16-Year-Old Author Launches Book At New Canaan Bookstore

NEW CANAAN, CT - From Jacqueline Prata: Young children’s author Jacqueline Prata believes that all children can make a difference, and she argues her case in a new picture book, Fortune Cookie Surprise!, which will be released just in time for National Fortune Cookie Day on July 20th and Family Fun Month in August.

Fortune Cookie Surprise! is the story of a young girl, Emily, and her realization that just as a fortune cookie
completes a meal, she completes her family. Prata hopes to bring this message to all children: that no matter what their challenge, background, or family structure, they are special the holders of a unique message or gift.

The picture book (ages 4-8), warmly illustrated by Prata herself, originated from a school assignment and evolved into an exploration of the entire book publishing process.

“I have always enjoyed sharing fortune cookies at the end of a meal with my family and friends, and one day I
realized why—they are funny, but each has a hidden message or some wisdom inside, just like people!” says
Prata.

“At first I hoped to share just this message with other children. Each one is special and brings something special to their families, and to the world. But as I have gone through the process of writing and illustrating the book, working through the editing process, and then seeing the book become something I could hold in my hand, I also now hope to inspire young readers to believe that they can do unexpected things.”

She hopes her readers enjoy reading “Fortune Cookie Surprise” as much as she has enjoyed writing it, and invites all readers to join her book launch:
— Elm Street Books, July 21, 2018, 12:30pm-2pm, 35 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840, (203) 966-4545

Another reading will be scheduled at:
— Womrath Books, August 11, 2018, 1-2:30pm, 76 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 (914) 337-0199

Fortune Cookie Surprise! has been reviewed by Readers’ Favorite: Fortune Cookie Surprise! by Jacqueline Prata is the story of a young girl named Emily who is on her way to one of her favorite activities: eating Chinese food with her family. The addition of Chinese food at their favorite restaurant makes
everyday life extra special, especially when there’s something to celebrate. Emily’s favorite part comes after the meal when the dessert of fortune cookies is served. Emily loves the light-hearted and sometimes profound messages to be found therein.

As she and her family laugh together at the messages the cookies deliver, Emily realizes that she is like a fortune cookie—she’s the finishing touch to their family as the fortune cookies are to their special meal. She also sees how children everywhere are like fortune cookies—each one unique and having a special message of their own for the world. Fortune Cookie Surprise! is a delightful story written by fifteen-year-old author and illustrator Jacqueline Prata. The message of the story is right on and the comparison between Emily and a fortune cookie—as well as the comparison of the cookies to other children—is clear and understandable and certainly has the potential to touch the hearts and minds of other young readers, and remind them that they are unique and possess extraordinary gifts worth sharing. The importance of the story is greatly enhanced and, in fact, celebrated through the attractive, absorbing, and adorable illustrations done by Ms. Prata. The
story comes to life through her vivid illustrations, which perfectly match the story’s upbeat and delightful tone. Kudos to Ms. Prata for writing and illustrating such a wonderful story. Her talent is obvious and is certainly a gift to young readers!

For additional information about the author, please visit www.jacquelineprata.com.

Biographical Information:

Jacqueline Prata is currently a high school student at Sacred Heart in Greenwich, CT. She resides in Harrison, NY. Fortune Cookie Surprise! originated from an essay she created based on her enjoyment of fortune cookies at her favorite Chinese restaurant, and the wonderful messages inside them. Many of her happiest memories connect to sharing and laughing over fortune cookies with family and friends.

The process of taking an idea and developing it into a short story, then a children’s book taught Jacqueline every aspect about book publishing, including writing, editing, illustrating, printing, and most of all that hard work pays off.

Jacqueline enjoys reading, writing, and activities at school including yearbook and broadcast journalism. She is hoping to one day make a difference and have a positive impact on our world.

She also volunteers in her community with Special Olympics, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and
Wreaths Across America. The incredible athletes with Special Olympics-Greenwich have taught her to value every person’s unique abilities. Alex’s Lemonade Stand has shown her that she has the power to make a difference by becoming involved and working to raise awareness and fund research. Wreaths Across America volunteers remember and honor our U.S. veterans through wreath-laying ceremonies every December, including entire coverage at Arlington National Cemetery.

Jackie looks forward to continuing her writing. She hopes you enjoy reading Fortune Cookie Surprise! and think about its message the next time you are enjoying fortune cookies!

Photo courtesy of Jackie Prata