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On 8/25/2009, Harper Collins released “Olu’s Dream,” the story of a mischievous, adventurous, funny, and thoughtful child with a limitless imagination who discovers a dream world that he can bring into his reality. An established name in the world of children’s book illustration with more than 30 titles to his credit, author Shane W. Evans believes “Olu’s Dream” will be the perfect book for parents to start a conversation about dreaming with their children.
“As an ambassador for children’s dreams, parent’s hopes, and the world’s aspiration’s for peace and cultural understanding, Olu carries the torch that was lit by our most recent global icon—President Obama,” says Evans. “He is clearest evidence the world and its children are ready for a multicultural conscious superhero,”
Evans also believes “Olu’s Dream” will help children and parents appreciate and understand diversity while also representing one of the fastest growing family structures and populations in the world—people of multiple cultures. “Olu is a universal character who represents and celebrates diversity and the merging of cultures in a new globalized society,” added Evans.
“Olu’s Dream” is set in London. Olu attends an international school, and comes from a diverse background (African father/Asian mother). His father is an illustrator with creativity and youthfulness to match Olu. Inspired by his father illustrations, Olu embarks on a series of adventures that span the universe. Accompanied by his diverse friends from school, Olu’s adventures teach and remind us of our own potential to dream, and make our dreams come true.
“Olu’s Dream” is the culmination of more than ten years of work, according to Evans, who has already created a storyline for Olu and his sidekicks that will unfold in a seven-book series. “The reception from librarians, parents, and teachers has been like nothing I’ve ever seen,” says Evans.
“Olu’s Dream is a wonderful example of how much we need to encourage our young people to express themselves. Whether it be singing, screaming, acting, dancing, writing, or scribbling, it all starts in the imagination, in the dream,” says actor Taye Diggs, whose forthcoming children’s book, “Chocolate Me,” is a collaboration with long-time friend Evans.
“’Olu’s Dream’ reveals a world kids will love to discover over and over again,” says award-winning children’s book author, Charles Smith.
Shane Evans is a creative force. He comfortably wears titles that include artist, author, illustrator, musician, songwriter, and founder of Dream Studio, a community art space in Kansas City, Missouri, where he resides. He has more than 30 books to his credit as an illustrator, including Olu’s Dream, which he als o authored. Many of the books have been featured in the media such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Reading Rainbow, and Late Night with David Letterman. Five of his books are scheduled for publication in 2010 including “Chocolate Me” with actor Taye Diggs, “My Brother Charlie” with actor Holly Robinson Peete, and “Black Jack,” with Coretta Scott King Award winning author Charles Smith. His portfolio includes the “Shanna Show” (now a Disney animate short along with the spinoff “Shane’s Kindergarten Countdown”). In addition, he has exhibited, lectured, and developed art programs for youth in Burkina Faso, Botswana, Brazil, China, France, Japan, Lesotho, and across the United States.
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