At Literacy in Community (LINC), we know that new beginnings, whether that is in the form of Head Start, day care, preschool, or other routine, are smoother when caregivers and children are emotionally prepared. That’s why we invited guest author Orlenny Alvarez to our virtual Back to School Reading Celebration on Wednesday, August 12. 

Orlenny Alvarez is the author and illustrator of ¡Amo Quien Soy! (I Love Who I Am!), a book that she wrote specifically for families who are navigating the transition to preschool. 

¡Amo Quien Soy! inspires children to believe in themselves and their abilities, and helps them develop confidence, independence, and self-esteem. Through her words and illustrations, Orlenny teaches children the importance of recognizing their own worth, taking pride in who they are, and believing in themselves. In her book, she shares strategies to acknowledge and regulate the influx of emotions during a big transition, like preschool.

Orlenny is a student at Lehman College, a Health Education Specialist for the Committee for Hispanic Children & Families (CHCF), and a Dominican immigrant who is deeply committed to her work and creating opportunities for others in her community. Like LINC, she knows that literacy can provide a foundation for a strong start in life, building emotional development and self-esteem from an early age.

LINC’s monthly virtual program is facilitated by our Program Manager, Evelyn Cabreja, and includes music, games, raffles, and parent tips for starting a new school year.

Thank you to Orlenny for donating her time, her knowledge, and two copies of her book to LINC, which made for wonderful raffle prizes. ¡Amo Quien Soy! (I Love Who I Am!) makes children feel valued, represented, safe, and proud of who they are, and that is great preparation for school and life.    

To register for your next LINC program, visit www.lincnyc.org/programs.