Where "The Prince and Timberance" fans can connect with the creators.
We are excited to announce that our title “The Prince and Timberance” is now available for special order at over 700 Barnes and Noble locations nationwide, and on bn.com!
We are moving steps closer to our ultimate goal of having our book gain national attention! We are prepping for our very first book tour and looking to have media exposure soon.
Thanks for joining us on this ride, and thank you for dreaming with us!
Najat
#TeamTimberance
We here at Enchanted Roots are grateful for the opportunity to share what we’re passionate about with the audience of BlackandMarriedWithKids.Com!
Read the article “Why I Read to My Infant Son” here.
Welcome to any new readers who’ve landed here at the blog by way of BlackandMarriedWithKids.com! Be sure to read our bio and learn more about our premiere title, “The Prince and Timberance.”
Thank you for dreaming with us!
Najat
#TeamTimberance
If you missed part 1, click here.
Myth #3: Fairy Tales are for Girls
Fairy tales are HEAVILY marketed toward girls in the toy industry, there’s no denying that. But people fail to realize that the fairy tale genre existed eons and eons before television, toys, commercials and merchandising came around. Fairy tales from way back when were not synonymous with pink comforters and party favors; they were stories told to both MALE and FEMALE children. And fairy tales were not ONLY about “girly” things like true love and beauty personified.
Fairy tales often were a child’s first introduction to danger, tragedy, and triumph. Some of the more recent fairy tales are so good they are pegged more as children’s films-like Shrek. But remember Aladdin? What boy didn’t love the idea of envisioning themselves as the muscular hunk who was granted three wishes?
“The Prince and Timberance” is edifying PROOF that fairy tales are not just for girls. In “The Prince and Timberance” the story’s first character is the Prince. The story follows him in all of his princely glory, in his kingdom, and really gets the story going. Timberance, our heroine, is equal parts to this story, another important factor in breaking from the stigma of fairy tales.
“The Prince and Timberance” is truly a story that can be (and should be!) enjoyed by all. Young, old, boy, girl, white, black-there really is NO isolation when it comes to just WHO can enjoy this great, epic (yes, it is!) tale. 🙂
Myth #4: Fairy Tales promote damaging “happily ever afters”
A child’s heart soars when hearing these words at the conclusion of a happy ending, the icing on the cake. It echoes in the brains of children for years. Some of us are cognizant enough of the fact that these words can even be engraved in our heads and turned into a mindset, a life goal. How many people do you know that have chased their “happily ever afters” only to wind up bitter and jaded?
As many modern parents have picked up on, sometimes children are prey to an ending that doesn’t set them up for the real world.
So is the solution to not have happy endings? Should we see Snow White years later pining away for the single life, or wishing to escape her kids? I wouldn’t say it has to be that extreme.
“The Prince and Timberance” has found a satisfying, authentic, and good-natured way to end the tale on a high-without leaving readers with a false impression that life begins once everything is declared “perfect.’
No fairy tale HAS to end this way, and ours doesn’t. See for yourself.
🙂
All in all, it’s been fun debunking the myths of fairy tales that don’t apply to “The Prince and Timberance.” What are some other things that you think are common to most fairy tales? What do you like or dislike about the genre?
Leave a comment below. As always, thank you for dreaming with us. If you’re interested in purchasing the book, check out our purchase page.
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
Here at Enchanted Roots, we have one thing on the brain: getting “The Prince and Timberance” in the hands of anyone who believes in good literature, and representation in literature, at the same time.
It just so happened that one of our first contributions to the world of children’s literature came in the form of the fairy tale. Interestingly enough, though this is a widely accessible genre, it is one where many stigmas are in place, and The Prince and Timberance stands to benefit from debunking some of the myths that come with the territory.
Myth #1: Fairytales are outdated
Any look on a publisher’s or literary agent’s web site will let you know one thing-fairy tales are “outdated.”
But wait, then what’s all this about?
The famous Disney princesses can sell anything from band-aids to hours of playtime TODAY. Fairy tales are NOT outdated. They are embedded in today’s culture, and only have a risk of being “outdated” when new life isn’t allowed to be breathed into the genre.
With additions to the famous Disney lineup such as The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Brave, this genre isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Other children’s hits like Rugrats, or Peanuts, or Looney Tunes may come and then see its way into nostalgia, but the characters of fairy tales (up to now monopolized by Disney) definitely take up stock on bookshelves, DVD shelves, AND toy shelves of children today, everywhere.
Myth #2: Men do the saving, while women are forever helpless.
Because many stories hold the prince responsible for saving the maiden or “damsel in distress” many people believe fairy tales promote the dependence of women on men.
While it is undeniably a pattern, even a genre like fairy tales have changed with the times. Take for recent examples, Disney’s Mulan and Brave.
