Hooked On Books, 1956 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, US

SpecialtiesThis series is designed to introduce culture and foster kindness as a way of life. This series opens with three stories of girls from three different cultures: The Story of Gigi from France, the Story of Gabriella from Mexico, and the Story of Zara from Iran. Each is meant to inspire children to explore people from cultures different than their own, and to approach that learning with an openness, acceptance, and curiosity. The Where We Grow series is also intended to serve as a tool to help children begin thinking about their own cultural customs. The Workbook is designed to be a guide for children to explore how they see themselves in the world, and to think about their future. It may also become a meaningful keepsake. The inspiration for the Where We Grow series came Bullen's childhood, and a series her mother had read to her about children from around world. Bullen's mother read the little series to her children, and then her grandchildren, sharing her love of culture and deep sense of global community for over 30 years. Bullen decided to modernize the little series. She feels that now more than ever, it is important to recognize that although we have different customs around the world, the values we share and the hopes and desires we hold for ourselves and our family are very similar. In a time filled with misunderstanding, stereotypes, and hate, Bullen hopes that the Where We Grow series might make a small contribution towards fostering kindness as a way of life.