Child slavery and human trafficking might seem an unlikely topic for a children’s picture book, but for author Andrew Dittmer, Eight at a Time was a logical response to these sad realities in our world.

“I met with someone who worked at an anti-slavery organization, who told me their most loyal donors were families united in their desire to see freedom for the oppressed,” Dittmer explained. “They were looking to create resources for families. This was a perfect fit for me as a children’s author to help fill that need,” he added.

With bright and colorful illustrations by Tanya Larina, Eight at a Time tells the story of Jack and Ruby, two young octopi who are tricked into slavery and forced to make bricks—“eight at a time”—until they are dramatically rescued. “Younger readers will pick up the message that even the littlest of all can make a life-changing difference,” said Dittmer. “Older readers may see the parallels with slavery and realize that we can make a real difference for a real person,” he shared.

Daron Pratt, director of Children’s Ministries for the Greater Sydney Conference, was excited by the story when the author shared it with him last year and connected him with Signs Publishing. “Eight at a Time is powerful because it takes on some of the significant issues of our day in an appropriate manner, providing a segue for parents to have a discussion with their children around some of these issues,” Pratt explained. “It then leaves families with a call to action to make a difference in their homes, schools, communities and in their world for the greater good of all," he said.

In the back of Eight at a Time are links to Christian anti-slavery and anti-trafficking agencies Destiny Rescue, A21 and International Justice Mission. “I sat down with someone from each organization to discuss the book and to see how it can support the vital work they do,” reflected Dittmer. “I think in the family, deeper discussions can be had based on each child’s individual readiness, but more importantly, they can unite together and actively do something to make a difference in somebody’s life,” he said.

Eight at a Time is available now from Adventist bookshops in Australia and New Zealand, or online.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.