FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2003

Lavinia's World "Down Under"
Manoosh & Baloosh Journey To New Zealand

Lavinia's World, a New York-based multi-dimensional entertainment company with a growing international presence, recently began a new venture "down under," sharing the characters and stories of Lavinia's World with children and schools in New Zealand.

Lavinia's World Director of Educational Programs, Kellie Hendry, a former New Zealand school teacher with over seven year's experience in the classroom, traveled the length and breadth of the country on a recent visit, introducing dozens of New Zealand schools to Lavinia's World's books and multi-faceted educational materials.

"It was especially gratifying to see the immediate benefits and enjoyment teachers and children gained upon the introduction of Lavinia's World books and educational games into classrooms," says Hendry of the program, in which Lavinia's World contributed books and educational games to over fifty New Zealand kindergartens, public schools, and day care centers across the country. "Many New Zealand teachers explained that quality educational tools like the ones we provide are often well out of reach. Everyone was extremely appreciative of our effort."

For author and company founder Lavinia Branca Snyder, New Zealand is just the beginning of her global vision: "This is just the start," says Lavinia. "Over the coming months we plan to expand throughout the rest of New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere. So much of Lavinia's World is about embracing the world at large, and respect for all of the world's cultures. Our wonderful experience in New Zealand proves what we suspected: the characters of Lavinia's World travel well!"


About Lavinia's World
Lavinia's World invites children to discover the world around them and makes learning fun. Smart, educational, and full of adventure, Lavinia's World has developed three exciting and distinct book series and accompanying toys, children's apparel, and paper product lines, each intended for a different age range;

The Little Stories of Manoosh and Baloosh (ages 3-6): Two adventurous peas learn about the world's natural phenomena.

Softi's Adventures (ages 4-7): Hamster Softi, his best friend Tally, and the supercharged Robosofti are intrepid explorers eager to discover how the world works.

The Kyss Family Mysteries (ages 6-9): Twins Ophelia and Brian Kyss travel around the world with their family, solving mysteries with the help of their dog, Chops, and computer wizard Dr. Abelard Kwizmore.


CONTACTS:
P&F Communications, (212) 861-2100
Bill Douglass, Jeff Lovari, Ray Forsythe

Lavinia's World, (212) 585-2341
Kellie Hendry

Join us at Lavinia's World online at www.laviniasworld.com.

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