Downriver author Mary Martinez holds her first children’s chapter book, “Adventure Abroad with the McComas Siblings.”
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
Downriver author Mary Martinez has launched the first in a series of children’s chapter books about the travels of twins Mary and Michael in “Adventure Abroad with the McComas Siblings.”
The first is set in Paris, while the second, currently being written, is set in London and Sicily.
Martinez said she has included teachable moments about honesty, courage, perseverance and consistency in her stories.
The Westland native graduated from the Schoolcraft College Police Academy, where she earned a degree in Homeland Security.
She currently lives in River Rouge, where she once served as the Parks and Recreation director. Currently, she runs All American Parties LLC, a character company, and is a self-proclaimed ‘professional princess.”
“I’m an avid reader, and I love entertaining kids, and I love teaching kids and making them better,” she said.
Martinez said that while the book is a work of fiction, the characters were inspired by real people, including her siblings.
The story follows twins Mary and Michael, who travel to Paris through a study abroad program.
The pair overcome challenges and learn about France along the way.
Martinez said she had a list of lessons she wanted to teach her own daughters, Maryelle, 5, and Marianna, 2, and she decided to put the lessons into a children’s chapter book.
Martinez said the story is “educational, inspirational and positive,” and teaches lessons in self-improvement.
She said her second book will deal with improving the world through lessons in environmental issues.
“So, first you improve yourself, and then you improve your environment,” Martinez said.
She said her second book will go through a final revision after it is paired with the illustrations.
“Adventure Abroad with the McComas Siblings” is currently available in paperback on Amazon.com, and will be available this fall in hardcover.