Zaynabthegreat.com Zaynab the Great is the queen of nature, so when a giant plastic monster in the ocean threatens her marine friends, she sets out on a journey to discover who exactly is behind all the garbage.
Zaynabthegreat.com Zaynab the Great is the queen of nature, so when a giant plastic monster in the ocean threatens her marine friends, she sets out on a journey to discover who exactly is behind all the garbage.
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Story
Mission Statement
Communicating issues of environmentalism to early learners is a job that is both invaluable and complicated. Zaynab the Great highlights STEM learning, science inquiry, and solution-oriented education through magical storytelling and social-emotional empowerment.About The Project
WE'VE GOT A NEW GOAL OF $15,650! Budget breakdown is available in the updates tab. Please help us pay people what they're worth. <3
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"I'm the queen of nature," Zay mumbled to herself while toying with the legos from our lesson.
"What?"
"I said, I'M THE QUEEN OF NATURE."
Zaynab the Great is based on this very conversation.
The story follows Zay, a rambunctious young learner, as she witnesses a massive ecological crisis in the form of an animated pile of garbage in the ocean, tangling up and poisoning all of her underwater friends. She uses her science inquiry skills to ask questions and conduct investigations about who is creating all of the trash, and why they are allowed to do so. She negotiates with a business owner, appeals to a government official, and participates in youth environmental activism. Ultimately, she learns that change comes with teamwork and resilience.
The story is told through seussian rhyme and illuminating illustrations, with tangible tips and resources to reduce plastic pollution in your local community available at the end. It focuses on the values of determination, self-esteem, community, and friendship while using accessible avenues to communicate biological phenomena like bioaccumulation and biomagnification. It reads in a simple rhythm while teaching important vocabulary and academic scientific concepts.
Interest Level: K-4
Reading Level: 1-3This story is for families that are looking to increase their knowledge of environmental issues in a way that is attainable to young learners and invites them along on the journey to advocacy. It is also for educators and activists that are looking to communicate to audiences that are new to conservation.
We are looking to walk the talk with our production of this book, and thus are printing only on post-consumer recycled paper with non-toxic inks and of course, no plastic packaging. Because of that, our production costs are higher than they normally would be for one that doesn't meet the strict standards we are adhering to. We are also not publishing on Amazon, but rather working with non-profits and independent booksellers to people in a more equitable way. And this is why we need your help!
This story is focused on community. Understanding your community, protecting your community, educating your community, and relying on your community. Which is why we have decided to make this a community-funded project. Climate and environmental advocacy comes from the people, and builds a future for the people. We want to build that with you.
With your pledge, you will push forward a brand new genre of literature aimed at empowering young people to fight for the future of the planet and finally make grownups listen. Be a part of the change today.
From the whole ZTG team, thank you.
Incentives
$10
The Graphic!
If you give over $10, you will receive a personalized name graphic that says "____ the Great" that you can share on your social media to show that you are a part of the Zaynab the Great community!
$25
The Book!
If you give over $25, you will automatically be put on the pre-order list for the book when it is produced in the fall. If you would like, I will write you a little note/draw you a doodle of your choosing to thank you for making this project happen.
$50
The Audiobook!
Not only will you be put on the pre-order list of the book, you will also be given an MP3 file of yours truly (Suzie) reading the story to send you into an environmentally conscious slumber at the end of a long day of advocacy.
$100
The Friends of Zaynab!
If you give in the 3 digit realm, you will get the book itself, the audiobook, and your name in the Special Thanks page as a Friend of Zaynab, printed into eternity.
$150
The Video!
You will receive all things prior to this giving level, as well as a personalized video read aloud with the voices of your choosing. I'm really good at squeaky elf voices and growly monsters.
$500
The Clay Companion!
When I was a kid I used to make tiny clay elves and sold them at school for 25 cents and got in trouble for it. Now I will make you a clay companion of your choosing for the simple price of $500! You will also get a copy of the book, a spot on the Special Thanks page, and my eternal love and gratitude.
$1,000
The Reading!
If you are so generous that you give over $1000, I will come to whatever event you are hosting (over Zoom if it's during Corona time), give a live, personalized reading of the book, and participate in a Q&A with your audience. You will also receive everything else, as well as my eternal love and gratitude.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
The Graphic!
If you give over $10, you will receive a personalized name graphic that says "____ the Great" that you can share on your social media to show that you are a part of the Zaynab the Great community!
$25
The Book!
If you give over $25, you will automatically be put on the pre-order list for the book when it is produced in the fall. If you would like, I will write you a little note/draw you a doodle of your choosing to thank you for making this project happen.
$50
The Audiobook!
