Lauren Simone Blogs

Do you like art? Do you like reading? Do you like spending time with your family? Do you like all of the above? Painting with a twist, Hartford managed to put all these things together in a wonderful event featuring Imani Ariana.    Featuring the character and author, Imani Ariana,from the children's book, "Disco Balls of the Universe"     guests were able to paint, play games, meet the author up close and personal, and get a complimentary autographed copy of the book. Showcased as a mommy and me event,       mothers and their children painted a canvas of either...

Written by: Dr. Melissa-Sue John Theodor Seuss Geisel, born March 2, 1904, was an American children's author, political cartoonist, and animator. He is known for writing and illustrating over 60 books under the name, Dr. Seuss. His work includes many of the most popular children's books of all time, selling over 600 million copies and being translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death.  Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, myriad schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books. Although Dr....

Key Book Store @keybookstore, an interactive bookstore, located in CT highlighted our CEO, Melissa-Sue John for #WritersWednesday. Name: Melissa-Sue JohnBio: Melissa-Sue John, Ph.D. is the author of the Olivia Lauren series. Her other roles include wife, mother, psychologist, and publisher. She is a Jamaican born, Harrison's Preparatory School and Holy Childhood High School alumnus. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from CUNY: Hunter College and her Master's and Ph.D.  from the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Currently, she lectures at Quinnipiac University and works as a Research Associate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With her daughters, Olivia Lauren and Alyssa Simone, she developed a...

As a parent I have made a very conscientious decision to buy products that promote a very positive Black image. I purposely bought black and brown dolls for my daughters, I bought sheet sets and room decor with Black characters (Bratz, Tinkerbell and friends, Disney Princesses), I bought medical playsets,  a microscope for my niece, etc. I want my children, nieces and nephews to know that they can do anything they put their minds to and that their futures aren't limited to basketball, office administration, sales, and rapping.As I reflect on Black History Month, I look on my 4 year old's book...