7-year-old girl publishes book, Hillsboro family officially becomes The Macalino Family Authors

HILLSBORO, Ore. - Sept. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Hillsboro, OR – Seven-year-old Heléna Macalino has been surrounded by stories and storytellers her whole life, so it was only natural that she should find a story of her own that needed telling. Her brother, Damien (WHAT IF AN ALLIGATOR ATE AN AVALANCHE), her father, Raymond (PERCY’S PLANETARY SURPRISE), and her mother, Tonya (FACES IN THE WATER) are excited to welcome the youngest Macalino into the family craft with her debut at Jacobsen’s Books & More on Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 3-5 p.m. when Heléna’s book THE REFLECTION is finally unveiled!

THE REFLECTION is the Oregon version of Alice in Wonderland—the girl falls through a rain puddle instead of a rabbit hole—and is a story the family remember hearing in vivid detail on a walk to school one morning. “It was a mysterious adventure and full animals,” her brother, Damien, who published his first book at age 8 remembers. “It was perfect to be her first book.”

“The Macalino Family Authors. It sounds like we should be picking up the microphone and belting out Edelweiss or something,” jokes Heléna’s dad, Raymond. Raymond, a veteran children’s book author, helped his daughter partner online with a traditional media artist from Poland for the vivid watercolor illustrations, spending weeks with her pouring through portfolios to find the perfect fit for Heléna whose own hobby is drawing. “Each of us uses a different illustrator to represent our stories. We knew Heléna’s need to have a distinct artistic flair. Justyna Pawluczuk’s fairytale watercolors had the bright colors Heléna wanted and the whimsy an Alice in Wonderland style story needed.”

At seven years old, Heléna came into the family business a year sooner than her early-blooming brother. “Some people might think: a seven-year-old publishing a book? But children have beautiful imaginations. If you let them work within story parameters that match their strengths, challenge them to find that perfect word that makes the story that much better, they can create amazing literature of their own,” says longtime writing instructor, Tonya Macalino, Heléna’s mom. “And it’s not just a personal vehicle for artistic self-expression. At school, I think other kids see their peers accomplish publication and it helps those kids realize that the literary arts aren’t a grown-ups only world. Their words can create dreams, too.”

The Macalinos invite booklovers to join them at Jacobsen’s Books & More in historic old town Hillsboro to celebrate the unveiling THE REFLECTION with treats, games, and prizes. Come on down on Oct 4 from 3-5 p.m. and take a trip to Wonderland!

About Jacobsen’s Books & More

Located in the heart of quaint and cozy historic downtown Hillsboro, Oregon, Jacobsen's Books is a family-friendly haven for readers and writers alike. Jacobsen’s strives to create a community of readers, hosting programs such as book launches, kids' book parties, The Last Friday Bards & Brews Author Readings, a children's play area, special order services, author signings, literacy drives, book clubs, and more!

Contact

To learn more about this program, please contact:

Tina Jacobsen

Jacobsen’s Books & More

211 E Main St

Hillsboro, OR97123

(503) 681-8243

e-mail: tina@jacobsensbooks.com