Book release party for local author set for June 25

Staff Report

Jungle Wagon Press is a new Internet-based publishing company, established in Rockford by local residents Eli and Angela Malavolti. The name was inspired by their son’s handmade Jungle Safari Bed, where the family reads books together nightly.

The company’s mission is threefold: to publish and sell high-quality children’s books; to seek talented authors and illustrators through Internet-based contests; and to produce handcrafted children’s Jungle Safari Beds.

The publishing company’s first book, You Are a Twisting Tornado, written by local author and educator Angela Malavolti and illustrated by local artist Michael Stiffler, is a must-read for all young families. It is a celebration of unconditional love with an educational twist.

The book ends with two “fund-fact forecast” pages for those parents and educators who want to expose their children to higher-level vocabulary and scientific content. You Are a Twisting Tornado is available for purchase online at www.JungleWagonPress.com.

People can purchase books and have them signed by both author and illustrator from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, June 25, at Happy Joe’s Pizza, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. This event will feature a dancing zebra and a free ice cream treat for each book purchase.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate and support local talent!

To peek at the book, the bed, or the contest guidelines, visit www.JungleWagonPress.com.

From the June 22-28 issue