Richly Illustrated Children's Book conveys the Importance of Having Someone to Love and Care For

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact: Martin AllenP.O. Box 2395, Gainesville, GA 30503720-206-6759

martin.allen@nanofiberco.com

                                                                                                         

Richly illustrated children’s picture book uses historic perspective, metaphor, and dream to convey profound life’s lessons.

The compelling new picture book titled Thorden offers important messages for readers of all ages.

Written by Martin Allen and featuring original paintings in ink and vibrant colors by Crisanta Baker, this debut children’s picture book with a five-star rating from Amazon tells a thought-provoking tale of trust, friendship, grief, and courage.

Thorden is a gnarled old tree nine twists old. As the story begins, he is comforting a young elf named Gilraen who is afraid of the dark. As she readies herself for sleep and nestles onto Thorden’s great contorted branch, the ancient tree tells her of a time before the terrible desolation, when trees and elves grew and frolicked together.

When Gilraen falls peacefully asleep, Thorden gazes down at her with contentment, comforted by her soft warmth, grateful to have an elf to care for. As he reflects on the many friends he lost in the great fire that ended the life of his friend Maeglin, he realizes that, for the moment at least, life is good and full of meaning.

An excerpt from the story reads as follows:

The soft warmth of the elf on his main arm reminded him of another era. There had been peaceful and perfect times, before the fire, before Maeglin had died. The time before all kindness had succumbed to hopelessness, despair and questions. He was tired now. He closed his eye and the moonlight watched over them.

Allen comments, "Thorden conveys many messages. Among them, I hope readers will understand the importance of having someone to love and care for. I also hope they will appreciate how much courage it takes to go on in the face of great loss. This task is made easier when there is someone to love."

AUTHOR: Martin Allen was born and raised in Germany before emigrating to the United States. He has authored other publications and is internationally known for his contributions to the sciences. Thordenrepresents the author's debut into the genre of juvenile fiction.

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Thorden; Author: Martin Allen; Illustrator: Crisanta Baker; Category: Juvenile Fiction; Soft Cover: 978-1495235900, $19.99; Availability: Amazon.com, BN.com

Delaware County Literacy Council

Open House Shines International Light on Local Adult Literacy

On Wednesday, September 12, the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) will open its doors at 2217 Providence Avenue in Chester from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a special Open House to celebrate International Literacy Day.

All are invited to hear about literacy from a variety of perspectives, to enjoy light refreshments, and to learn about the Literacy Council’s free services and volunteering opportunities. DCLC provides free one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED preparation.

Scheduled to appear at the event is Michael Lahoud, a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union soccer team. Lahoud is a native of Sierra Leone—one of several West African countries well represented among DCLC’s adult students. Immigrants from Africa, Asia, South America, and other parts of the world come to the Literacy Council for both ESL instruction and basic literacy services and often receive help from a volunteer literacy tutor.

Lahoud is scheduled to talk about his journey from Sierra Leone to the ranks of Major League Soccer, first playing for Chivas USA in Los Angeles and now playing for the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in Chester. Lahoud is also scheduled to sign autographs following the program of speakers during the event.

Visitors also can learn about the “Real Men Really Read” Campaign from Jonathan Abdur Raheem King of Brothers of Concern, who will say a few words about the Chester initiative. Also, local Rotarians will be recounting some of their local and international activities relating to literacy.

The event will be streamed live on the Delaware County Daily Times’ “Live from the Newsroom” web site, and several Daily Times’ bloggers will be in attendance to meet readers and share their thoughts on literacy.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.delcoliteracy.org, or call 610-876-4811.

The Literacy Council was founded in 1975 by volunteers who recognized a need for reading tutoring in the Chester area. For 37 years, the Literacy Council has worked with Delaware County adults who wish to read, write, speak and understand English. Currently, more than 50 adult students are waiting for tutors. To learn how to become a volunteer tutor, come to the September 12^th Open House or call Susan at 610-876-4811.