From Inmate to Emotional Wellness Children's Book Writer
The Californer/10242985

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- In a recent study, 71% of parents believe the pandemic has taken a toll on their child's mental health. In this new emotional wellness children's book, "Lil' Artie and the Adventure of Isolation," authors Artie Gonzales and Christie Mann aim to help children explore and express their emotions in healthy ways.

Inspired by Gonzales' own story, "Lil' Artie and the Adventure of Isolation" helps readers discover how Lil' Artie identifies and feels the emotions of being trapped and isolated.

Gonzales is the subject matter expert on the emotion of isolation. He was tried as an adult at the age of sixteen. He went on to spend twenty-one years of a life sentence in the California prison system, eight of which included housing within a supermax Solitary Confinement unit. It was there that he evolved past his surroundings, committing himself to rehabilitation and non-violence.

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Gonzales was released as a model prisoner in 2015. He has become a leader in his community, an advocate for legislative reforms, and a member of several social justice organizations. After graduating from a Hollywood-oriented workforce development program, ManifestWorks (of which he currently sits on the Board of Directors), he rose through the ranks and made a lifelong dream a reality. He currently works in the TV and Feature Film world.

"Maintaining a healthy relationship with my emotions is certainly a pillar of my personal growth and transformation. Coming from a childhood where emotions were primarily viewed through a negative lens, embracing the full gamut of my emotional experience has been entirely restorative. My emotions are there to guide me, to return me to the best version of my heart-centered self." ~Artie Gonzales

The book is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Artie-Adventure-Isolation-Christie-Mann/dp/B0C2S5MY54

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Uplevel Publishing, a division of UpLevel Productions, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated book for the latest installment in the emotional wellness children's book series The Adventures of Lil' Sass, a series of personal development books for children that educates children about emotions and empowers them to embrace their feelings confidently. Through captivating storytelling and beautiful illustrations, the books help young readers navigate the complexities of their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. Each book in the series highlights different emotions, providing a comprehensive and engaging resource for children and parents alike.

The recent book launch party, which was held at Venice Beach, was emceed by special guest Malin Åkerman.