Kingaroy Local Chrys McDuffie, has written a children’s book called Daddy’s Little Hero, which has been illustrated by 17 year old Amber Fitz-Herbert.  This has also been turned into a song, with the support from talented Rob Fitz-Herbert, who wrote the music and sung the song with youngest daughter Lily, the song was recorded locally at Phantom Studios in Nanango.

The book launch for Daddy’s Little Hero was held on Saturday 10 October in Memorial Park, with the event opened by Cr Danita Potter.  The local Fires brought their Fire Truck, mascots Blazer Bear and Bushy the Kangaroo, and Wildlife Carer Kaylene had three baby joey’s, all were enjoyed by the kids (and big kids) on the day. The event was well attended by the community, there were requests for book signing and the sausage sizzle and free balloons were popular and a lucky few won lucky gate prizes. The event was proudly supported by Cr Danita Potter, Torkit Business Solution, Crow FM, South Burnett Today, Meandu Mine, The Little Butcher, Husky’s Burgers, Blooms Pharmacy IGA, Donut King and it turned out to be a great day for the event.

Chrys has been asked many times, “what is the story behind the story”, and explains she was emotionally impacted by the devastation and tragic loss of lives caused by the Australian bush fire crisis, then her family experienced a close call with a large fire that threatened homes in their estate earlier this year. Witnessing firsthand the work our local fire fighters do to protect properties not only during events but for weeks after (monitoring burnt areas, putting out flare ups), along with the wildlife carers supporting wildlife injured or displaced from the fires provoked great appreciation and a desire to do more to help. Chrys felt writing a book to share with children about these events and donating the profit would be a way to do that, and how Daddy’s Little Hero came to be.

There has been an a lot of support within the community for this project as it is recognised our local Fires and Wildlife Carers do an amazing job in protecting our community and supporting the wildlife in our region and they do this on a voluntary basis.  Chrys has based her story line for the book on events from the devasting Australian bushfires of 2019-2020, and son-in-law who is a volunteer fire fighter and grandson became the characters in her book.   The story is about Dan, a brave little boy who wants to be a fireman just like his Dad and it is an inspiring rhyming story about Dan and his dad journey during this time but also highlights the true wonder of the Australian spirit in action.

You can go directly to Chrys website  www.chrysmcduffie.com to purchase a Book, eBook, audio book or the song – these items would make great Christmas gifts and also supports a great cause.

By purchasing any of these items, you will be supporting two of our local community groups as profits from the sale of these items will be donated to our local Fires for the purchase of essential equipment and support aid to wildlife impacted by the bushfires and other events.