Not only will you be put on the pre-order list of the book, you will also be given an MP3 file of yours truly (Suzie) reading the story to send you into an environmentally conscious slumber at the end of a long day of advocacy.
$100
The Friends of Zaynab!
If you give in the 3 digit realm, you will get the book itself, the audiobook, and your name in the Special Thanks page as a Friend of Zaynab, printed into eternity.
$150
The Video!
You will receive all things prior to this giving level, as well as a personalized video read aloud with the voices of your choosing. I'm really good at squeaky elf voices and growly monsters.
$500
The Clay Companion!
When I was a kid I used to make tiny clay elves and sold them at school for 25 cents and got in trouble for it. Now I will make you a clay companion of your choosing for the simple price of $500! You will also get a copy of the book, a spot on the Special Thanks page, and my eternal love and gratitude.
$1,000
The Reading!
If you are so generous that you give over $1000, I will come to whatever event you are hosting (over Zoom if it's during Corona time), give a live, personalized reading of the book, and participate in a Q&A with your audience. You will also receive everything else, as well as my eternal love and gratitude.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
The Zaynab the great team is compromised of some incredibly talented women working in education and entertainment.
Nandi L. Fernandez - Illustrator
Nandi L. Fernandez considers herself a global citizen. She is an illustrator, Concept Artist and Animator. A Ugandan born in the United Kingdom, grew up in Uganda, Zambia and Liberia where her love for travel, art and exploring different African cultures was nurtured.
Naturally she was drawn to storytelling through visual art, the interest was cultivated during her childhood years having her first published painting at fourteen years old in the Imango Mundi Luciano Benetton Collection.
Graduating high school at fifteen years old, she developed her skills further with a Diploma in Concept Art from Vancouver Animation School and a Bachelors degree in Animation from SAE Dubai.
Nandi has since worked as a concept artist at Lionheart Studio in Singapore, illustrated educational materials for the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF), and illustrated various children’s books while she travels the world.
Suzie Hicks - Author
Suzie is a writer, producer, and TV host navigating the intersections between entertainment, education, sustainability, and community activism. She's a big public media nerd, working as the early learning specialist at PBS SoCal.
Charisse Sims - Producer
Charisse Sims has an educational background from SMC and Ashford University in Early Childhood Education, and CSUDH in Behavioral Science. Her educational background served as a foundation for her 12 years experience in the classroom and 9 years running an Early Childhood Center. Charisse's expertise in working with children, parents and educators was maximized by the entrance of her SIX children; 4 girls and boy/ girl TWINS!
Charisse's background and experience in education has greatly supported her parenting, bringing more peace to parenting. And her journey into parenthood has brought a new perspective and understanding that has made her a better educator.
Charisse currently operates Hidden Gems Preparatory Academy, serving children in preschool through 8th Grade in the greater Los Angeles area. Charisse works to support educators in Early Childhood Education through mentorship and workshops and works to bring more peace to parents through her "Parenting Piece by Peace" Coaching and support program.
Charisse Sims is a firm believer that all children are BRILLIANT! Even the children who have already grown into adults, and she believes in the importance of nurturing your inner child. Charisse believes that each person's brilliance brings with them a unique gift that was given in service to create a better world. Charisse believes that this brilliance and unlocking of gifts is met through exposure to opportunities, experiences and challenges through PLAY, yes, we should never stop playing no matter our age. The ability to understand self and one another's learning strengths and preferences is the propeller towards our brilliance and gifts. This understanding leads to strong communication between families and allows us to maximize the "GO brain" to achieve greatness.
It is Charisse's mission to expose as many children, parents and educators to the peace and prosperity that comes with this knowledge, understanding. Implementation and communication that nurtures and guests excellence.
Charisse Sims finds ultimate joy and fulfillment, as well as personal growth, in her ability to work with educators and families.
Mel Jones - Advisor (and mom)
Mel Jones is a multi-talented producer, writer and director. She made her directorial debut with Leimert Park, an indie episodic series she co-created which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and was produced by MACRO. Mel has also directed commercial content for Whole Foods.
Prior to directing, Mel served as Associate Producer on Justin Simien’s Sundance hit, Dear White People, as a Producer on Wade and Jesse Allain-Marcus’, French Dirty, Gerard McMurray’s, Burning Sands and Clark Johnson’s Netflix Original Film, Juanity.
A Howard University graduate, she earned her MFA at the American Film Institute in Producing. As a Film Independent Project Involve Fellow, Jones assisted veteran producer and former LA Film Festival director, Stephanie Allain – a gig that turned into a five-year stint as producer of Diversity Speaks, one of LA Film Festival’s signature programs. Together Stephanie Allain and Mel continue to produce work of writer/directors who create authentic depictions of people of diverse backgrounds through their production company Homegrown Films.
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