Move over, Harry Potter!
 Or at least make room for the charming new children's book,
Puwaii Adventures with Joliea & Friends, an engaging tale of the adventures of an eight-year-old fashion designer who
travels the world in a magical submarine.
The story is both a fun journey and learning experience which exposes children to various parts of the world as visited by the characters.
It embraces the values of friendship, family, teamwork and support, and encourages young readers to explore new places and meet new people -
all through the eyes and mind of a child. In addition, it sets an example to inspire other young creative minds, encouraging them to
bring to realization their own dreams.
What makes this book especially unique is not only the imaginative story, artwork and characters, but also the fact that it was
created as a family effort led by Puwaii visionary and author, eight-year-old Jolie Vanier. Loving assistance and creative support
were suppled by her mother, Jerre Lynn Vanier, and cousin, Tamara Wick who bring an extensive professional background of art, writing,
photography and design experience. grandparents, Betty and Erv Hughes have provided emotional support.
Inspiration
The concept was conceived by young Jolie who "smooshed" together a love of brightly
colored Pucci designs with the tropical feel of Hawaii. Puwaii was born.
Grandmother Betty Barber-Hughes encouraged her on a rainy day in Malibu where the
family was visiting Jolie's brother, Jared Wick, at Pepperdine University, to draw some
fashion figures. She did. Another night at a restaurant, the aspiring designer drew a
colorful submarine with crayons on the paper tablecloth. Her proud mother wisked it up before
the tortellini was served. PuOie, the submarine, had arrived.
The growing desire to make a book was encouraged by friend Mark McDowell of
Cattle Track Arts Compound, the historical Scottsdale artists' colony.
He shared several small books of his own, furthering the mission.
Working with her family, Jolie drew inspiration from a combination of imagination,
memory and research. The family worked with a tape recorder, a talking globe of the
world as well as from their own travel experiences and the internet as the story and
characters revealed themselves. The process was as joyous as the intended creation.
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Book Signings
Jolie wants to sign your book! Please join her on her debut booksigning tour around the valley.
download the schedule
Media
Watch Jolie's TV Appearances!
Listen to Jolie's Radio Interview with Sally Jess Raphael!
Arizona Parenting
Off the Shelf Book Review
download the article
Town of Paradise Valley Independent
Herberger College homecoming celebrates kids
download the article
Artbook of the New West
Artwatch Article
download the article
Raising Arizona Kids
Valley's Youngest New Author Article
download the article
About the Author
Precocious Jolie Vanier is in the third grade. She holds the titles of
2005 National American Miss Princess Arizona and National American Miss Princess Spokesmodel
of the United States. She enjoys acting, writing, singing, dancing, and creating art,
and has performed in theatrical and musical productions at Childsplay at the
Tempe Performing Arts Center.
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