Local author Candy Weisner and designer Jessica Ingard are launching a new children’s book series that aims to be a global hit, with their “Kids Visit the World” series launching on Aug. 17.
The first book of the series, “Isabelle Visits Peru,” will teach young readers about the diverse culture that can be found in Peru through the lens of a young girl named Isabelle.
Budding explorers can experience a live book reading at the Cochrane Public Library starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by a special adventure themed event in Found Bookstore at 1 p.m., where guests can meet the real-life Isabelle, who inspired the main character in the debut title.
Weisner explained that the series was inspired by her interest in learning about new cultures. After sharing her idea with Ingard, the duo set off to bring the series to life.
“She and I linked through the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, [and] we were on the board together for years,” Weisner said. “When I told her about this, she was excited and absolutely wanted to get on board with this.
“She’s from Peru, so it seemed like a great place to start with her knowledge and passion for Peru.”
With the first book of the series ready to launch, Weisner said there are already plans to launch a second book.
“So, the second book is on the Philippines, and if you’re familiar with Cochrane, we have a very vibrant Filipino community,” she said. “I’m in touch with that a lot, so that seemed like the best place to go next.”
Looking at the future, Weisner hopes this reaches as many young readers as possible to help get more people interested in learning about other cultures.
“I just hope that it does what it’s meant to do, get the world out there, [and] get people interested in other cultures,” Weisner said. “Or, if people have a current or past heritage with these countries, that inspires them to help teach their next generation as well.”
As a former programmer for the Cochrane Public Library, Weisner said she looks forward to unveiling this new book series in the community.
“Reading this book to the kids in the library that day will just be dear to my heart,” Weisner said. “My own grandchildren will be there and spoiler alert, one of them is named Isabel.”
The book can be purchased online via Amazon on Aug. 17. Hard copies will also be sold at the weekend event and for every copy sold, one dollar will be donated to the Cochrane Public Library.
