Different but the Same

This book provides a warm and wonderful tool for parents and teachers to use when talking to children about those who are different from themselves due to disabilities. Through its pages you are welcomed into Noahland, a very real place where meals are received through a tummy tube, and homework consists of physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy. Yet once inside you’ll discover a thoroughly likable kid who enjoys doing the same things typical kids do, just in a different way.

Phyllis Leyden-Alexander is an author, entrepreneur, and Noah’s grandmother, whose life adventures are captured in the children’s book series, “Adventures in Noahland.” The books help reduce the discomfort some students and adults may feel around kids who are different from themselves due to disability. Phyllis brings passion and first-hand experience (even rapping and singing country music!)  to convey ‘different doesn’t mean less than’ when speaking with school-age children, students with an early childhood education major, and educators. Her books have also been used by universities in developing lesson plans and strategies for general early education instruction. 

Association with Camp ASCCA, a nationally recognized Easter Seals camp, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), a part of the National Park Service, help extend Phyllis’ reach in bringing awareness to the history of disability.

A NYC native, Phyllis now resides in Pittsburgh, PA with husband Louis. Together they share 5 children and six incredibly perfect grandchildren, of whom Noah is the youngest.

Drew Swift is a self-taught illustrator who was born in Chicago and currently resides in Temple, TX. Upon graduating high school, he joined the US Army serving for seven years in Hanau, Germany as a multi-media illustrator. He has worked on various gaming and illustrative projects.

Drew discovered his artistic skills at age seven when he began sculpting and started drawing seriously at age fifteen.

He is the proud owner of a mini dachsund and enjoys building Japanese model kits. This is his second project as a freelance artist with Civin Media Relations.