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Cerebral palsy afflicted Karyn O.E. Alexander launches 'engaging' children's book

- 'Zuri's Great Plan' highlights social challenges persons with a disability may face
Businesswoman, writer and Virgin Gorda resident Karyn O. E. Alexander hopes to increase understanding about the social challenges faced by persons with disabilities with her engaging debut children’s book Zuri’s Great Plan. Photo: Provided
Zuri’s Great Plan is ideal for readers ages 8 to 12. It is available at Karyn’s Place, Virgin Gorda, VI and very soon at Amazon’s Kindle. Photo: Provided
Zuri’s Great Plan is ideal for readers ages 8 to 12. It is available at Karyn’s Place, Virgin Gorda, VI and very soon at Amazon’s Kindle. Photo: Provided
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI– Businesswoman, writer and Virgin Gorda resident Karyn O. E. Alexander hopes to increase understanding about the social challenges faced by persons with disabilities with her engaging debut children’s book Zuri’s Great Plan. She even selected December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as the official launch date for her book.

This heartwarming story, loosely based on Ms Alexander’s personal experience, brings young readers into what it’s like to be "different" through the eyes of two students, their parents, and a wonderful friend. In Zuris Great Plan, it is the first day of fifth grade for Kamilah and Ajani who are worried they may not fit in at school.

Kamilah, like the book’s author Ms Alexander, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, while Ajani has ADHD. “I wanted to shed light on both visible and invisible challenges that many students face,” Ms Alexander said of her characters in a press release.

With the help of Zuri, their supportive friend, Kamilah and Ajani are able to overcome their worries and connect with their classmates.

Growing up, Ms Alexander rarely, if ever, saw characters with disabilities in books, but as the entrepreneur behind Karyns Place bookshop, she is familiar with the way that storybook characters help children develop self-esteem and empathy for others.

Persevering through the challenges

Never one to let her own challenges stop her from achieving her goals, Ms Alexander drafted the manuscript using the back of her hand on her phone. Later on, she went to work researching what publishing house would be the best fit to make her book come to life. She sent the manuscript to one of the Caribbean’s premier children’s book publishers, one that had previously published a book featuring a character with a disability, who immediately partnered with Ms Alexander to make the book a reality.

Partial underwriting support was secured thanks to UNITE BVI, and Anabel Alfonso, an award-winning artist responsible for several other books by US and Virgin Islands authors, was selected to create the beautiful and engaging illustrations. 

I am very proud and happy with the book.” Ms Alexander says, “It was a long process of drafts, corrections, approvals and taking care of many small details, but I knew exactly the book I wanted. Both the publisher and Anabel were supportive and always listened to me. I also like the fact that the complete team is Caribbean, from the publisher, to the sponsor, to the illustrator, to me. And I love the illustrations!”

'An open mind'

Ms Alexander explained her expectations for her first book, “I want readers of Zuri’s Great Plan to approach individuals with disabilities with an open mind. We may get around or communicate differently, but we can and want to participate in day-to-day life just like anyone else.

"The book has humour and well-rounded characters that many children and parents will identify with. So many of us have experienced the fear of not fitting in when entering a new environment. I think Zuri’s Great Plan is a good door opener for parents and children to talk about many subjects. My hope is that the book succeeds as a tool to teach readers about the importance of treating anyone with physical or mental challenges with the respect that we all deserve to be treated.” 

Zuris Great Plan is ideal for readers ages 8 to 12. It is available at Karyn’s PlaceVirgin Gorda, VI and very soon at Amazon’s Kindle.

For other sales locations and to contact the author write to Karyn at: koea82693@gmail.com

20 Responses to “Cerebral palsy afflicted Karyn O.E. Alexander launches 'engaging' children's book”

  • Ciarra (04/12/2024, 09:36) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Splitting image of Shea Alexander. They related?
  • Loving mama (04/12/2024, 09:43) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Way to go. I am in isupport. Passionate with good books.
  • west (04/12/2024, 11:04) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    congrants young lady
  • kudos (04/12/2024, 11:50) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so exciting. Congratulations to this talented and inspirational young woman!
  • Roger Burnett (04/12/2024, 12:01) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is inspirational and proves that we should embrace our differences.

    Paul McCartney of Beetle fame once said:

    "I used to think weird people were weird. But now I know it is those who think others weird who are weird."

    My video "Releasing Your Creative Potential" is relevant to this news item. https://youtu.be/5K7MM16Kc_E

    Roger Burnett
    • Words Of Wisdom (04/12/2024, 14:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Keep those positive vibes coming Mr Burnett. How that you come back to these islands one day.
      • Roger Burnett (04/12/2024, 16:11) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thank you for your kind comment Words of Wisdom.

        I will always hold these islands dear to my heart and do my best to ensure they retain their unique identity.

        Roger Burnett
  • Get Real (04/12/2024, 22:20) Like (7) Dislike (17) Reply
    While the ambitions are positive, this girl can't talk period, how can she produce this level of work. Not knocking on her but her mom puts everyone down and elevates herself as if only their life alone matters,. Pure evil
    • Roger Burnett (05/12/2024, 09:48) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Get Real

      Many of the world's greatest works of art have been created by artists with one impairment or another.

      Roger Burnett
    • Get realer (05/12/2024, 11:25) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lmao.... you have to be one of those ppl who could only send voice notes...love it. I guarantee you made their day and gave them a smile
    • Shea Alexander (05/12/2024, 19:37) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes indeed, my mother must’ve been pure evil to have stewarded a school that someone as completely asinine, unexposed, and malicious could have been vomited out of.

      I assume you’re a past student. I don’t particularly care - you are commenting on my sister’s article. It’s not the other way around.

      That you are so stupid and unaware that you think someone’s inability to speak in a way that you can understand - which I imagine takes a lot for you - means they cannot write is actually frightening to me.

      I don’t want to get down in the mud, though I already am by being in this space much less engaging with you, so let me choose education.

      Google Stephen Hawking and please do learn something.

      Btw, see how I put my name at the top of my comment. You should try it sometime. ;)
    • @Get Real (05/12/2024, 19:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are disgustingly jealous. There are thousands of persons who cannot or see but are doing great things. So are you saying Stevie Wonder is a fake. Just stop it! Persons with disabilities and other impairments live successful , fulfilling and productive lives. There are many ways to communicate other than by talking. I happen to communicate with Karyn and understand her perfectly. @get real what you need to do is get a life
    • @Get Real (06/12/2024, 03:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ignorance is bliss…you stay in your blissful world! They love you there! Hope you have enough sense to understand that. Have a blissfully happy life.
    • BelongerAbroad (07/12/2024, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Get Real? Get Jesus. You need Him. Also: get literacy, get over yourself, then get a life.

      Toxic envy is not a good look.
  • Norris Turnbull (05/12/2024, 09:03) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

    AT get real. Your comments are pure evil. Ur a $%# moron

  • Outsider (05/12/2024, 09:56) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Get Real
    I am confused. You said that this young lady can talk but correct me if I ‘m wrong:
    She graduated from high school in Virgin Gorda with honors.
    She graduated from HLS Community College with honors.
    She graduated from a college in the US with honors.
    She has a prestigious job with government.
    So what are you saying?
  • Booksale (05/12/2024, 20:02) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ok
  • high (11/12/2024, 04:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I remembered that she got the highest GPA for years at BFEC lol.
  • Reply (11/12/2024, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    can't blame vino with these things you going get negative and positive in blogs


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