Dear Mr. President . . .

Torus Tammer

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Children are invited to Barnes & Noble Booksellers

today to participate in a national letter writing campaign where they can

share their concerns and ideas via e-mail or handwritten letter with

President George W. Bush.

Barnes & Noble department manager Karen Denny said it is important

that the community be aware that there are places where children will be

listened to and encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through

written word.

“Each Barnes & Noble store tries to work with the immediate community

and that is what we get out of it,” Denny said. “We would like to

encourage every child and help them to know that they have a voice, and

are able to speak up and be heard.”

The event was inspired by and parallels the release of a

groundbreaking series of books released by Winslow Press entitled “Dear

Mr. President.” The books, which were written for children between 8 and

12 years old, bring history alive through the fictitious correspondence

between the president of the United States and a young person.

As part of the campaign launch, Family PC magazine has agreed to print

a select number of the children’s letters in their publication. The

magazine will also offer three first prizes of $150 cash and a grand

prize trip for two to Washington, D.C.

Elizabeth Thompson, community relations manager for Barnes & Noble

Booksellers in Huntington Beach, said contributing to the future of the

local youth in this manner makes them feel like they have a place in the

community. She added it sometimes takes a large establishment such as

Barnes & Noble to open the doors to events and situations that would

otherwise be rarities.

“We really want to encourage parents to bring their children to

participate,” Thompson said. “All they have to do is just show up with

the kids, and we will supply all the materials necessary.”

FYI

The letter-writing campaign begins at 7 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble

Booksellers 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Information: (714)

897-8781.