New Children's Publishing Company Emerges

The Playdate Kids is a new series of children's books launching in September 2006. Geared for young children ages three to six, the books encourage children to develop strong emotional and social skills.

As parents search for ways to teach their children life lessons in today's world, The Playdate Kids provide a fun, colorful and nurturing way to understand situations such as:

• Brothers and Sisters
• Loss of a Pet
• Moving
• Sharing
• Paying Attention
• Helping with Chores
• Waiting One's Turn
• A New Baby
• Illness in the Family
• Trust
• Happiness
• Divorce
• Going to the Doctor
• Shyness
• Respect
• Bullies
• Secrets
• Living with Grandma and Grandpa

Written by renowned child psychologist, Annie Thiel, Ph. D, the books are extremely useful tools that can help children understand their emotions and feel safe within their current situations. Each topic is depicted through engaging and lively storylines featuring a set group of charismatic children and adults that appear in all of the books. The Playdate Kids series helps children learn about diversity as well as common life situations. At the end of each book there are helpful strategies that parents can use to guide their child through his or her experience.

Published by Playdate Kids Publishing, each book is illustrated in full color throughout, is 32 pages long, has a trim size of 10" x 10", has a library binding, and is priced at $14.95.

Dr. Annie Thiel is available for interviews. Please contact the publisher at info@playdatekids.com for more information.

About the Author:
Annie Thiel, Ph. D is the author of the children's book series The Playdate Kids. A prominent child psychologist with over thirty year's experience, Dr. Thiel holds licenses in Psychology and Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. As a clinical member of both the California and American Psychological Associations, her other professional affiliations include the California, American, and International Associations of Marriage, Family, and Child Counselors, as well as The Los Angeles County Psychological Association. Dr. Thiel has had numerous articles published in psychology journals and currently runs a prolific private practice in Malibu, California.

About the Illustrator:
The Playdate Kids is illustrated by William B. Edwards, an animator with extensive experience with major networks such as: Disney, Fox Animation, PAX TV, Fox Sports, Candid Camera, Focus on Friends, among others. As a lead character designer, Bill designed and initially developed characters for the hit show The Family Guy. Bill brings his entertaining and playful attitude to The Playdate Kids book series.

About the Publisher:

Tena Fanning is the publisher of Playdate Kids Publishing, the latest company for this successful entrepreneur. As Vice President and co-founder of the industry's hottest music video production company, FM ROCKS INC., she developed it into one of the leading global producers of commercials and music videos. With over twenty years of creative management experience, her media is seen on top networks such as NBC, ABC, MTV, VH1, HBO, as well as premier international stations around the world. Tena's lifelong dedication to children and vivid imagination made her new venture into book publishing a terrific addition to her fantastic track record.