Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
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Loreatha V. Hawkins of Campbell talks to third- and fourth-graders from E.J. Blott Elementary School in Liberty, about following their dreams. That’s a message in her fairy tale, “The Prince and the Musical Castle.”
The Vindicator ( Youngstown)
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Loreatha Hawkins’ sister, Audrey Tillis of Austintown, reads the fairy tale at the presentation in the community room of Liberty High School.
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
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Olivia Terry, an aunt of Lorthea Hawkins, plays the harp during the reading.
A tiny storybook prince teaches a big lesson
By LINDA M. LINONIS
LIBERTY
Loreatha V. Hawkins wants to do more than tell a nice story for her readers. Through her fairy tale, “The Prince and the Musical Castle,” the author said she encourages children to follow their dreams.
Hawkins presented a multimedia program Friday to about 328 students from E.J. Blott Elementary School in the community room at Liberty High School. Kindergartners through second-graders saw the presentation at 9 a.m., and third- and fourth- graders at 10. Fran Klanica, a teacher at Blott who knows Hawkins, arranged the program.
The book wasn’t a solo effort; Hawkins’ sister, Arnetta Stokes of Southfield, Mich., illustrated it. She participated in the presentation along with another sister, Audrey Tillis of Austintown, who read the fairy tale as illustrations were shown. The reading of the fairy tale was augmented by music played by Hawkins’ aunts, Gladys McCorvey on keyboard and Olivia Terry on the harp.
Hawkins told the students she dreamed the story and decided to get it down on paper. As she did that, she knew it needed to be illustrated, and she sought her sister’s input.
Her fairy tale is about a prince who is introduced to the kingdom when he is 5 years old.
His parents worry about their son’s small stature, but the royal subjects love the boy’s long, curly hair and warm smile.
As Prince John Austin gets older, he remains on the small side but demonstrates courage by conquering dragons and exploring the kingdom. He even makes a friend of a dragon, Marcus.
Hawkins said she used family names for characters in her tale.
The prince is fascinated by music from another castle, which often soothes him to sleep.
He goes to the castle to find the source of the music but is confronted by three dragons. Hawkins conveys to the students that it is important to explore life’s options.
The prince is courageous and knocks on the door and finds Princess Anya, who is as petite as he is. They become special friends and, of course, live happily ever after.
Hawkins said characters in the book demonstrate that no matter what size, or color or background, everyone has dreams and should be encouraged to pursue them.
Stokes told the students that as she read the book, she “saw what I would illustrate.”
She said she selected vibrant colors because of their appeal. Stokes explained the illustrations are computer-generated.
Hawkins urged students to remember her story and “reach up, grab your dream and put it in your heart.”
Bookmarks with the fairy tale’s characters were distributed to teachers for students.
Hawkins also asked students to write stories to send to her.
Today, Hawkins will have a book-signing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Children’s Book Festival at the Davis Visitor Center at Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown.
The book is in Mahoning County libraries.