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Touching people’s hearts and minds is centrally important to Nancy. Telling the stories of her father, who was a gifted storyteller, is what inspired Nancy to become a children’s author. Making an impact on readers, especially children, is the best way she can pay tribute to her
beloved parents and grandparents.
Elissa Discovers
Have you ever wondered how we have the alphabet? Where did the letters come from and how do people know what they sound like? This charming, illustrated book explains the origins of the alphabet in the form of a story, showing what life was like before the advent of the written word, and how it was improved afterward.
Join Elissa as she and Grandfather explore a little about the world of olives and their importance to the family. From a trip into the past, when Grandfather was a little boy, to the right-now, when Elissa and Grandfather enjoy a delicious snack, this charming illustrated story entertains, enlightens and educates the reader all about the wonderful benefits of the humble olive.
Elissa & Family...
The Most Important Thing
Elissa is studying hard. It might be too soon for college, but she knows that being an engineer will take a lot of hard work and dedication. But when Elissa neglects herself, Grandmother and Grandfather know that it’s time to step in and teach Elissa what the most important thing is. Elissa is intrigued and happily gives up a day of studying to understand what Grandmother meant. Together, Elissa and her grandparents cook up a delicious Mediterranean feast packed with fresh vegetables, tasty herbs and spices, and even sweet treats—including Elissa’s favorite dessert. What is the most important thing? Read on to find out!
As a child, she was told stories by her parents
and grandparents that filled her imagination, and ever since, they have held a special place in her heart.
Out Now!
Out Now!
Have you ever wondered how we have the alphabet? Where did the letters come from and how do people know what they sound like? This charming, illustrated book explains the origins of the alphabet in the form of a story, showing what life was like before the advent of the written word, and how it was improved afterward. Join Elissa, the ancient Phoenician, sailing on the Mediterranean Sea and trading with friends far and wide, as she tries to think of a way to communicate better. And see what the alphabet has gifted modern-day Elissa and her grandmother, and all of us too!
Join Elissa as she and Grandfather explore a little about the world of olives and their importance to the family. From a trip into the past, when Grandfather was a little boy, to the right-now, when Elissa and Grandfather enjoy a delicious snack, this charming illustrated story, entertains, enlightens and educates the reader all about the wonderful benefits of the humble olive. Learn all about the health benefits of olives, why they are always prepared in brine, and even how olives can keep the skin smooth and clean: there is so much more to the world of olives than can be found on a plate!
Paperback (English)
Kindle (English)
Hardcover (English)
Hardcover (Arabic)
Hardcover (Arabic)
Paperback
Kindle
Hardcover
AMAZON REVIEWS
and Illustrated Book"
My elementary aged kids enjoyed this book for several reasons. The illustrations are beautiful and the story piqued their interest. Origins of the alphabet is not a topic I would have thought to share with them, but it brought up many questions and a discussion about how people communicated before the written word. Definitely a great addition to our library.
"An Empowering, Eloquently Recounted,
With this book, the author brought representation to this genre and paved the way for storytelling from cultures and societies that are sometimes brushed to the side. I can't wait to see what adventure Elissa embarks on next!
"Seeds Curiosity in the Adult Too"
Although the book can stand just on the merit of those themes of good character, the main topic (the invention of written language) and subtopics (globalization and international trade) may better align with the curiosity levels of elementary aged kids who are starting to read chapter books even though it looks like a small kids book. A nice feature that serves kids at this level is the author's periodic use of more advanced words like "immense" because it helps draw the young listener/reader up and forward.
"Fascinating and highly educative"
My 7-year-old son loves letters and numbers. His book library has always been full of activity books involving letters and numbers, and when I came across "Elissa Uncovers...The Origin of the Alphabet", I realized that he had never had a non-activity book (a story) focused on letters. And what a story. About what my son had always been the most curious about, the alphabet.
"A story that had never been told"
My kids (8 and 7) loved the book. Today we take our writing system for granted but we forget that it took an audacious and pioneering people to organize the “known” world and establish the tool that would eventually enable Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Gibran Khalil to delight readers for generations. It all started as a business mechanism, no doubt, it had to be the Phoenicians..
BLOGS & SCHOOL REVIEWS
"Even the name of the protagonist, Elissa, has its roots in ancient tales of many lands, and is fitting for a young girl learning about life from her family. The intent is to give today’s parents, no matter the ethnicity, a fun way to discuss not only the book’s main themes, but the sub-themes of universality, kindness, inclusiveness, and other family values. By having a young girl as the main character who has curiosity and cleverness in her – beyond the typical portrayal of youth – the book intends to emphasize the role of young girls who are under-appreciated."
"Monika Warren and I received a delivery of ANOTHER children’s book written by another energy professional. Nancy Zakhour wrote a wonderful children’s book about the origin of the alphabet and follows Elissa on her journeys as she answers various random questions and curiosities.
We loved this book, and love seeing how several of our friends and family create children’s books that help explain, encourage exploration, and provides an understanding on some cool topics from energy to alphabets.”
JP W.
Connection Crüe / Energy Crüe Podcast
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“Nancy visited with our 3rd and 4th graders in our school library, and the kids absolutely adored her! She was warm and inviting, and her storytelling really pulled the kids into the book. We all loved the story of Elissa, and were thrilled by her adventures. Learning about the origin of the alphabet was very interesting, and an important story that our students did not already know. Being exposed to other cultures and history is so important, and this book gave our students wonderful insight.”
Wendy B., Librarian
Crockett Elementary
“Nancy visited with our 3rd and 4th graders in our school library, and the kids absolutely adored her! She was warm and inviting, and her storytelling really pulled the kids into the book. We all loved the story of Elissa, and were thrilled by her adventures. Learning about the origin of the alphabet was very interesting, and an important story that our students did not already know. Being exposed to other cultures and history is so important, and this book gave our students wonderful insight.”
Ruth T., Librarian
St. Theresa Catholic School
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