Released on = December 18, 2006, 10:37 pm

Press Release Author = My Alien Penfriend

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = Even living on another planet, the values of Christmas are
truly universal, as Darius and Zmod are about to find out in the fascinating new
children's book "My Alien Penfriend."

Press Release Body = Every child looks forward to Christmas, wherever they are in
the world - or perhaps, even in the universe. It's a time to spend time with family
and friends, and to enjoy seasonal traditions. Yet Christmas is also a time for
everyone to take stock of the year gone by, and think about how we want the world to
be a better place in the future. With news reports reflecting much disorder in the
world, impressionable children can't help but be aware of these issues, but somehow
they inherently know that friendship and kindness have the power to conquer all.

Faiz Kermani's funny and adventurous children's book, "My Alien Penfriend" (ISBN
1420858602) looks at how two children on opposite sides of the galaxy, actually can
become, the best of friends. By discovering each other's vast differences, the two
find they have more in common than they could have ever imagined. Their differences
give way to their abundant similarities, and the two boys find out that the have
actually received the most incredible gift of all - true friendship.

In "My Alien Penfriend," Darius, a young boy from Earth, and Zmod, an alien from the
planet Bartoch, are both inquisitive children equally interested in finding out
about life on other planets. The curious pair are linked through a penfriend
organization, and communicate across the galaxy by spacemail. The fascinating facts
they learn about each other leaves them eagerly awaiting the next letter. Kermani
explores timely, real-life themes of environmental issues and war and counters it
with humour, and fun details about exotic life on an alien planet. Living
underground means that Zmod is unlikely to experience snow at Christmas, but
equally, Darius is unlikely to find that rocks can move by themselves!

"Often, Christmas is the season for catching up with friends and filling your spirit
with the warm feeling that only the camaraderie of friendship brings," explains
Kermani. Even though they are separated by millions of miles of space, Darius and
Zmod look out for each other when their lives get tough. "I wanted this book to
show that friendship doesn't care about differences. It doesn't matter who your
friends are and where they may be, they'll always be there for you." And perhaps,
Kermani is right. This Christmas, through an imaginative tale of two very different
boys, the gift of friendship through diversity becomes real in the hearts of
children.

Faiz Kermani resides in London, England. He has visited about 30 countries and still
considers his childhood pen-pal from Australia one of his closest friends. Kermani
visits schools to talk about his book and has a number of local book signings this
Christmas. He is involved with a number of literacy projects including the
educational charity, One Life for Education
(http://www.onelifedevelopment.com/charity.htm). This charity sets up partnerships
between disadvantaged schools in developing countries and schools in Europe to
encourage cross-cultural understanding, and sharing of ideas between children and
educators. "My Alien Penfriend" (ISBN 1420858602) can be purchased at online
bookstores. For more information, visit http://www.myalienpenfriend.co.uk, or the
spaceblog http://www.zmodsworld.com


Web Site = http://www.myalienpenfriend.co.uk

Contact Details = My Alien Penfriend
2086438501