Moving Picture Books Releases "Myles' Pesky Friends" by Brad Martin, Former Chairman/CEO of Saks

May 19, 2010 - PRLog -- KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –  Moving Picture Books has just released a new digital book and packaged book/DVD called “Myles’ Pesky Friends” by Brad Martin, the former Chairman and CEO of department store retailer Saks Incorporated.

“Myles’ Pesky Friends” is set in Grenada in the Eastern Caribbean.  The story chronicles the relationship between a four-year old boy, Myles, and the creatures that share his Grenada vacation home.  While Myles’ dad never understands the boy’s friendship with the animals, he comes to embrace the pesky friends when the family encounters an unexpected storm during the family’s vacation.

“This book began as a story I would tell to my three young sons at bedtime,” Martin said.  “The tale involved creatures we had become accustomed to sharing our home with when visiting the island of Grenada.

“The publication of ‘Myles’ Pesky Friends’ and the Moving Picture Books digital edition is a great opportunity to share this tale of friendship, trust and sharing with children everywhere.”

Martin, who divides his time between homes in Memphis, Tenn. and Grenada, served as Chairman and CEO of Saks Incorporated from 1989 until 2006.  Martin also served five terms as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, as he was elected to this post two days after his 21st birthday in 1972.

Martin dedicated the new book to the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children located in Tempe, St. Georges, Grenada.  Opened in 1964, the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children provides housing and support for nearly 30 young children.  The R. Brad Martin Family Foundation provides financial support to the operations of the Queen Elizabeth Home.

In conjunction with the publication of “Myles’ Pesky Friends,” the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children announced a major renovation and expansion of its facility and construction of a new exterior pavilion.  The improvements will provide dedicated study hall areas for the children at the home, a new nursery and sick bay, additional staff and support space, and a new venue for recreational, educational, and cultural activities at the new pavilion.  A majority of the funding for these projects is coming from the R. Brad Martin Family Foundation.

“I’m particularly excited to introduce the wonderful country of Grenada to new people,” Martin said.  “Our family considers Grenada our home away from home, and this is one way for me to show my gratitude for the warmth and hospitality we have experienced through our association with this country and its wonderful people while spotlighting the children and staff of the Queen Elizabeth Home.”

“Myles’ Pesky Friends” was illustrated by Micki Martin and Andrea Truan.  Martin is an artist and photographer who has worked in the retail and magazine industry in New York and now lives in Memphis, Tenn.  Truan is an established illustrator, designer and multi-media artist who has worked for clients ranging from Disney to Fisher-Price Toys to the HGTV television network.  Truan lives in Knoxville, Tenn.

“Myles’ Pesky Friends” is offered as a book and as an animated DVD and digital download produced by Moving Picture Books.  Knoxville-based Moving Picture Books has an extensive line of children’s books that can be downloaded directly to iPods, cell phones, computers and most mobile devices.  

Moving Picture Books are designed to engage and inspire young readers.  The read-along text versions of the books have been hailed by education professionals and parents as a great early reading tool.  In addition, the books feature age-appropriate lessons that all parents can appreciate like caring, sharing, honesty and self-reliance.  Because Moving Picture Books can be viewed on mobile devices, they are popular with both busy parents and their children.

For more information or to purchase “Myles’ Pesky Friends” or other Moving Picture Books titles, visit www.MovingPictureBooks.com.

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