Add to the list The Prince and Timberance. While our story holds true to many of the fan favorites a fairy tale includes, like a magical spell and true love, in our story, the heroic moment is due thanks to action on Timberance’s part. She actually saves the prince-in more ways than one.
Ours is a story of epic proportions, a dream we can’t shake, and a fairy tale that deserves to come to life not only in book form, but in film. It will be a hallmark for the genre of fairy tales, and a lovely addition to any child’s library.
I can’t wait to hear from more people who have read the story and hear their take on the new tale. What’s stopping you from ordering your copy?
Thanks for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
The Prince and Timberance is currently available as a soft-cover book with illustrations. It has a table of contents, three substantial chapters, and accompanying glossary. The book is intended to be read by children ages 8-12, but it’s traditional narrative can be read aloud to children of all ages.
Readers are first introduced to the Prince. They find him in a fully formed African kingdom where he enjoys princely activities such as going for his morning swim in luxurious waters, hunting with the king’s warriors, and traveling to faraway lands with the queen’s merchants, all in royal fashion with a trusted servant by his side–some of you might find it hard to avoid images of Arsenio Hall as Eddie Murphy’s servant in “Coming to America”, but this is a different tale all together. The action begins to unfold quickly when the prince is given a magical gift after a chance meeting with a fading sorcerer. Receiving this gift places the prince in the path of a most vengeful and powerful sorceress, and causes him unimaginable strife. As is commonplace in fairy tales, a tragedy befalls him-but not without having a few enchanted friends to help ease his pain just a tad.
Next, readers are transported an entire world away where a young girl of African descent lives a humble life. Timberance quickly winds her way into the reader’s hearts, with her own story of abandonment at an early age and estrangement, though she harbors a warm heart and sweet disposition. Her disposition leads her to the extraordinary odds of the prince’s acquaintance, and readers discover two souls bound together by the truest of friendships.
Readers will delight in the noble prince, the charming Timberance, and memorable key players in the tale-including Eena, a powerful and beautiful villain. As the tale unfolds, readers are taken on a ride as they watch the story unfold with triumph over tragedy-tragedy that comes from the kind brought on by spells of evil magic doers, tragedy that can only be overcome by magic of the purest of hearts.
The Prince and Timberance is equal parts thrilling, mysterious, and magical and will surely be a welcome addition to any children’s book lover’s library.
*The story is 77 pages in length, and is encouraged to be read in portions aloud to children who cannot read on their own.
Illustrations are clip-art sized, black and white, and appear on roughly every other page. The glossary is a collection of words that are common but have somewhat of an old world feel to them-words such as “agonize,” “dwell”, “rave” and “woe”-appear with simple explanations to guide the young reader on their journey through the tale.
Visit Amazon to read excerpts, and order your copy today.
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
Hello, Timberance fans!!! This past Saturday, February 9th, was another successful event for us here at Enchanted Roots!
We got to read excerpts and discuss our book in front of an audience nearing 200 at the second annual Miss Black Arizona Mother-Daughter Tea! Here’s a photo of me at the event (I was super excited about the backdrop).
*Michelle Obama-inspired kitten heels*
This was the first time I spoke in front of a live audience about our book, and our dream of sharing “The Prince and Timberance” with the world. I spoke about how this was a hallmark in our culture, and how for once it featured characters of color in their own original tale-“The Prince and Timberance” is not a remake or a rendition. It is an original work.
Many women came up to me after the talk to wish us well and tell me that what I said spoke to them. That truly made my day.
Aside from speaking at the event, we also set up a table where guests could purchase our book. We loved decorating the table especially for the tea, and my mother had the brilliant idea to add my porcelain doll to the display. The doll’s dress reminds us of the sort of clothes from Timberance’s era. She truly lit up our table (next to the books, of course 😉
*It was a day when the Arizona sun played peek-a-boo, and during this time, while we were set up by the large windows, it was a little shady*
We sold many copies of the book, making it our highest selling event so far-and it was only our second one! 🙂
The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation has done many wonderful things for the community. I once was a contestant in the 2010 Miss pageant, and ever since I have closely followed the organization because it truly touches my heart. It has given back to the community not only through it’s many scholarships (of which I have benefited) but by the events it holds to bring us all together, like the Mother-Daughter tea.
A special thank you to the director, Jasmine Crowe, and to the assistant directors as well for having me.
We are hoping to book many more events in 2013. Please leave any suggestions of events that you think “The Prince and Timberance” would be welcomed at below!
Purchase your own copy of “The Prince and Timberance” and read more about us at Amazon!
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
Hello, Timberance fans!! Hopefully by now you’ve placed your order for your own copy of The Prince and Timberance, especially after reading the beginning excerpt here.
As promised, here’s the next sneak peek. When the time comes for the old man to pass the ring on, he remembers the kind prince and decides to leave it to him. His youngest daughter, Eena, is angered that the powerful ring has slipped from her grasp, and here is where the pace of the story picks up….
