit the AFC Store. Those wishing to participate in Foundation Forward are encouraged to contact foundation@anglicanfoundation.org.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Generous People are Everywhere
An illustrated book for young people ages 8–14. Available now. $15 each. Text by Judy Rois, illustrations by Michele Nidenoff (www.michelenidenoff.com).
About Judy Rois
Judy Rois has been the Executive Director of the Anglican Foundation of Canada since 2011. She was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Toronto in 1986 and served as rector of three parishes and Vicar of St. James’ Cathedral, Toronto before moving to the Anglican Foundation.
About Michele Nidenoff
Michele Nidenoff’s illustrations have been featured in children’s books, magazines, and educational publishing. She teaches calligraphy, drawing, and watercolour, and occasionally exhibits her artwork. Michele lives in Toronto.