Local Author: Stacey Zolt Hara

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Local Author: Stacey Zolt Hara

See below an email I received recently. I haven't met up with Stacey yet, but intend to. Meanwhile, if you're interested, you might contact her directly.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Stacey Zolt Hara <stacey@travelwithbella.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Subject: author inquiry re: visiting author program
To: kda@uwcsea.edu.sg

My name is Stacey Zolt Hara, and I am the author of the Travel with Bella series. I am based here in Singapore and am interested in partnering with UWC as a visiting author.

The Travel with Bella series launched last May with "Bella's Chinese New Year," a picture book targeted to kids 3-8 years old. An American girl living in Singapore, Bella is celebrating Chinese New Year at her school with a big party and we are all invited along. With her infectious smile and zest for life, Bella connects with the people and culture around her, making new friends and learning through her experiences. Appreciative of Singapore's customs and traditions, Bella guides us through orange exchanges with friends, the magical wish of a Lo Hei salad and the surprises kids find in shiny red envelopes during the New Year.

Bella captures kids' imaginations, leaving them asking, "Where's Bella going next?" and "Can we go too?" The books foster a conversation between parents and kids and arm today's globally mobile families with a way to help make all that travel shape their kids' minds and hearts.

"Bella's Chinese New Year" has received tremendous reviews from critics and, most importantly, parents, as a book which entertains while teaching lessons that stick, leaving the kids wanting more. You can see what parents are saying on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Bellas-Chinese-Year-Stacey-Zolt/dp/9810881274/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317958234&sr=8-1.

The second book in the series, "Bella's Vietnam Adventure," is slated for release late November. In this book, Bella and family are back, touring through Vietnam in Bella-tastic style. As a five-year-old accustomed to her own rules and routine, Bella must adapt to life in Vietnam – figuring out how to cross the street when there's no cross walk, how to bargain with a street vendor and what to eat while away from home. She quickly learns that an open mind and a bit of courage lead to a super adventure.

The Travel with Bella mission is a great fit for UWCSEA's values as a school which builds global citizens. You can learn more about the series and read media coverage at www.travelwithbella.com. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/travelwithbella.

Please let me know if you would like to meet to discuss further. I'm happy to pop in to your office to chat.