EXCERPT #2:
Eena had what can only be described as a fit. “It should have been mine!” She screamed. She ranted and raved and smashed or threw nearly everything in her hut. She expected her father to leave the ring with her sister, Aaja. It would have been easy to take the ring from her. Taking it from the prince was another matter entirely. Now, Eena needed a plan–a very good plan.
Eena is one of the many standout characters our story, a villain whose raging temper and evil plans make for an exciting read. In getting to know Eena, we also meet her polar opposite sister, Aaja and we can see the special bond between sisters. There’s none like it on earth, and Aaja and Eena have quite a special relationship. Aaja and Eena are both daughters to a powerful sorcerers, and both are key players in this tale- but that’s where their similarities end.
While Aaja is a much kinder and gentler being, whose heart delights in the magic of everyday nature, Eena is driven by ambition that knows no bounds. She won’t let anyone in her way-not even the prince, who had no idea that owning the ring would change his life forever. Even Aaja’s pure heart won’t save him from the wrath of her sister.
Eena’s striking beauty and magical cunning are almost no match for the prince when she decides that he is the only obstacle in her way. And in true fairy tale fashion, an unforgettable villain is born.
The Prince and Timberance is a chapter book recommended for ages 8-12, but can be read aloud to children of all ages. Read more excerpts like this and order your copy of the book at www.enchantedroots.com.
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
The PHX Ubran Expo, held on December 1st, 2012 was one of our first successes on this venture where we sold our first copy (and a number of copies thereafter) of The Prince and Timberance! We even had a customer ask for my mother to personally sign it! 🙂 Welcome to authorhood, Mom!
Yep, that’s my mother, Ramona Omer, author, holding a copy of The Prince and Timberance.
It was an amazing experience. This was the first time I witnessed my mother speaking to everyday people about the book, face-to-face. It is one thing to have a dream, and it is another thing entirely to be putting in the efforts to making the dream come true!
That’s my sister, Malika, and I, excited to be doing business at one of our first expos.
Together, the three of us made an excellent team!
The table was a beauty, although the photo quality isn’t too sharp. We were so excited about the decorative book ends of African Royalty to display copies of our book.
We had our business cards ready to give out to patrons of the expo that told them of our website, www.enchantedroots.com, where they could buy copies of the book or read more about it.
The 2012 PHX Urban Expo was a wonderful opportunity for us; my mom as a new author, and our team to get the word out about our book! Local authors, businesses, and entrepreneurs came to this annual event to showcase what we do best-start from the ground up and connect with our community. I loved meeting with other movers and shakers in the Phoenix area.
We look forward to traveling to different states for opportunities similar to this, where we can interact with customers and believers in our vision. Hopefully one day we can come to your town!
If anyone out there knows of any expos or conventions where we would likely make an impact, please feel free to pass the info on. 🙂
Please feel free to visit enchantedroots.com where you can read more excerpts from The Prince and Timberance and purchase your very own copy of the African-American fairy tale.
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
Once upon a time when kings and queens ruled magnificent African kingdoms of long, long ago, there was a handsome prince. This was not an ordinary prince who stayed close to the throne where life was comfortable and safe. This was a young prince who loved adventure and excitement. When he was not traveling to faraway lands with the queen’s merchants, he could most often be found training with the king’s warriors.
One evening when the prince and warriors were returning to the kingdom, they came upon an old man who lay on the ground hurt. The prince helped the stranger up but found that the old man was too weak to walk. The prince ordered warriors to carry the man back to the kingdom.
When he was well enough, the old man thanked the prince for saving his life and explained that he was a sorcerer of sorts. At one time, he was even considered to be a very great sorcerer. But, he had long since lost interest in magical things. “Nothing can compare to what is natural and beautiful. No magic can create a star-filled sky or a sunset rich with color. The only thing I have kept from my days as a great sorcerer,” he said, “is a magic ring.”
He went on to explain that he had been attacked by someone who tried to steal the powerful ring from him, “You see anyone who knows how to bring forth the great magic of the ring can have almost anything their heart desires. The only things it cannot offer are health and eternal youth. It is said that fairies who dwell high in the mountains guard magical waters that spring forth with those gifts.”
The old man was pampered. He was fussed over and carried to and fro so that his feet barely touched the ground. But he left the kingdom as soon as he was strong enough. He returned home to his two daughters.
On the very first page of the story, we are transported to a wondrous African kingdom of long, long ago. We thought it was integral to invite readers to share in the very important opening of the story where they meet the prince in his natural habitat.
