KENILWORTH, NJ – Kenilworth resident Linda Yianolatos recently debuted her first book series, “Crystal City.”
The series follows a group of kids as they explore seven magical rooms in an alternate city. In each room, a lesson is learned for the kids to take home with them.
“With the help of an unlikely friend, the children take trips to a city up in the sky that is completely made of crystals,” Yianolatos said. “They are met by a wise and beautiful lady who appears to be surrounded by white light. On each visit she takes them to a different room in one of the buildings. When they are tired and ready to go home after their adventure, the beautiful lady imparts a bit of wisdom about the lesson learned in the room.”
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The rooms in the series include the “Spirit of Christmas Room,” the “Baby Animal Room” and more. The rooms and the adventures had in them are based off Yianolatos’ childhood memories, which she kept alive by repeating to her grandchildren and adding fantasy elements.
“I have been telling Crystal City stories to my grandchildren for about five years,” Yianolatos said. “Every time we get together, they want to hear one. I finally wrote them down thinking if they liked them so much, other children might like them too”
Yianolatos’ grandchildren appear in the book as well, with characters who share their names and experiences they’ve shared together.
“The pre-Crystal City activities are all based on family events and times we were together,” Yianolatos said. “I have included photos of the children at the end of the books. In one of the books their parents also go with them to Crystal City. And I, known as ‘mom-mom’ in the books, sometimes join them. I seem to know about all of the rooms in Crystal City.”
All seven books within the “Crystal City” series were released last week and can be purchased on Amazon. Yianolatos hopes to promote her books at libraries and local book stores, but is still arranging details.
“I am blessed to have been able to share these stories with my grandchildren while they were growing up,” Yianolatos said. “I hope other children love them as much as they do.”
To purchase the books, click here.
