The primary quest is to inspire children from all walks of life to read and write, to promote and elevate self esteem, and to teach important values of life. Teaching children is an art, and filling their lives with the richness of children's books and stories develops a depth to the character and soul of each child, thereby enhancing their enjoyment of life.
Another major goal is to teach an understanding of the earth's natural wetlands and estuaries, and to enlighten children concerning the vital role estuaries and wetlands play in nature's cradle of wildlife, with a special emphasis on bird life in the wild.
JOAN PIZZO AUTHOR/STORYTELLER/SPEAKER
Joan Pizzo is an author, teacher, speaker, wife, mother of four children, grandmother and holds college degrees of Bachelor of Science earned at the University of Southern California, and Bachelor of Arts and Humanities, and Master's degree in Dance History both earned at the University of California at Irvine.
DISNEY ANIMATOR/DIRECTOR--CLYDE GERONIMI
Joan Pizzo has written three books which are richly and profusely illustrated by the former Walt Disney Animator/Director CLYDE GERONIMI, who began his career as an animator at the Hearst studios in New York. He was hired by Disney studios in 1931 to direct Disney's short cartoon, "Beach Picnic" in 1938, after which Geronimi directed the academy award winner "Lend A Paw". Later Geronimi began working on Disney animated features and helped direct such classics as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Alice in Wonderland, and went on to win an Oscar for helming the Disney animated short Ugly Duckling. In the '50s and '60s, Geronimi was actively directing Walt Disney television productions. In the 1980's Geronimi created the wonderful illustrations found in Joan Pizzo's children's books.
CHILDREN'S BOOKS WRITTEN BY JOAN PIZZO
The children's books written by Joan Pizzo are filled with delightful stories and illustrations of unforgettable animal characters, telling poignant tales and singing quaint songs.
Joan's first book entitled "LITTLE CRUMB" is a book about an orphaned American Coot whose search for his family roots has both an environmental and uplifting message. "LITTLE CRUMB" has been used by some schools in Orange Co., California to assist in teaching environmental studies to fourth grade elementary students. The book is filled with whimsical characters who tell the story of an orphaned coot who tearfully searches the estuary of the Back Bay for his family roots. The story is family oriented and has ecological, environmental and self-esteem messages, and has a happy ending when Little Crumb discovers his roots and self worth.
Joan's second book entitled "AMY AVOCET-The Back Bay Ballerina" is a delightful fantasy about a dancing bird in the wetlands, and also has a secret ABC book hidden within. Amy dances wildly around the Back Bay and meets many fascinating characters along the way. The story is humorous and whimsical, and filled with delightful characters that Amy meets along her travels through the estuary area of the Back Bay.
Joan's third book entitled "PELICAN BILL-The Fisherman", is about the power and joy of friendship and the moral value of loyalty and trust. Pelican Bill was born on Anacapa Island, located near the coast of Southern California. The story relates the youthful pelican's experiences during his travels to the shores of Newport Beach, California. Along the way he acquires a pesky seagull friend called Squawker, who at first is very annoying to Pelican Bill. However later on in the story, Squawker becomes a true hero who saves the life of Pelican Bill and becomes his friend for life!
Joan Pizzo has also authored a "LITTLE CRUMB'S FUN BOOK" which includes puzzles, coloring pages and games concerning animal characters in the estuary area of the BACK BAY, and features many of the characters found in the original books. This Fun Book is a wonderful way to entertain children while teaching the message of the importance of natural wetlands to our environment.
JOAN PIZZO is available for speaking engagements to large groups of elementary school children throughout Southern California. Her talks concern the subject of becoming an author, and the life and times of the estuary and birdlife. These talks are designed to promote self-esteem, and to inspire confidence and encouragement for children to write and to read excellent literature. Children are encouraged to open their creative thoughts in a positive manner, and to dream of what they may accomplish by following their individual creative goals.
Joan Pizzo would be most pleased to receive E-mail from children, parents, grandparents, or teachers and interested parties.
Books may be ordered by E-mail, Fax, or telephone. Please contact Joan Pizzo for any additional information, by sending an E-mail or Fax with your request.
E-Mail address: ladyjoan@joanpizzo.com
CATALOG:
"Little Crumb"---Sorry, temporarily out of stock
"Amy Avocet" -----$15.95 per copy
"Pelican Bill"----$15.95 per copy
"Little Crumb Fun Book"---$4.95 per copy
Whimsical MAP of the BACK BAY ESTUARY---$3.95 per map
Joan currently has a work in progress called "THE TALE OF THE LITTLE BAY DUCKLINGS" which should be published in early 2001. This book is illustrated by the highly esteemed California artist DARITH OWSLEY.
Requests for author signed books are welcomed with book orders. Individualized signings can be arranged with the author to personalize any or all of the books.
If you wish to be notified of the publishing of Joan Pizzo's next book, "The TALE OF THE LITTLE BAY DUCKLINGS", please send us your current E-mail address, along with your request to: ladyjoan@joanpizzo.com
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