Book Details:
Book Title: Zippy’s Special Gift by Therese Van Ryne
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Mar, 2021
Format available: hardback
Content Rating: G for everyone.
Zippy the Zebra doesn’t like her stripes. She doesn’t want to stand out! Follow Zippy as she embarks upon a thrilling adventure with her animal friends that helps her realize everyone is perfect just the way they are. Profits from the sales of Zippy’s Special Gift will be donated to one of Zebra Technologies strategic charitable partners, Bernies Book Bank, a non-profit organization that changes the story for under-served children and helps them read their way to a better life! Learn more at www.berniesbookbank.org.
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Mascot Books
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Zippy’s Special Gift is Van Ryne’s debut children’s book. She currently serves as the Global Director of PR, Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Zebra Technologies. One of PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR, Van Ryne also has experience as a journalist, editor and producer, reporting nightly from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
connect with the author: instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads
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Author Interview
“Zippy’s Special Gift” by Therese Van Ryne
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was a young girl. I always enjoyed creative writing in elementary and high school, and I studied journalism when I attended Marquette University. Earlier in my career, I had the pleasure to work as a reporter and producer for a cable news network on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. When my husband and I moved back to my hometown in the Midwest to raise our family, I kicked off my career in Public Relations and continue to enjoy writing and editing as part of my role today as the lead of PR and Philanthropy for Zebra Technologies.
There are many books out there…what makes yours different?
I think it’s a combination of several things that make “Zippy’s Special Gift” unique. From the colorful illustrations by Walter Policelli to the rhyming cadence to the animal characters who come to life through their unique voices and traits. This book is written in a way that brings enjoyment to young readers as well as fulfillment for parents who read it to their children. Above all, it delivers an important reminder that we all possess special gifts, creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
Why did you decide to donate the profits from the sales of “Zippy’s Special Gift” to Bernie’s Book Bank?
I lead Public Relations and Philanthropy for Zebra Technologies, and one of our key strategic charitable partners is Bernie’s Book Bank. Our shared vision of promoting literacy for children of all ages and backgrounds helps make our world a better place. By connecting books with those who need them, Bernie’s Book Bank provides children the ability to learn about life through the characters. The organization is “changing the story” for children to help them read their way to a better life!
What advice would you give to budding writers?
My advice is to incorporate writing into all phases of your life. If you’re a student, make the most of your writing classes and work with your teachers to perfect your skill. If writing is part of your job, continue to develop your skill and get feedback from others on how to improve it. If writing isn’t part of your work, make it a hobby by starting a blog, for example, and share your thoughts with others through the written word. The more you write, the better writer you will become with the greater opportunity to share your joy with others!
What’s your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is key lime pie. My husband and I enjoy sharing a piece together; we love the tanginess of the key lime combined with the sweetness of the whipped cream topping. It’s a dessert that must be savored. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
You mentioned your work for Zebra Technologies. What does Zebra Technologies do?
Zebra Technologies is a global company based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and the company brings a performance edge to the front line of business in retail/eCommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and the public sector. Zebra’s solutions elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care. This year marks Zebra’s fifth year on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers, and you can check us out at www.zebra.com.
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Sounds adorable
This book sounds adorable.