New Children's Book THE JOURNEY OF THE PAPER HEART is Released

PARIS, Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ Author, journalist and visionary Alex Beene has released the book "The Journey of the Paper Heart" in hardback, paperback and digital format. The children's book, set in Paris, focuses on the story of a small paper heart that gets lost from its owner, Rosalina. While floating through the City of Love, the heart learns all of the major sites equate to little emotional value without its owner present. Using a beautiful French background, the book shares with readers the value of exploring new horizons with family and friends.

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"Anyone who has traveled to Paris knows what a majestic city it is," Beene said, "so we wanted to capture that feeling. At the same time, we wanted to share a message of the magic of traveling with your loved ones. The paper hearts in my life who contributed to this book Angelia, Emily, Rob, Haley and especially Josh beautifully do that." The book features some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph and the Louvre, while drawing references to classic French-based literature like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Principal photography was completed in Paris, with additional publishing and distributing elements being completed in New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee. Beene believes the variety of locations speak to the purpose of the book. "As a civilization, we can venture all across the world and through space to the most remote parts of our universe," he said, "but it will all equate to very little if we don't have that paper heart of ours along for the ride to share and inspire each new moment."

Josh Sells, one of the top photographers in the Southeastern United States, provided rich imagery for the book, which has a stellar creative team, including designer Emily Weatherington, assisting writers Angelia Haltom, Rob & Haley Carpenter, and Jay Salato, and creative consultant Ellis Osburn. Hilliard Press published it through Oxford University. "The Journey of the Paper Heart" is one of a handful of children's books officially registered in Oxford University's historic campus library in the United Kingdom and with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Available throughAmazon and all major global book retailers, "The Journey of the Paper Heart" also can be purchased in stores and online in more than 170 countries. In addition to the book, readers can also download the audiobook and a song inspired by the story, "Lost Hearts," on iTunes, Spotify, and all other major digital music stores. Composed and performed by Morgan Jones, Jose Alpizar, and Andrew Creech, these tracks offer an expansion of the story of love the book looks to capture.

Alex Beene is an author whose paper heart has accompanied him on many journeys. He has been featured on ABC, CBS, ESPN Radio and an array of print publications for authoring his first children's book, "Lessons from a Southern Mother." His columns have appeared in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Clarion-Ledger, Mic.com and other prominent media outlets. A constant traveler, he has ventured to over 20 countries and has books in five different languages. He is a songwriter represented by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and has served as a partner on the Chairman's Circle for New York's Roundabout Theater Company. His philanthropy and work in education have been recognized by the Jackson Sun, which listed him as one of the top 40 in Tennessee. More information is available at or by emailing aabeene@gmail.com.

SOURCE Alex Beene