Seedling & Sprout Books Grow Children’s Faith
Award-Winning Graphic Designer Combines Colorful Characters & Bible
What does it take to grow and nurture the faith of a young child? Family? Scripture? Creativity? One talented family has woven all three elements into one new line of children’s books: Seedling & Sprout. The first three volumes in the Seedling & Sprout: Growing with God book series, created by the de Villiers family, is releasing from WaterBrook Press in September 2005. Each title is designed to nurture the faith of young children through the use of animated artwork and engaging storytelling.
Seedling and Sprout are two colorful, childlike characters created to guide little ones into a growing life of faith. Seedling, designed for children 0-3, embodies the wonder-filled, energy-packed early years of life, providing a delightful “friend” with whom young children will immediately connect. The slightly-older Sprout, created for children 4-6, asks questions and has interests similar to pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. The first three books releasing this fall share stories from Seedling’s perspective – The Seedling Bible, Peekaboo, I Love You and Super Duper Sundae Sleepover. The second three books will be told from Sprout’s viewpoint.
In The Seedling Bible (hardcover, $12.99, 96 pages), sixteen Bible stories such as Creation, Noah, the first Easter, the boy-hero David are retold through simple rhymes and contemporary illustrations. Each story is followed by interactive questions from Seedling to help engage a child’s heart and mind with the truths of God’s word.
Peekaboo, I Love You and Super Duper Sundae Sleepover (hardcover, $9.99, 32 pages) are two oversized storybooks written to plant seeds of positive character traits in children.
Peekaboo, I Love You tells the story of Seedling receiving a soft and furry kitten. But in his excitement, Seedling squeezes the frightened kitten into hiding. This charming story captures a child’s delight in playing with animals while teaching the importance of showing love in gentle ways.
The Super Duper Sundae Sleepover tells the story of Seedling’s first overnight visit to Grandma’s house. Seedling’s fears melt away as he remembers his mother’s prayer for God to take care of him. After an evening filled with fun and laughter, Seedling and Grandma devour “super duper” sundaes together. This story acknowledges a child’s fear while reaffirming that God hears their prayers and takes care of them, no matter where they are.
“Seedling & Sprout was designed specifically to plant the seeds of faith for a lifetime of growth in children,” says Ginia Hairston, Vice President of Marketing and Publicity for WaterBrook Press. “The earliest years of childhood provide fertile soil for God’s principles found in the Bible. Seedling and his older brother Sprout are delightful guides for toddlers and preschoolers who are eager to know the God who created their wonder-filled world.”
Seedling & Sprout is a family affair for the de Villiers. As the patriarch of the family Robbie de Villiers is responsible for the overall look and design of the entire series. His wife, Dianne is the primary writer. Daughter Michelle de Villiers-Newton designs all of the Seedling products. And son PJ creates all of the Sprout books. “This is the first time we have ever done anything like this as a family,” says Robbie. “And it just works. Everybody has a different role, but we all have the same goal—to create a legacy of faith-based and life-changing products for children.”
Robbie de Villiers is a graphic designer whose work in packaging and web design has earned international recognition, including two Clio Awards for excellence in advertising and 19 International Clio nominations. His packaging design is featured on numerous household products such as Canada Dry, Maxwell House 1892 coffee, Hires root beer, Orange Crush soda and Motts applesauce. In spite of his success, Robbie maintains an eternal perspective on his work: “As nice and as useful as any product might be, it still ends up in the trash. I am thankful my family and I know our talents are from God and must be used to His glory.” Originally from South Africa, the entire de Villiers family now lives near New York City in Connecticut.
WaterBrook is launching the Seedling & Sprout series with a wide-ranging national marketing plan targeting both trade and consumers. In order to showcase the creative art and witty verse, full-color sampler booklets (BLADs) have been widely distributed to both media and retailers in advance of release. Trade advertising ran in May in both CBA Marketplace and Christian Retailing, and an insert ad will be placed in the July ICRS issue of Christian Retailing. In September, in-store merchandising materials including a Seedling & Sprout endcap, shelf talkers, tentcard, and bagstuffers are available to retailers and will turn any store’s children’s section into a Seedling & Sprout destination. The free, full-color merchandising kit is available free-of-charge by calling 800-733-3000. WaterBrook will also be promoting this new series directly to consumers using national print and radio advertising and an online promotional campaign.
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The official Seedling & Sprout website, is a free resource for each age group:
http://seedlingandsprout.com
Seedling & Sprout Series: Growing With God
Written and Illustrated by the de Villiers Family
All Releasing: September 20, 2005
The Seedling Bible
ISBN: 1-4000-7121-6 w 6-1/8 x 7-3/4” w Hardcover w 96 Pages w $12.99/$17.99 Canada
Peekaboo, I Love You
ISBN: 1-4000-7122-4 w 7-1/2 x 11” w Hardcover w 32 Pages w $9.99/$13.99 Canada
Super Duper Sundae Sleepover
ISBN: 1-4000-7123-2 w 7-1/2 x 11” w Hardcover w 32 Pages w $9.99/$13.99 Canada
For more on the Seedling & Sprout series, contact MMPR, Jana Muntsinger, 804.754.2118 or jana@mmpublicrelations.com
