Children's Author Takes Readers on an Cross Country American Adventure in New Book

Growing up in El Salvador, Karen Vasquez O'Donnell wanted to be her own world explorer discovering lands and learning from the wealth of knowledge other cultures offer. It was that sense of adventure combined with her sons' cross country trip experiences throughout the United States that gave her the idea to create a new book called "Pepe and Pako: Cross Country Adventure."

DALLAS (PRWEB) November 21, 2019

Growing up in El Salvador, Karen Vasquez O'Donnell wanted to be her own world explorer discovering lands and learning from the wealth of knowledge other cultures offer.

It was that sense of adventure combined with her sons' cross country trip experiences throughout the United States that gave her the idea to create a new book called "Pepe and Pako: Cross-Country Adventure." O'Donnell recently launched the book in mid-October in Dallas and schools in Elgin, Tinley Park and Hanover Park, Illinois.

"My inspiration for the book is the child inside me that used to daydream about traveling the world and exploring the incredible places that I would see on television and on postcards. I also had the need to check off ‘US Cross Country Road Trip' from my bucket list,'" she said. "My sons—Samuel, 9, and Thomas, 13—were the perfect models for Pepe and Pako, respectively. At first, I thought of creating something fun to help them remember our incredible trip as well as learning about the history of the places we visit. Plus, I enjoy taking tons of photos to document our adventure."

The book, recommended for children ages 8 to 12, takes readers on an extraordinary 18-day, 4,201-mile journey through the eyes of 10-year-old twin brothers Pepe and Pako as they visit 11 states seeing iconic sites such as Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and The Golden Gate Bridge. Readers will learn fun historical and geographical facts.

There are special sights that hold beautiful memories. Pepe and Pako traveled to Baraboo, Wisconsin to see the famous Circus World museum that presents aspects of circus-related history. O'Donnell thought it was the perfect opportunity to include a dedication from her sons to her husband's grandparents and great uncles and aunts who were circus performers known as the Juggling Colleanos.

O'Donnell, who plans on doing a series about the boys' adventures, encourages readers to see travel as a way to physically and mentally expand their horizons.

"For children who don't have the opportunity to travel or go on family vacations, books can provide an outlet into an incredible world full of historical places that they can imagine and dream of one day visiting themselves," she said. "It can become a goal that they can eventually achieve."

Becoming an author has been a dream for O'Donnell. Her feelings about this book project are best summed up in a Maya Angelou quote.

"Her quote is ‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give," she said. "At this point in my life, I'm going through a period of reflection and gratefulness. I'm reflecting on all my blessings and accomplishments and it's time for me to reciprocate."

The book is available on Amazon for $14.97. To learn more about "Pepe and Pako: Cross Country Adventure," visit: https://www.pepepako.com/.

About Karen Vasquez O'Donnell
Karen is a native of El Salvador who had humble beginnings. Her interesting childhood was filled with adventures and dreams. Daydreaming about visiting iconic places in the United States was an everyday occurrence for her. Today having fulfilled those dreams, the self-proclaimed curiosity instigator, is thrilled to transform her personal adventures into inviting tales that can be shared around the globe.

In her professional career, Karen is the co-founder of Crazy Ventures, LLC, a provider of innovative business coaching services to entrepreneurs. Previously, she spent fifteen years as a licensed physical therapist assistant after earning an associate's degree in applied science from Lehigh Carbon Community College. In 2013, she obtained her second degree, a BS in Business Administration from Albright College, which she has used to help spearhead her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Karen now lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two sons. As wife and mother, she is passionate about helping others. She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and ways of life. She believes that real life experiences are essential to one's personal growth. ###

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