Local Authors Publish Latest Installment of Childrens' Book Series

CARMEL, Ind. - May 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Authors Chris and Amy Oler published the second book in the Molly and the Magic Suitcase series, Molly Goes to Barceona, this week. The series introduces early readers to food, music, language and culture. Each book focuses on a different city. The Barcelona book follows the January publication of Molly Goes to Rome.

“Barcelona is a beautiful city. We fell in love with it from the moment we started research,” says series’ co-creator and illustrator Amy Houston Oler. “We initially thought of Paris or London, but feedback during our author events prompted us to look at some less-explored destinations. Barcelona was our first and only choice.” Chris adds, “We have elements both of Spanish culture and things particular to Catalonia. We interviewed a few people who know the city well to make sure we got it right.”  

Amy and Chris spent the Spring speaking with elementary school students. “They’re excited. We love working on the books, but the students get excited about what we’re doing and it makes it that much more fun,” says Chris.

Inspiration for the series came when the Oler family was preparing for a trip. “Our actual daughter Molly, who had just turned one, crawled into Chris’s suitcase,” says Amy. “She seemed to expect it to take her somewhere and Chris said, ‘Look! It’s Molly and her magic suitcase!’ I thought it was the idea we’d been looking for.”

A third illustrated book is scheduled for publication in October. Meanwhile, Chris is writing a chapter book for intermediate readers. “It’s a mystery for kids age eight to twelve. Molly and her brother Michael are still the main characters. They return to Rome after two years to visit their friend Marco and unravel an ancient mystery.” The mystery is slated for release in September.

Both Molly Goes to Rome and Molly Goes to Barcelona are available at the series web site: www.MollyAndTheMagicSuitcase.com and at Amazon.