Loukoumi's Gift

Loukoumi, the fluffy, cuddly lamb, returns this Fall with Loukoumi s Gift, the fourth title in the award winning series of illustrated books by Nick Katsoris for children 4-8. Featuring a bonus download of the story narrated by Jennifer Aniston and Days of Our Lives star John Aniston, the new book follows Loukoumi through her day as she discovers that the perfect gift need not cost a lot of money, but instead can come straight from the heart. (The CD Narration is available as a free download on the website Loukoumi.com as well as on the companion CD of the related book, Loukoumi's Good Deeds). Loukoumi s Gift, by Nick Katsoris, will be released on National Make A Difference Day, on which over 200 bookstores nationwide will host Loukoumi s Gift Storytimes. The book follows in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed book, Loukoumi s Good Deeds, released in April 2009, which is also narrated by the Anistons. The book continues the adventures of Loukoumi and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey. Whether it s a thoughtful act, a handmade card, or a delicious cookie or cake, kids will learn that there are many cost free gifts that can make a huge difference in the lives of those around them. This message is especially important to kids during these tough economic times as we enter the holiday gift-giving season around the book s release date. The book encourages kids to do something nice or make something for their loved ones as evidenced from the book's recurring line: A gift is a thought your heart creates and need not cost a penny. A gift can be anything that you wish made for one or many. A thoughtful act, a handmade card, a delicious cookie or cake. The perfect gift comes straight from the heart, whatever it is you make. Loukoumi s Gift is dedicated to Daisy, a cleaning lady from an office the author Nick Katsoris worked at 15 years ago. The story is inspired by the real life experience when Daisy gave Katsoris a pair of gold cufflinks because he said Good Morning to her every day. The part of Daisy on the CD is voiced by Jennifer Aniston. Every time a child reads Loukoumi's Gift they too will be performing a good deed. $2.00 from the sale of each book will be donated to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit stjude.org.