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LAKE WYLIE, S.C. ¡Qué increíble! From rather humble beginnings, a Lake Wylie character is taking off toward places she never dreamed.
Princess Prissypants, the character conjured up by Lake Wylie author Ashley Putnam Evans, arrives this month in the second book from the Prissypants series, "Princess Prissypants Goes to Spain."
Along with local distribution, the book found a home when publisher Pink Angel Press provided dozens of signed copies for nine Spanish consulates in the U.S., including New York City.
"The book is charming and beautifully illustrated," said Iñigo Ramírez de Haro, Spanish cultural counsel. "It teaches an important lesson in an entertaining way that appeals to kids."
Evans and her publisher hope the book promotes cultural awareness, calling attention to the need for English-speaking children to understand that people from other countries use different languages and customs, and that those differences should be respected. The consulates plan to use the books as a learning tool for children traveling to Spain or who have Spanish-speaking relatives coming from Spain.
For Evans, who began the first Prissypants book after several months' work in a "completely different genre," the idea that her character would be so well-traveled already comes as a surprise.
"I really didn't set out to create a series for children, but after the Prissypants character was created and the first story told, so many more popped into my head," she said. "The opportunity to convey positive messages to this age group through my writing was one I could not pass up."
The first book, "Princess Prissypants Wishes the World Pink," debuted in April as the first of six books already completed by Evans. Since then, Evans has become a hit on the book signing and reading circuit, with preschool- and elementary-age girls often dressing in pink for appearances at libraries, schools and bookstores. The second venture includes Spanish words "sprinkled throughout," a glossary of Spanish words and images including traditional Spanish dancers, wildlife, architecture and sports.
"This book is about the beauty of people," Evans said. "It's about respect for others and special friendships."
The book will be featured at the 2009 American Association of School Librarians in Charlotte Nov. 6. Evans will sign books at the Pink Angel Press booth at the Southern Christmas Show Nov. 11-22, also. Copies will be available at Barnes & Noble, amazon.com and the Lake Wylie Public Library.
