New Book by Dr. Ken Mask, 'Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully', is Released

New Orleans, LA

The fourth in a series of children's books by physician Ken Mask, 'Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully' (offered in both English and Spanish text), addresses the widespread problem of bullying in an engaging story about schoolyard antics and the behavior of bullies. Illustrations by Simmie Williams accompany Mask's story, adding a bright, colorful splash that provides visual details of how Griffin and his friends fend off-and finally befriend-the character referred to as the "Bully Kid."

An elementary school playground is the backdrop in Mask's newest book in the series, where Griffin and his friends-Jackson the Hyena, and human friends Cattails and Alexandra-have gathered to chatter about their upcoming summer break and plans for the weekend. As the foursome engages in playful banter, friendly teasing and tumbling around on the ground, a large alien-like bully emerges and begins taunting the friends while they play. He focuses his attention and insults on Griffin, and pushes the others out of the way. Griffin tries to diffuse the situation with friendly comments and an offer to "Let's be friends," but to no avail. The bully, despite a reminder from Griffin's friends that the playground has a 'No Bullying" rule posted for all to see, takes a couple of swings at the big purple and green dragon who fires back-literally-and sends the bully limping away with singed shoes and uttering an apology. Griffin is scolded and grounded by his father for using his "power" and then celebrating his victory to the cheers of his friends. In the end, Griffin becomes friends with the bully (and starts tutoring him in reading), sending a powerful message about the importance of understanding the motivations behind this destructive behavior.

Bullying and poor sportsmanship on the playground are topics that are best discussed with children early on to help them recognize these dynamics, and to foster empathy and an understanding of why some kids exhibit these behaviors. "The motivation for this series was to continue to promote reading in young children and to discuss important topics," explains Mask. "The prime directive for 'Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully' is to give children a means of understanding how to handle delicate situations and how to provide solutions. Parents and children will get a better understanding of bullies, and what makes some of them do the things they do."

In addition to providing a positive message to children about how to deal with bullying, Mask has also added Spanish text to the fourth book in the 'Griffin' series. "A vital part of what we have done in this book-providing the text in both Spanish and English-is to offer the benefits of learning other languages early in the educational process," says Mask. "The focus on fun and interactive learning is important, and interactions among different species, animals, and humans provides an ongoing theme of acceptance and community."

'Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully' is published in eBook format by eBookIt.com and is now available at popular online retailers including Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kobobooks.com and Apple's iBookstore.

Review copies of 'Griffin the Dragon and How to Tame a Bully' are available to media contacts upon request. Author Dr. Ken Mask is available for interviews.

CONTACT:
Lesley Alexis
lesleyalexis(a)gmail(dot)com
504-338-2621

About Ken Mask
Ken Mask is a board certified physician living and practicing medicine in Louisiana. The former LSU Medical Center Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology has written for medical journals as well as popular magazines.

About Simmie Williams
With more than twenty-nine years in visual and print communications. Simmie brings a unique set of skills to graphic design. His early career history includes serving as the chief of graphics for the City of Gary Indiana, package designer for Frederick Z. Vallarta Associates, art director for Proctor and Gardner Advertising.

At the start of 2012 Simmie began providing graphic design and consulting services to Midwest firms including: a full range of environmental graphic design, corporate identity, interpretive ex¬hibits, themed spaces, wayfinding signage, and promotional print materials.

Simmie is currently the graphic designer for The Jackson's Unity Tour, and art director for two documentary film projects: The Search For Count Dante, and The Club DeLisa. Simmie attended the American Academy of Art, Chicago IL, where he studied graphic design.

About eBookIt.com
Since 2010, eBookIt.com (based in Sudbury, Massachusetts) has helped thousands of authors and publishers get their books converted to ebook format, and distributed to all the major ebook retailers, including Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Apple iBookstore, Kobo, Sony Readerstore, Ingram Digital, and Google eBookstore.