New Book and Animation Series for Children is Announced

Melody's Song is a animated book and video series that was designed to not only encourage reading but develop confidence and hope in young people. Melody's Song can be categorized as both a children's book with musical themes and one that emphasizes black characters in children's literature. The series can be used by schools and parents to teach life lessons and foster a love of music and exploration. The book launches on November 23, 2016 just in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

According to studies presented by non-profit research center Child Trends, African American children face educational expectations lower than that of white children. As a result black children often turn these lowered expectations into self-fulfilling prophesies without some type of social encouragement and out-of-school learning opportunities. When presented with creative outlets, positive reinforcements, and other examples of educational expression minority children thrive. The goal of the Melody's Song book series is to help children find their unique voice, gain self-worth, and find confidence in their own abilities.

"Having grown up in Kalamazoo and, of course, visiting family in places like Detroit and Flint, I realized that kids require hope and whimsy as much as food, shelter, and air in order to grow into a self-actualized adult," says author Lonna Hardin. "I grew up with music all around me and that music lifted me up and inspired me. As a parent, I want to help my daughter and other children find their song and their whimsy. One of my other goals for this, one I find equally important, is to show black humor in children's literature and present the richness of black culture."

The book and animation series is designed for all children, but specifically targets:

? Culturally Diverse Children
? Special Needs Children
? Children from Single Parent Households
? Economically Disadvantaged.

This culturally relevant literature for urban populations aims to bridge the gap between cultural identities and educational outcomes.

The first book in the series, "Melody's Song and the City of the Voice Snatchers" reaches out to children lacking confidence and needing to find their place in the world. Melody's Song and the City of the Voice Snatchers can be shared by parents, grandparents, churches, educators, nonprofits and those looking to increase literacy and learning among African American children between the ages of 5 and 10.

These children's music story books can be purchased through bookstores and online retailers for parents and others who see the value in producing books that can inspire children in more difficult situations to keep going and growing, the author has set up a GoFundMe.

For more information about the book, author, and concepts being developed for the series check out Melody's Song Facebook page and visit:

www.melodyssong.com
www.twitter.com/getmelodyssong
www.instagram/getmelodyssong

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