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Sparky Shines His Light Q&A With Author Jack Eggar

Sparky Shines His Light has arrived! This delightful read marks the storybook debut of Sparky the Firefly, the lovable main character for our Sparks kindergarten to second-grade program since 1976.

Learn more about this exciting new book for kids through our question-and-answer session with author Jack Eggar. Jack is Awana President/CEO.

You've written books for adults. What made you decide to write a children's book?
I love kids—especially Cubbies and Sparkies. I got to thinking of the Sparkies. This is a great age. They’re learning how to read. Wouldn’t it be great, especially with our new Awana at Home initiative, to produce a tool for parents? One that they can use with their children to teach them biblical truth.

How did the idea for a Sparky storybook develop?
As I thought about the potential, I came up with a great little story on Sparky himself. It teaches kids that they are a light because they can influence others. One of the greatest tools they could ever use is to develop a spirit of thankfulness and to show and display gratitude.

I created a little adventure story with Sparky and his bug friends in Stump Village. I wanted to parallel some of the kids and things we would find in our own culture. So the parents get up and go to work every day and the kids go to school. But the kids get out every day at noon. They have the rest of the day to play.

You have an interesting idea about how to use the book as a motivational tool for kids. Can you explain?
Awana is a master of incentives. We’re all the time trying to think of ways to motivate them to get the work done and do more. If we created a series of Sparky books, perhaps Awana leaders and directors could use them as incentives. They could say to kids, “If you finish this section by Christmas, we’re going to give you a Sparky book.” It would be like another award the kids could get. They could take it home and encourage Mom and Dad to read it with them.

How do you see the book being used by parents in the home and by leaders in club?
I see the book being used mainly by parents in the home, but the club could use it, too. A number of clubs will tell the story during club time.

I’m really trying to get churches and parents to see that the greater portion of spiritual development is supposed to take place in the home. Parents need training and tools. With Awana at Home, we’re providing training and tools. So here’s another tool they can use to have a meaningful spiritual time with the kids. It can be promoted in the Sparks club or used as an incentive. It’s my hope to also offer it in some retail outlets to reach out to non-Awana people.

What is the main message you're hoping kids take away from the book?
Teaching kids to be thankful. In the first book, it’s kind of a dual theme. I promote the idea: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Let your light shine and glorify God by being thankful. I’m hoping kids will make it a practice to be thankful and show thankfulness. Start saying “Thank you” to Mom and Dad.

What advice do you give parents trying to instill lifelong attitudes of gratitude in their kids?
Use the questions in the back of the book. Talk with your kids at length as they are given the opportunity to read the book, probably over and over again. Each of those questions becomes a discussion point. Through repetition, instill these thoughts and values in the child’s heart.

What ages are best for reading the book?
We read the book to our grandson Daniel. He’s 3 years old and in Cubbies. I pulled out a little flashlight so we were in a dark room and we opened the book. I would shine the light on the different characters. We went through the whole story, and he asked questions. As he was leaving that night, he was hugging that book. His mom called the next day and said, “We read the story 30 times today.”

I would say ages 3 to 12 can get something from the book. It’s targeted to Sparkies but could have influence in pre- and post-Sparkies. You can read it in about 10 minutes.

Can you offer a brief peek at what the next Sparky book will be about? When will it be available?
Book two is called Sparky Frees the Flea. The flea’s name is Freddie. The book is about listening and obeying. It should come out in March or April 2010. Book three is based on Ephesians 4:32 about forgiveness and restoring friendships. We’ve got three books in the hopper of probably six total. It will take us two years to produce all six.

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