Before Jennifer Francis-Gehring’s mother died, she asked Francis-Gehring to write a book about the work she does as a therapist working with survivors of sexual assault and abuse. That’s just what she’s done, and she’s hosting a signing event on Saturday.
“She wanted me to write a children’s book specifically because she always loved my writings of stories as a child and she believed in me,” Francis-Gehring said. “Momma always said I had a beautiful gift from God — the ability to connect and tell stories.”
Francis-Gehring wrote “Bixlbee Pugglsree Learns To Talk About And Feel Their Feelings” — the first book in a series of four — based on her work as a therapist with kids and adults. She said one of the most important things she does as a therapist is teach people how to feel their feelings and physical sensations that show up in their bodies.
“It’s hard to lean into feeling uncomfortable feelings and sensations and it’s necessary,” she said. “When we have the right tools and a safe person who creates safety and connection for us, then we can be just like Bixlbee and learn it’s not too scary to do hard things.”
When she sat down to create characters and the town of Wily Willows, Francis-Gehring wanted something different and unique. Once she had her story put together, she called upon her childhood friend and writer Kristina Goetz to edit the book. After that, she found illustrator Elizabeth Konetz to bring her book to life.
“She really brought to life Bixlbee and Wily Willows in ways I never could have imagined,” Francis-Gehring said. “I chose the theme of cute monsters because they are versatile. When I created the character of Bixlbee and their personality, I really pulled from my own childhood and love of books, art, play, and nature. Kiddos are very curious and curiosity is a symbol of our nervous system being in a nice space of feeling safe and connected.”
Francis-Gehring said she has a dream of teaching the community how to befriend their nervous systems and be filled with kindness, compassion and grace.
The book is available to purchase through the Bixlbee Pugglsree website and Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, and Allstora.
