Columbia, South Carolina Artist, Charles Akins, Illustrated Newly Released Children's Book

May 31, 2011 - PRLog -- Newly released children’s book, The Lonely Parrot, is the true-life story of JoJo, a parrot who, as his young friend Sammy grew up and became very busy, did indeed become very lonely. The story is told by author Lisa Kelley, and her words are brought to life by the illustrations of artist, Charles Akins, from Columbia, South Carolina.

Akins is an award-winning designer and illustrator with over twenty years of experience in creating attention-grabbing, yet friendly, art and design for a diverse roster of clients from American Express and Home Depot to McDonald’s and Arby’s. He is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s & Illustrators and "The Lonely Parrot" is his second children’s picture book. Akins lives in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Karen.

In The Lonely Parrot, which is targeted to children from six to nine years of age, Kelley’s words and Akins’ illustrations take readers through the changes that JoJo goes through as he deals with his loneliness and missing his best friend. He goes from being a happy parrot to a rather naughty one in his desperation for attention.

The story is about the love between people and their pets, along with insight into the joy of owning a parrot (or any pet), and the responsibilities that go with it. Kelley is the real JoJo’s new momma and wrote the story with the intention of entertaining young children with JoJo’s story, as well as teaching them, and their parents, some important lessons about parrot ownership.

Kelley knew that the book needed some very special illustrations and she considered several different artists until she saw Akins’ work. She then knew his talent and skills were a perfect match for the book she wanted to create.

Along with the book, Kelley and Akins have created a website where children and adults alike can meet JoJo, hear him talk, and see him play with his toys: www.thelonelyparrot.net

Published by Boutique of Quality Books Publishing Company, the book is available through their online store www.shop.boutiqueofqualitybooks.com as well as through online booksellers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books a Million and at a variety of book stores around the country. The eBook version is available on Nook, iPhone, and iPad.

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"The Writer's Publisher," Boutique of Quality Books showcases quality books by new writers. Our books are available through all large online sources as well as through independent booksellers around the country.