Local Barber Gets Children's Book on 'Real World Issues' Published after 30 Years of Work

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA, January 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Local barber Lance Martin's 30 year passion for illustration and writing finally paid off as Highland Press Publishing has just released his first children's book "The Little Hermit."

"I've always loved to draw characters and comics, but my real goal was to create a children's book that addresses real world situations and experiences and how they affect children today," explains Martin. The 56 page, colorfully illustrated book follows the adventures of a little hermit who discovers the world is definitely not perfect and sometimes is neither the most accepting nor friendly of all places.

"The Little Hermit" leaves plenty of room for thought and discussion as Martin succeeds in softly touching on societal issues and even personal rejection.

"It's important that parents can talk to their kids about day-to-day realities within our world in a lighthearted way - I want kids and adults to think about their roles in society and I hope this book encourages such dialogue," Martin added.

Martin began writing and illustrating at an early age, but it was in 1977 that he came up with the idea of The Little Hermit. Martin had been influenced by a number of newspaper comic strips such as 'Peanuts' over the years.

"I actually wrote Charles Schulz a few times seeking some guidance for my work and I even met with him at his studio on one occasion," Martin said. "He obviously was one of the most gifted and creative comic strip illustrators of all time and he was equally gracious in person," he explained.

The Little Hermit can be found on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites, the cost is $14.95.

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