Many times, when Africa is referenced in popular work, it has a certain reputation for wildlife and the Sahara, and not much else. While this is not inaccurate, it certainly is one tried-and-true (and tired) way to showcase what “Africa”-a continent with very many different countries, regions, and histories- has to offer. Though we lack a true artist’s hand to display this prince’s specific kingdom for our book, we hope readers imagine with us a thriving and diverse, lush scenery during an enchanting time where noble princes lived against such a backdrop.
And what about our prince? Well, firstly, as the story reads, “This was not an ordinary prince who stayed close to the throne where life was comfortable and safe.” While he could choose to live in the lavish lifestyle afforded to the royalty in his nation, he had a spirit that called for much more than lazing in the lap of luxury. He wanted adventure, travel, and excitement—and he wanted to be in the thick of it all. This trait makes the prince even more princely in our eyes.
But along with a thirst for wanting more than what the throne has to offer, the reader sees that our prince is not only endowed with a pure spirit, but a big heart. He does not hesitate to help a fallen stranger in his path and have even his own personal warriors carry him back to the kingdom for help. It would be this instinctual desire to help a completely downtrodden stranger that would set on him on a course that would change his life…..
With images of noble black male characters in children’s literature few and far between, the prince in our story will instantly stand as a hallmark for recognition of positive and multifaceted images of black characters.
The Prince and Timberance is a chapter book recommended for ages 8-12, but can be read aloud to children of all ages. Read excerpts like this, and others, where you can order your copy at www.enchantedroots.com.
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
Via Clutch:
New Study: Black Students Who Are Taught Racial Pride Do Better In School
Perusing the web today, I found a very relevant article on Clutch that highlighted a study that we here at Enchanted Roots’ blog find integral to our work. A study by Ming-Te Want (University of Pittsburg) and James P. Huguley (Harvard University) claims that healthy racial pride lends itself to academic achivement.
Britni Danile of Clutch points out:
The study, conducted by Ming-Te Wang and James P. Huguley of the University of Pittsburg and Harvard University respectively, found that “racial socialization”—teaching kids about their culture and involving them in activities that promote racial pride and connection—helps to offset the discrimination and racial prejudices children face by the outside world.
“Our findings challenge the notion that ‘race blindness’ is a universally ideal parenting approach, especially since previous research has shown that racially conscious parenting strategies at either extreme—either ‘race blindness’ or promoting mistrust of other races—are associated with negative outcomes for African American youth.
“When African American parents instill a proud, informed, and sober perspective of race in their sons and daughters, these children are more likely to experience increased academic success.”
Wang’s study surveyed 630 adolescents from middle class backgrounds to explore how racial discrimination and prejudice in school affects their G.P.A., educational goals, and future aspirations. They found racial pride to be the single most important factor in guarding against racial discrimination, and discovered it had a direct impact on the students’ grades, future goals, and cognitive engagement.
Despite fewer instances of multicultural and inclusive learning in school and the increased frequency in which black students are treated more harshly than their peers, Wang’s study shows that teaching kids, especially black children, to take pride in their culture is an integral part of their success.
Wang sums it up:
“Our study provides empirical evidence that the longstanding practice in the African American community of cultivating racial pride and preparing children to face racial bias in society should be considered among appropriate and beneficial practices in parenting Black children.”
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The Prince and Timberance is an inspired tale that enchants readers. But we’d be selling the story short if we weren’t particularly attuned to the cultural significance a story of it’s caliber reaches beyond inspired artistry.
For many children, The Prince and Timberance will be the first time they read that dark skin, too, can be referenced as a thing of beauty. The Prince and Timberance may be the first time a handsome and noble prince and a humble, sweet maiden -who are both of African descent-are united in front of their very eyes in an original tale of true love. It will be the first time, for many, where more than one person of color is a protagonist worthy of admiration and relatability. Media is a powerful tool in establishing self-esteem, and no one has passionately held onto this concept more than my mother (author of the book) and I do.
Any lover of literature knows the power a good written work has of transcending cultural or racial barriers. A truly good story effortlessly ties in the reader no matter what their personal affiliation to the people or events, fictional or not, that are represented in its pages. Like any good fairy tale, The Prince and Timberance also connects universally with readers.
But unlike any other fairy tale before it’s time, The Prince and Timberance does not stop by featuring a person of African descent that is cast in a story originally portrayed by characters of another culture, place, or time.
The Prince and Timberance is unique in that it is an original story where the characters from the servant, to the king, to the maiden are all unified for once simply be all being African or African descendants. This is a simplistic but innovative portrayal for characters in a fairy tale. The Prince and Timberance serves many audiences and invites all to share in the wonderful tale. It also certainly seeks to address the very real issue of building self-esteem in the African-American child whose representation is scarce in the world of make-believe.
Purchase the original work The Prince and Timberance, read excerpts, and learn about the author at http://www.enchantedroots.com.
Thank you for dreaming with us!
-Najat
#TeamTimberance
"The Prince and Timberance" a Fairy Tale's Enchanted Journey 
