Frankie Pants & Mr Fox

Helen Lear, a passionate children’s book author tells a heart warming tale of a lazy neighbourhood cat who transforms into a modern day hero, Frankie Pants who at the stroke of midnight must save the neighbourhood from the devious Mr Fox. Inspired by her family’s beloved late cat Frankie, who used to laze around and snooze during the day, and becomes active and noisy at night.

Lear illustrates the book as a way to keep Frankie’s colourful character alive in a fun, action-led book, with a positive and inspiring message to young children to always look out for their friends, being brave, being kind and helpful.

“Near the end of the story a character called Mr Fox comes and steals the chickens while they sleep, and he [Frankie] goes and saves them from Mr Fox,” says Lear.

Originally from England, Lear adds “When we go home to visit family, there are always foxes in the garden and they come in and tend to steal people’s chickens so that was really where the idea came from.”

The illustrator and graphic designer, Katya Swan, behind this inspirational story had brought the late Frankie alive into a fun, heroic character who saves the day.

Don’t miss the online book launch with a live video reading of the story by Helen Lear, followed by a Q&A Session.

A physical book launch event is scheduled for mid August.

Aug 15, 9:30am. Berkelouw Books Leichhardt Storytime, 70 Norton St, Leichhardt. Info: www.facebook.com

By Kirsta Cheung