LONDON, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Laura Konkel, currently studying for a Masters in Intelligence and International Security at King's, has published a children's book showcasing the sites and secrets of London. Entitled Wannabee in London With Me, Laura wrote and researched her book to raise funds for children's charities and is currently planning a further two parts to the series. The book is filled with interesting Did You Know? facts along with fascinating, obscure places to visit even for those who live in London.
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Laura has been raising money for various charities throughout her life and was particularly inspired after witnessing firsthand a poverty-stricken village in Zambia. "When I was at secondary school, a group of students and teachers travelled to Zambia for a month for Habitat for Humanity," she said. "Most of the village children were orphaned because of AIDs. I will never forget the children - we played with them every day. It was a powerful experience."
The group of volunteers stayed in the village to build houses. "The volunteers slept in an empty school at night and two people from the village stood guard," Laura explained. "The people from the village used to walk two hours each way to Church and their tiny medical clinic was just a shell of an office. There weren't really any supplies. But the people were so lovely and at least we went there and built some homes."
Laura's trip to Zambia was her main inspiration for writing Wannabee in London With Me. "Until you have lived in a tiny village in Africa you can't begin to imagine the impact that it has on your life," she said. "That was the reason I decided to write the book. Travelling with my parents as a child I discovered that there is a need for travel books designed specifically for children. The WANNABEE travel series aims to change the concept of family travel by selecting things unique to each city that one wouldn't normally expect to see as a tourist."
With a forward by David Wootton, former Lord Mayor of London, the story guides children through London, describing fun facts about the city along the way. "The book is full of must see attractions, history and lots of little known facts about London," Laura enthused. "For example, the two skulls and crossbones on the gates of St. Nicholas Church inspired Captain Henry Morgan to use them as his ensign. They became the dreaded symbol of pirates around the world." London's original subway carriages were windowless, lined with buttoned upholstery and called padded cells. The world's first valentine was sent in 1415 by a prisoner confined to the Tower of London.
Laura completed the book while working on her Masters here at King's in the Department of War Studies. "The Department is phenomenal and the programme is renowned throughout the world," she said. "The best part has been interacting with fellow students who have actually been in warzones and can relay their own personal experiences."
Laura will be attending law school next year while continuing to expand the Wannabee series.
The e-book is completely free to educators who wish to use the book as a learning guide about London for students.
To purchase a copy, please visit http://www.wannabeeinlondonwithme.com Copies can also be bought at the Golden Hinde attraction at London Bridge.
Contact: whoof@bell.net
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