Palos Verdes Peninsula News has published a feature on the highly acclaimed Mary and her new Friends by author Dr Fawzia Reza. The Feature has emphasized the need for tolerance and inclusion, now more than ever given the recent attack on the Muslim Community in New Zealand. Dr Fawzia has been interviewed in the feature and a brief synopsis of the book was included. Dr Fawzia has shared her journey towards the conception of the book saying “As the world becomes more polarized, it becomes necessary to explore common ground, wherein all people, cultures, and beliefs can peacefully coexist”. Mary and her new Friends is an effort towards that goal.

Mary and her new Friends is a colourful and informative children’s book. The protagonist Mary is from Pakistan and feels that she needs to make new friends in her school. Mary is very talented in the art of applying beautiful henna patterns on hand, cultural practice in her homeland. Mary manages to impress other children in her school with her talent and gains a couple of friends. The story emphasizes on tolerance, respect and cultural mixing.

Fawzia Reza is a PhD in Educational Leadership and holds a Masters degree in Childhood Education. She is basically from Pakistan and migrated to the US in the late 1980s. She currently lives in California with her family.

Click here to check out this amazing news talk.