(NAPSA)—Whenyou're looking for something that will instill positive values in your kids or grandkids, you may care to check out the two children’s books authored by Alma J. Powell, co-chair of America’s Promise—The Alliance for Youth. Powell wrote the books to reinforce the mission of America’s Promise—to build the character and competence of our nation’s youth—and in a fun-spirited way, encourage children to give back to their communities. Powell’s husband, Secretary of State Colin Powell, is the organization’s founding chairman. In America’s Promise, aimed at children ages four to eight, two little bears, Honey and her younger brother, Benji, are new to the neighborhood. As they explore their town, they make friends and encounter a special lady named Mrs. Mayberry. At the Mayberry Community Play and Learn House, they enjoy books, music, games and healthy snacks. And when a surprise visit from the town’s mayor presents the kids with a special opportunity, determination and hard work help them reap the rewards of community service. “Every child needs a caring adult role model in his or her life; a safe place to learn and grow; a healthy start and lifestyle; an opportunity to learn marketable skills through education; and opportunities to give back through community service,” said Powell. “These are the resources that create opportunities for success. In the book, Honey and Benji experience firsthand just how important these Five Promises are for positive youth development.” In My Little Wagon, the companion board book, toddlers meet a young bear as she explores the many uses of a little red wagon, a timeless symbol of childhood and ee America’ -a Promise %, Alma Powell Illustrated by Marsha Winborn also the symbol of America’s Promise. “These charming books capture the very essence of what we’re working to do in communities across the country,” said Peter A. Gallagher, president and CEO of America’s Promise. “Through community collaborations that connect kids to the resources they need to be successful, we want to ensure that every child enjoys the same positive experience that Honey and Benji share in the book.” Illustrated by acclaimed artist Marsha Winborn and available in both English and Spanish, the books are published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, known for such classics as Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and Charlotte’s Web. Powell is donating her proceeds from the sale of these books to America’s Promise to help strengthen the group’s community mobilization efforts nationwide. America’s Promise was launched at the President’s Summit for America’s Future in 1997 where Presidents G.H.W. Bush, Carter, Clinton and Ford, with Nancy Reagan representing President Reagan, challenged the country to make children and youth a national priority. For more information,visit www.americaspromise.org or call 1-888-55-YOUTH.
