Coinciding with the 6th annual Walk in My Shoes event comes the March release of Lauren Book’s first fiction book for children! Lauren’s Kingdom is a magical tale set in the imagination of a young girl named Lauren who learns an important lesson about speaking up when something isn’t right. Through Lauren Book’s ability to tailor the message in a way children can grasp along with beautiful illustrations from artist Marco Barreto, Lauren’s Kingdom is a wonderful way to teach children about having the courage to speak up in spite of the fear or discomfort. All proceeds from the book will benefit Lauren’s Kids and the push for greater awareness and education for children, parents, teachers and administrators about what to do in the case of child sexual abuse.
The mission statement at Lauren’s Kids is; to prevent sexual abuse through education and awareness, and to help survivors heal with guidance and support. It is one thing to create educational materials aimed at adults, but it’s quite another to reach children because the topic of abuse can be very difficult to talk about. Lauren Book, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids and a survivor of abuse herself, embarked on the project in the hopes that a work of children’s literature featuring a little girl who isn’t scared to stand up for herself would empower her readers to do the same. It’s important that children know they have a voice which can be used to stop something they don’t like. Speaking up, not shutting down, is the positive message Lauren’s Kingdom sends to a child who may be experiencing abuse, but may not know where to go or what to do for help. Through the courage of the story’s heroine, Lauren’s Kingdom lets kids know that “If you’re choking back tears and your heart’s filled with fears…You know very well, it’s OK to tell.”
Lauren’s Kingdom will be available online and at major book retailers in March, but you can pre-order your copy on Amazon today! Visit the Lauren’s Kids website to learn more about how our programs can educate and raise awareness for child sexual abuse prevention. 95% of abuse is preventable so help us teach children and adults to recognize the signs so they can take action.
