Laila Heloua

Readings

Mandarine et Kiwi is a growing French series of 8 books. Only the first four had been also published in English. My characters goes with their parents to the discovery of food, learn where it comes from and how it is transformed. Each of my albums explores a place, a job, and one food. I begin by presenting the different characters in my books and ask the children their opinion on the choices of names. It is an interactive reading, since I introduce also a lot of vocabulary related to farm business, I exchange with them on the meaning of different words. I usually read the most recent book or/and a book of their choice.

Special Equipment:

No

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Workshops

Since 2001, I began giving workshops on the awakening of taste in primary schools in early childhood centers and libraries, with my characters Tangerine and Kiwi. I meet children from 4 to 9 years old. I explore with them the five senses and all the related vocabulary. I choose to talk about food, because I think it's one of the best ways to reach children, regardless of their origin. Read about food is like opening a door on the eating habits of the family, country of origin and host countries. The integration into the host country requires, among other things, its culture and habits. And, in my opinion, it always encourages the exchange and understanding, even when the children come from elsewhere. In each of my interventions, I want to encourage access to the rich culinary heritage and ensure that the young generation to preserve vitality. I usually read the most recent book or/and a book of their choice.

Special Equipment:

No

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Biography

Laila Heloua studied linguistics and communications and then worked twenty years organizing events, Congress, international conventions. She decided in 2001 to enter the lives of children with sympathetic characters Tangerine and Kiwi.
Since then, she leads workshops in primary schools and the Early Childhood Center’s on taste awakening for children ages 4 to 8.

Tangerine is a little girl curious and funny. She wears clothes that recall her name and there are always one or several ladybugs on her.

Kiwi is a playful boy and a little bit clumsy. His hair is closely cropped, his clothes have a texture reminiscent of his name and we never see him without his furry friend (the little earthworm).

They are brother and sister.

Dad is red headed while Mom has darker skin. Without mentioning their origins, we understand they are not the same.

The children leave with their parents to explore our land and the people who work hard to shape it.

Form: Visits Tangerine and Kiwi

Each album includes two stories: The written text is quite educational, while the story unfolds through the illustration allows children to live an adventure with Tangerine, Kiwi, and their companions: The ladybug and plush worm. Indeed, these two little characters come to life, from time to time, in a parallel world.

At the end of each album we find a simple recipe to make and a page to go further. (Academic)