M. LaVora Perry's Taneesha's Treasures of the Heart: An African-American Buddhist Girl Relies on Faith to Face a Bully

When Taneesha's best friend Carli, who has a disability, is taunted by an older bullying girl in the girls' urban community, Taneesha defends her friend and then becomes the bully's target. The book's illustrator designed Harry Potter Collectible cards for Wizards of the Coast in association with Warner Brothers Studios.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Cleveland, Ohio... Author M. LaVora Perry's Taneeshas Treasures of the Heart is a childrens book featuring an African-American Buddhist girl living in the urban community of East Cleveland, Ohio USA.

When Taneesha's best friend Carli is taunted by a bullying older girl because of her disability, Taneesha defends her friend and becomes the bullying girl's target. With faith, hope, courage and friendship, Taneesha helps the bullying girl uncover kindness inside her own heart.

Chris Seaman, the illustrator for Taneeshas Treasures of the Heart, also designed the Harry Potter collectible card game for Warner Brothers Studios® in association with Wizards of the Coast®.

Here is an example of what readers are saying about Taneesha's Treasures of the Heart:

"This book is an excellent introduction to Buddhism for children-a way to learn about world religions. Taneesha's Treasures of the Heart will touch your heart with its message of enlightened tolerance and kindness. A useful index explains Buddhist terms."

- Suzanne DeGaetano, Mac's Backs Books, Cleveland Heights, Ohio USA

...a warm and beautiful story."

- Kathy Bernetich, Former Executive Directory, Editorial, American Greetings Corporation

LaVora has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University. In 1995 she became American Greetings Corporations® (AGs) first African-American staff greeting card writer. Since then her writing has appeared on gift items in six countries and on three continents. She was the lead editorial conceptor for AG's innovative In Rhythm card line. While at AG she earned Creative Excellence awards in the years 1999 and 2000 for writing and editing.

LaVora has been a contributing writer for the Buddhist publications Living Buddhism journal and the World Tribune newspaper. Presently she writes a monthly column for Friends for Peace," which is the childrens section of the World Tribune.

She also works as a freelance greeting card writer and as a consultant for individuals and small businesses as the president of Word Wizards Web, Editorial and Small Business Services.

For online information about LaVora, her books, services and articles refer to her e-zine: www.FortuneChildBooks.com .

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Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the publication of Taneeshas Treasures of the Heart ($9.00) ISBN# 0-8059-6049-X, paperback, Publication Date: July 25, 2003. For more information, please email pr@fortunechildbooks.com. To place a book order or to request a review copy, please call Mat Weller, Merchandising Coordinator, at (800) 788-7654, or visit www.dorrancebookstore.com

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This press release online at http://www.fortunechildbooks.com/pressrelease.doc

A Media Kit is online at http://www.fortunechildbooks.com/mlperrymediakit2.doc