NEW YORK, USA: A new Caribbean character comes to life in Little Lion Goes to School, a children's book by Jamaican author, Kellie Magnus. The book was released in October to coincide with Jamaica's National Heroes' Day. It first was launched in Jamaica on Sunday, October 19 at Emancipation Park and then on Friday, October 24 at the Jamaican Consulate in New York. Little Lion Goes to School tells the story of a young Rastafarian boy who has difficulty fitting in at his new school where the wealthier children tease him for being poor and different. Through his father's guidance he learns to value who he is, not what he possesses, and that what makes him different also makes him special. The book is written in rhyme and is meant for children 8 and under. "Ideally, parents and children will read it together," says Ms. Magnus, a freelance writer who covers entertainment and media for several Caribbean and American publications. "When I was growing up my mother read to me at night and it gave me a love for reading and language." Jamaican notables including the Honourable Louise Bennett Coverley and Professor Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies have endorsed the book. "It's a strong, beautiful, wonderful story," says Miss Lou. "It's a joy to read." The book features vibrant, full colour illustrations by Jamaican artist, Michael Robinson. Robinson, a new parent, was attracted to the project by its positive messages. "I was very impressed with the story," says Robinson. "The storyline was fresh and undeniably Jamaican. "As an illustrator I was humming with ideas since the first time I read the draft. As a new parent, I'm excited to be a part of a project that makes a valuable contribution to childhood education." Little Lion Goes to School is the first in a series that will follow the precocious six year old Rastafarian through his adventures growing up in the Caribbean. While the story is set in the Caribbean, its themes and lessons are appropriate for children of all ethnicities. The book is distributed by its publisher, Media Magic New York. For information and orders, log on to www.littlelionbooks.com Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com