Monday, July 8, 2013

Coming Soon! to a bookstore near you

You know when you meet another woman, a mom, who you instantly like- and get? That’s Garcelle Beauvais. Garcelle’s twin boys Jax and Jaid, age 5, have become great friends with my son. (To put it simply: My son adores/worships them as they might be the best 5-year old football/basketball/T-Ball players in the history of the world and can be silly with the best of ‘em). Best known for her roles on The Jamie Foxx Show and NYPD Blue, Garcelle is one of those women who you meet and within seconds, you’ve told your entire life to and you don’t feel an ounce of judgment. In fact, her openness and acceptance is evident in all aspects of her life as she has recently written a children’s book about Jax and Jaid’s experiences as twins of mixed race, and another book about splitting their time between two homes. (Another thing my son and I can relate to).
 
Last year, Garcelle Beauvais and Stranger Comics announced the launch of the “I AM” children’s book series and are now happy to announce the release of the first title, “I AM MIXED.”  The street date for the hardcover book has been set for August 7th and it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.  
 
Drawing on her life experience as a mother and her research on children’s issues, Garcelle’s books will address identity issues relevant to many children today. The books are co-authored by Garcelle and Stranger Comic’s president, Sebastian A. Jones, and they are being beautifully illustrated by artist James C. Webster . The first book, “I AM MIXED”, focuses on brother and sister Jay and Nia, and explores the thoughts and emotions shared between siblings of mixed ethnicities.  The second book in the series, "I AM LIVING IN 2 HOMES", deals with children of divorce (expected release near the end of the year). Future installments include “I AM ADOPTED” and “I AM A TWIN.”
 
A lot of parents have a tough time tackling questions about race or even familial relationships and settings, but even when her boys were 2 1/2, Garcelle thought it was an important conversation to start. “I didn't want them to be asked why is your mommy brown and daddy white and not have them understand it themselves. I wanted them to know that they're the best parts of us put together. What I wanted most of all is for them to be proud of who they are and celebrate themselves.”
 
Celebrity moms like Halle Berry, who wrote the forward of the book, appreciates this celebration of diversity. She said, "I Am Mixed is an invaluable teaching tool that all children from all races can learn from.” 
 
My Name is Earl actress Jaime Presley also said, "My son, as well as all of his friends, are mixed and they don't know any different. I don't know who this book is better for, the children of this generation or their parents. This book is a wonderful celebration of the beauty of coming from mixed ethnicities and cultures!"

 
Hooray for difference, diversity, openness and most of all, cool moms like Garcelle.
 
Find more information on the book series and click here to pre-order "I Am Mixed" on Amazon.


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