Teaching Diversity to Elementary Students in Children's Picture Book

NEW BERN, N.C., Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A serious theme discussed in a lighthearted, illustrative way for children to easily grasp and understand it.  Author Dr. Ralph Redding centers on judging appearances and diversity as he debuts in the world of children's fiction with the captivating children's picture book, What Really Matters!, illustrated by his granddaughter Amelia Wiggins.  In this story, children meet Zeke the zebra, who sees his reflection and gallops off on an adventure to learn about the color of his skin.

Set in the African savanna, the story begins as Zeke wonders whether he is a black zebra with white stripes or a white zebra with black stripes. In his search for answers, his animal friends' opinions have only left him both confused and feeling confused and inferior.  Still perplexed, Zeke decides to approach his wisest friend, Matilda the elephant. With Matilda's sensible words, Zeke soon discovers that color or physical appearance is unimportant, as long as one realizes what really matters.

Celebrating the diversity of our human race, this thoughtful fable offers young readers a simple and clear explanation of how differences in physical appearances do not matter, because What Really Matters is the inner character or personality of each of us!

"… Zeke's odyssey and the bright, engaging artwork may prove handy as a springboard for talking about diversity." – Kirkus Reviews

This book is available online and can be purchased at www.bookwhirl.com, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. 

About the Author
Ralph Redding was raised in Lethbridge Alberta, Canada.  After graduating from the public school system, he attended the University of Alberta for both his undergraduate and medical school training. He got additional medical training in London and Toronto, Ontario, Canada which led to becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (C).  He then moved to New England with his family, specializing and taught pulmonary medicine at Brown University.  He is the author of fifty scientific and medical articles, and this is his first children's book.

He is now retired in New Bern, NC, and lives with his wife, Beverlee.  Married for 38 years, they share six children between them, and twelve grandchildren. In New Bern, they started a free clinic that provides medical attention and medicines to un-insured low income individuals.

What Really Matters! by Ralph A. Redding, M.D.
Publication Date: July 2013
Price: $11.70; 28 pages; ISBN 978-1-61856-250-0

To request a complimentary paperback review copy, you may contact Raffi Anderson at BookWhirl.com by phone at (877) 207-1679 or by Email.

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SOURCE BookWhirl.com