As we approach the Holiday season numerous families will gather in order to celebrate the Holidays. Grandparents will welcome their grandchildren with open arms! Since many grandchildren adore their grandparents, why is there a lack of grandparents as lead characters in children’s literature?
There is at least one children’s author who is addressing this issue. Author Lehman Riley’s grandfather Papa Lemon was his HERO! Even though Papa Lemon passed away in 1973, Lehman felt compelled to write children’s books featuring Papa Lemon. His grandmother, Mama Sarah, was also a strong role model. Thus, “The Adventures of Papa Lemon’s Little Wanderers” was born.
Papa Lemon and Mama Sarah are the neighborhood grandparents in the small town of West, Mississippi. Five adventurous friends, the Little Wanderers, travel back in time on Papa Lemon’s Magical Train in order to learn about diverse lessons in U.S. History. There are currently 5 books in the “Papa Lemon” series. The Little Wanderers meet Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, a Navajo Wind Talker, Babe Didrikson and learn about the California Gold Rush.
Lehman and his cousin, Paul Dixon, formed their for-profit publishing company, Matter of Africa America Time, in July 2004. Their ultimate goal is to make Papa Lemon an Educational ICON for ALL children!
Please encourage your family members to spend time and discuss your family history with your grandparents during the Holidays. Papa Lemon and Mama Sarah would be proud of you!
If you are interested in learning more about the “Papa Lemon” series check out their site: http://www.papalemonedu.com/.
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