Page 44 - Sandy Jackman Pantai Hotel

Unending Benefits:

Beyond the Book By Debbie Storms

Photo Courtesy of Laurenn Baker

Welcome to’ Lae Lae’s World,’ a place of hugs and smiles. with friends that only they could see as they played games and A Local Hub for Art Education
Beautifully illustrated books filled with stories that reinforce the told stories about that world. It is a very special place where all
positive concepts of life: Lessons children will take with them all things are possible, all people are together, all animals are loved
through their lives; a collection of interactive books that teach love and the world is a happy place to be taken care of. That is a world
and respect for animals, the environment, and other people with to be encouraged.
emphasis on the positive. They discover Lae Lae’s World is a Laurenn is working with an advisory committee of educators and
special creation of a world to be encouraged. Children enjoy this child development specialists across the United States to develop
interactive program, which makes learning a fun and enjoyable a collection that focuses on issues that these professionals deal
experience. The series is empowering and enhances creativity: A with in helping children today. She found it important and benefi-
timeless gift. cial to involve focus groups of parents, grandparents and caregiv-
Each book in the collection is written and illustrated by Laurenn ers to include what they want for their children as well.
She donates a percentage of her
income to animal, environmental
and children’s causes. Here in San
Diego the cause is Miracle Babies
for which she is a Miracle Circle
founding member.
Lae Lae’s World is a place where
children receive unending benefits
that stay with them for a lifetime.
What a gift!
The books teach such values as:
• Love and respect for animals
• Kindness and tolerance toward
44 those who are different or who are
less fortunate
• Respect for people from other
cultures and backgrounds
• Intergenerational respect and
caring
• Enjoyment and appreciation of a
healthy diet and an active life
The series begins with Lae Lae’s
mission to support all the children
of the world, to adopting a pet,
learning to cook with her momma
(healthy and easy recipes are
included in the back of the book),
meeting new friends in her neigh-
borhood from another country and
culture, planting a garden and tend-
Prater Baker and includes an interactive story to read, story tell- ing as it grows, then sharing the vegetables with elderly neigh-
ing pages and activity pages all based on the simple concept of bors, reaching out to a special needs friend and discovering the
providing stories that reinforce the positive concepts of life. It was wonders of the beach and ocean.
developed for children 2 to 6 years old, the most vulnerable and There are currently 7 books; number 8 is coming out soon and all
teachable of all ages. These books are a teaching series about life are sold individually or as a set. Parents and teachers are also
issues and the situations that children will deal with in their lives supported by notes to address issues in the book in detail.
as they grow and mature. The collection includes an older sister’s blog, Zoe’s Blog, from
Laurenn believes “A positive tomorrow depends on the way we the real child who was the model for Lae Lae. She talks about her
raise our children today. Nothing is more important than to love life and issues that will affect the young readers and she invites
and encourage our children and to support them to grow up as conversation from children.
caring, responsible adults.” Lae Lae’s Playground: Join Lae Lae with a membership to her
It was with great pleasure that I spent a few hours with Laurenn special club where your child can play fun and safe games on the
on a mild San Diego afternoon. She is a woman of many talents. internet; the games co-ordinate with the books.
Her heart is filled with the beauty and compassion she illustrates Coloring pages are available for download from the website.
and writes about in her books. Her work is supported by many For more information visit
professionals who have endorsed her books. The idea of Lae Lae www.laelae.com or contact Laurenn at artlark17@aol.com
came from watching her grandchildren as they created their world