A Gripping and Heartwarming story about perseverance.
Layla The Ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback
Layla’s story is about being different. Layla shows how perseverance can overcome self-doubt and rejection. Her faith, hope and love overcome all obstacles.
Why Layla? Hers is a very personal story that developed into the book you have before you. The words (640+-) are unchanged since it was written four years ago. The brilliant illustrations mesh seamlessly with the story.
I work for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delray Beach, Florida. For the past three years I have served as the Education Coordinator, bus driver, mentor and general “fix-it” person at the club. The Delray club serves 250 members with ages ranging from 6-18 years old. Regardless of which hat I wear, these children are the greatest teachers I’ve encountered. Simply, I go to work to return that gift.
Like Layla our children are considered by some to be “at risk”? I think many agree that all of our children today are “at risk.” They have a myriad of influences and distractions that bombard and challenge even the brightest of them to keep their focus.
When Layla was in an early proof stage I used small reading focus groups. I had them read in groups of 3-5 and I observed them. They read it, understood it, cried, smiled and many hugged me after they read it. That made me cry as well. You see, Layla’s story is like many of our member’s stories. They too have been ignored and cast aside. For many, our club is their safe harbor.
My “target group” is ages 6-9, yet all ages have enjoyed it. I realize Ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback is a mouthful but they handle it and usually laugh when they read it.
Here’s the real payoff for me. More than a dozen kids have said after reading Layla that they want to write a book. Now, I’m not a seasoned children’s author but I did play some baseball and I know a grand slam from a double!
What about professional educators? The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I don’t say that in a prideful way because I had little to do with it. The story was on my heart. I sat out on my patio and wrote it on paper in less than 15 minutes. Thanks to a very special person in my life, Layla’s story was brought out of a file and dusted off. Thanks to another special friend Layla’s story was brought to life with exquisite illustrations.
Finally, “Layla teaches us that love suffers long, endures all things and never fails. I hope you fall in love with Layla as I did.”
Respectfully Submitted,
Bobby Brewster
185 NE 4th Ave. Delray Beach, Fl. 33483 -- 561-400-7799 -- bravobravo54@gmail.com
