African American Author Creates Inspiring and Colorful, Educational Book For Children, Ages 8-12
Zinzi: A Child's Journey to Self Fulfillment, Giving and Caring is a multicultural, family-based values book about friendship is an empowering journey of self esteem building, creative ingenuity, knowledge and leadership. The author, Lynnette Velasco, also includes recipes to help children nurture a healthy body. Zinzi's journey continues in the story of Aunt Rasheida's Pearls where the author uses the craft of soap making to bond family, tradition, and youthful, creative ingenuity.
Jamaica & New York (PRWEB) October 10, 2004 -- Children between the ages
of 8-12 will learn self reliance principles of self-fulfillment, giving and
caring through the unique experience of "Zinzi."
Zinzi: A Child's Journey
to Self Fulfillment, Giving and Caring is a family-based, self esteem building,
multi cultural rite-of-passage. The story and vibrant illustrations are rooted
in African American historical celebration. Children also receive a special,
healthy treat with Zinzi's Delights, to help nurture their growing bodies.
"Zinzi" is popular with New York City public school children and is NYSTL
listed.
"My book is somewhat of an autobiography and in large part is
based on the lessons instilled by my family," said political consultant and
author Lynnette Velasco. "My mother was the invincible one with a heart gentler
than the first breathe of a new born baby. I remember fondly how "mummy" as I
called her held the family together through many rough and tumble crossings. She
was very creative and often used creative ingenuity to solve family
dilemmas."
Lynnette said her parents exposed her to historical black
cultural events stemming from their own knowledge because there was very little
history taught about black folks in school at that time. She said her book
"Zinzi" is her way of passing along that history. In Zinzi, you enter the legacy
of African royalty. You experience Zinzi (the African Queen, Nzinga); brother
Asi (the African King, Askia Muhammad (Toure)); and best friend Carmen (the
African Queen, Nefertiti).
Lynnette is pleased with Zinzi's
accomplishments to date and feels the sky is the limit. She states, " First and
foremost are the children. I hope Zinzi nourishes their dreams, bonds them to
literacy and learning, and spirits them to positive possibility." She continues
stating, "I marvel at the wonderful reception that children give to Zinzi during
my travels. To date, I have been to Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, DC
and France and the response is overwhelming from children, parents and adults. I
hope to completely tour the United States and Europe."
"Helping children
to discover the gift of "creativity" that is within all of us is always on my
mind." As Lynnette continues to speak, a slight smile brings a glow of
satisfaction to her face. Continuing, Lynnette reveals that on Zinzi's wonderful
self-empowering journey, she will introduce us to her favorite Aunt Rasheida.
Lynnette has partnered with Rasheida Smith, a craftsperson who turned the
family, craft tradition of soapmaking into a business, to produce the story of
Aunt Rasheida's Pearls. Their limited release, introductory product features the
story of Aunt Rasheida's Pearls with a recipe for soap making; the book Zinzi,
and five natural, delicately scented soap pearls and a 2 oz bottle of lavender
scented lotion. The lavender and citrus soap pearls and lotion are made of pure
essential oils. In keeping with the concept of building productive family
communication, Lynnette hopes that the story of Aunt Rasheida's Pearls will be
an activity that children can enjoy with family members and care givers. The
soap pearls are created exclusively for Aunt Rashieda's Pearls; however,
Rasheida Smith, President of Ra's Naturals, has created a popular, full line of
essential oils body and hair products. For further information on her adult line
of products, call (718) 657-2342.
Lynnette was honored by the PEN Open
Book Committee as one of the emerging writers of color. Zinzi was also selected
to be part of the duGrummond Children's book collection at the University of
Southern Mississippi. Lynnette Velasco is President of Black Americans In
Publishing (BAIP), (formerly Black Women In Publishing) www.baip.org. Lynnette is a member
of the New York Association of Black Journalists. Zinzi is available on the web
at Amazon.Com. Lynnette is represented by Earl Cox & Associates, Inc. For
distribution, group sales and other questions, you may call (908)
233-2399.
Her upcoming appearances will be at the Brooklyn Parent's for
Peace event on Saturday, October 16th at the YMCA located at 30 Third Avenue in
Brooklyn, New York. She is also looking forward to her appearance at the annual
Multi Cultural Children's Book Fair in Washington, DC on November
6th.
Lynnette is available for author signings, school visits and
literacy enrichment programs. Rasheida Smith is also available for craft
demonstrations and discussions on soap making. To schedule a presentation,
please contact Good Thoughts for Young Folks, (212) 252-5113.
Literacy
for learning, for living, for life!™
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/10/prweb166024.htm