Today we’re spotlighting Jill Apperson Manly’s illustrated book, Nothando’s Journey! Read on for more about Jill and this book!
Meet Jill Apperson Manly!
JILL APPERSON MANLY is a yoga instructor and breast cancer survivor who works with cancer patients, abuse victims, and children. She also coaches high school basketball. She lives in Newport Beach, California. Learn more at www.JillAppersonManly.com.
Meet Nothando’s Journey!
Nothando and her brother travel to the Reed Festival, but Nothando is nervous about dancing at the festival for the first time. Along the way, they encounter wild dogs, lions, elephants, and other animals. Learning how to imitate each animal’s movement, Nothando gains confidence and courage—and discovers she is grateful to be exactly who she is.
**Nothando’s Journey has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and the Newport Beach Independent and won the bronze medal in the 2016 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Featuring rich, vibrant, mixed-media illustrations by Alyssa Casey, Manly says she hopes Nothando (whose name translates as “love”) and her journey will encourage children to express themselves, learn about new cultures, and even learn mindfulness techniques and basic yoga poses (thanks to a simple, easy-to-follow movement guide in the back of the book). In a recent event at the Newport Beach Public Library, the program director said, “Jill taught the children about the culture and animals of Swaziland, as well as how to move their bodies and breathe properly in a way that made it fun and easy to follow.”
