Mom of two, Grandmother of three and one of 12 kids, Afro-American children's book author Angela E. Davis says parents need to talk to kids about racial tolerance and other sensitive topics since they hear fragments of confusing news in the media, such as Don Imus racial slur and Alec Baldwin insensitive comments.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- As Mother's Day approaches, children's book author Angela E. Davis, who is a Mom of two, a Grandmother of three and one of 12 children herself, says, "As we enjoy gifts from our children and grandchildren, it is important to continually give them the gifts of knowledge, understanding and racial tolerance."
Davis, in her 18 All 4 Kidz books and CDs discussed at www.urban-kidz.com, she espouses simple virtues and understanding of ethnic diversity and family values for children. She said, "In today's complex world it is more vital than ever before for mothers to help kids grow and learn."
Davis books, such as her "I Promise Series," are discussed on her website, www.urban-kidz.com, where parents may also visit for hints on how to communicate important lessons to kids.
She said, discussing sensitive issues such as Don Imus' insult to the young ladies of Rutgers University or Alec Baldwin's critical words to his daughter should be explained to kids who hear confusing reports in the news media yet may not ask questions.
"Hearing such news in the media, kids need to understand the issues involved and the important lessons of tolerance, forgiveness and kindness, as well as the need to stand up for one's rights," she said. In a recent radio interview on the topic she called for "understanding and more parental involvement." Growing up in a big family, Davis says, "We always felt love and my parents explained life's important lessons to us, even though with 12 kids, they were very busy indeed."
On his now cancelled CBS radio show and MSNBC TV show, Imus made disparaging remarks about members of the Rutgers University women's varsity basketball team and in a private phone message to his daughter, TV and movie star Baldwin used insensitive comments in a message to his daughter.
Recently, TD Monthly Magazine said Davis' All 4 Kids books and CDs had "preschoolers enthralled" as "get kids talking" about the entertaining, ethnically diverse stories in the www.Urban-Kidz.com "I Promise" series by author Davis.
Davis, a former educator who holds an advanced degree in early childhood development, said, "Children should be nurtured to understand how kindness, thoughtfulness, hard work and other virtues that can make their lives wonderful. In my books, I try to teach them to appreciate such virtues."
Davis said, "Children get messages in a variety of ways, and they are catching fragments of information of news. It's vital for parents to help kids understand and correctly interpret lessons, including racial tolerance and the power of words that can help or harm."
Davis publishes through www.urban-kidz.com and All 4 Kidz Enterprises, Homewood, Illinois.
Robert E. Lewis, Educational Consultant to All 4 Kidz, added, "The messages Angela conveys are empowering to children and help them though the rough times they encounter. Her entertaining stories are similar to morality plays, with lessons taught through simple language and stories that relate to kids."
Davis' books tell stories from a kids point of view, including by licensed characters Cherry, who likes candy; Freddy, the carpenter of the group; Cookie, whose hobby is photography; Penny, a dancer; Sylvia, the singer; Stevie, the athlete; Billy, the artist; Judy, the bookworm and others.
Davis said, "Growing up, I heard many of the same comments other young black girls hear and I can tell you both personally and professionally, they hurt. To be disparaged simply because of your color or the quality of your hair or your desire to participate in sports is painful, deep inside when only you and those closest to you know your feelings are affected."
Davis' books include "Proud To Be A Girl," "Bullies Finish Last," "Proud To Be Me," "The Littlest Dancer," "The Birthday Surprise," "The Scary Sleepover," "The Candy Man" and others, each of which teaching vital life messages for children. Visit www.urban-kidz.com for more information.
Media Contact: Brian Dobson, 203-894-9240, bd (at) DobsonPR.com
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