MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: November 2010

Kiwi author wins Gold at USA Mom’s Choice Awards

A New Zealand book written to help children understand virtues been awarded a gold medal at the USA Mom's Choice Awards®. The Adventures of Mali & Keela – A Virtues Book for Children, has been recognized as among the best in family-friendly products at this year’s awards.

Written by Christchurch author Jonathan Collins the book uses the power of story telling to help children learn about virtues such as confidence, integrity, compassion, and responsibility. Fifty-two virtues are explored and explained throughout the book.

“I’m thrilled to have won gold in the US,” says Collins. “While my publisher is US-based, it’s most definitely a kiwi book… written here, and with beautiful illustrations from Christchurch illustrator, Jenny Cooper.”

The Adventures of Mali & Keela has received enthusiastic praise from parents and educators alike, with Disney Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year laureate, Dara Feldman, referring to it as “an inspiring, creative and engaging book where life lessons and heart-warming stories come together.”

The Mom’s Choice Awards® is an awards program that recognises authors and companies for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services.

The Adventures of Mali & Keela is distributed in New Zealand by Nationwide Books.

For more information about The Adventures of Mali & Keela see www.virtuesforchildren.com.

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