ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In the pure hearts of children, relationships seldom depend upon one's race or religion. African Sunrise (now available through AuthorHouse), a new book by Andrew Heller, celebrates this beautiful open-mindedness of youth and promotes a spirit of hope in a world rife with cultural clashes.
Chaba and Bosman are two young boys living in Africa who enjoy each other's friendship despite their differences; Bosman's red hair and pale complexion contrast with Chaba's black skin, and their families live within drastically different cultures. Each day, the children play together under the African sun, finding all sorts of adventures to share.
One morning, Chaba finds his friend reflecting on the sadness of the world, and the two begin to wonder where they can find a light of hope to cling to in times of darkness. Each boy returns home to ask his mother how to find this special treasure, and each mother answers mysteriously that the children will have to discover it on their own. The adventure begins.
Chaba and Bosman set off across the plains in search of this light. Along the way, they ask a variety of creatures to help them, but none are able. At the end of their quest, the two boys realize something very important about themselves and understand the secret of the light that they seek.
Filled with colorful illustrations, African Sunrise delivers a positive message the whole family can enjoy.
Born in South Africa, Heller received his associate's degree at the Rita Maas Drama College in his native Cape Town. He studied opera under the direction of Canadian star Tatiana Vasilieva before immigrating to the United States, where he acted in the films "Cape Fear" and "My Girl" and in the television series "From the Earth to the Moon." Heller has also earned degrees in children's writing, real estate and opera performance. His worldwide adventures have contributed to the vibrantly detailed children's stories, poetry, adult novels and screenplays he has written and have enlivened his acting seminars. Other titles by Heller include the children's books A Mouthful of Teeth, Rub-A-Dub Tubby, A Fine Mess and No Bones About It. Turn Your Heart On and his adult novel, Mindstorm, are available through AuthorHouse. He currently lives in Orlando, Fla., and is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and the International Artists and Technicians Union. For more information, visit www.planet-heller.com.
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