Maxwell Goes to the Zoo
Lisa Van Drese pens delightful book as a tribute to her son Max and every other overachiever who just happens to rock an extra chromosome
Whimsical New Xulon Juvenile Fiction Written By National Down Syndrome Advocate Stirs Excitement In Young Readers On A Fun-Filled Trip To The Zoo
Lisa Van Drese pens delightful book as a tribute to her son Max and every other overachiever who just happens to rock an extra chromosome
2016-09-26
MAITLAND, FL— Within the pages of Lisa Van Drese’s new book, Maxwell Goes To The Zoo, ($9.99, paperback, 9781498478267) young readers will take an exciting trip to the zoo with 5-year old Max. It’s a fun read with a rhythmic story and many beautiful, full color illustrations by Sherry A. Mitcham. Children will follow Max around the zoo as he excitedly observes the animals. From tigers, lions, monkeys, and parrots, to zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, cows, goats and more – it was an action packed day at the zoo for Max.
Although it is not discussed as part of the story, the main character Max, was born with Down syndrome – a character developed from author, Lisa Van Drese’s own son Maxwell. Through her book, she shares the message that every life has value, and people who were born with Down syndrome are just like everyone else except for one extra chromosome. Although other books on the market attempt to explain Down syndrome, Lisa’s book purposely does not delve into why kids with Down syndrome are different. Her book thoughtfully emphasizes that adults and children with Down syndrome are just like every other person; each person is unique.
“I hope readers enjoy the fun, rhythmic story and beautiful illustrations,” states the author. “I am hoping that parents, teachers and other educators use this tool as a way to talk about Down syndrome and allow children to ask questions. I believe that acceptance comes from understanding.”
Lisa Van Drese lives in Gladstone, Michigan with her husband, Doug. They have two children, Andréa and Maxwell. Lisa is the author of the articles, “My Son Maxwell” and “The Things I Have Learned” and is wrapping up her informational guide: “Down syndrome: One Mother’s Truth”. Lisa is a national advocate for all people with Down syndrome. Lisa is also a proud supporter of Christian Life Resources, an organization that shares her belief that every life has value.
Sherry A. Mitcham is an accomplished graphic designer and self-taught colored pencil artist living in Fayetteville, Georgia with her husband Bill, and cockerpoo, Chloe.
Xulon Press, a
division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher,
with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Maxwell Goes To The Zoo through Ingram
Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available
online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.