A Christmas Adventure in Little Italy

A Christmas Adventure in Little Italy



Chapman University President Jim Doti read and signed his recently-published children’s book at the annual
Orange County Children’s Book Festival
 
on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 at Orange Coast College. Lisa Mertins, the illustrator was there signing the book as well. President Doti also did a live reading of A Christmas Adventure in Little Italy, a holiday reminiscence from his childhood in Chicago.

A Christmas Adventure
is the story of little Jimmy, his
Nonna
(grandmother), his beloved dog Blackie, and what happened to them the day before Christmas about fifty years ago in the bustling “Little Italy” neighborhood of Chicago.  Of course, “a boy and his dog” stories are always enjoyable – but this one has an added surprise:  a recipe so you can make your own biscotti (Italian cookies) just like Jimmy’s
Nonna,
Irena used to make.

Proceeds of this book will go to the College of Educational Studies Kathleen Muth Reading & Learning Center which serves over 75 local students a year.  The reading and learning center involves the entire family in the reading and learning process, along with Chapman’s own CES students serving as tutors.  Scholarships are available to those who wish to sponsor a young child’s tuition for the reading and learning program.  If you would like to purchase 
A Christmas Adventure

by President Doti and Illustrated by Martens or to sponsor a child’s education in the Kathleen Muth Reading & Learning Center please contact Pattie Dillon Sobczak, Director of Development, 714-532-7702 or 
pdillon@chapman.edu
.  Together, we can meet the goal of “Changing Education, Changing the World”.

Group of people posing with man holding book.
Man shaking hands with kids.
Man with book posing with woman and kids.