THE TROUBLE WITH THE ALPHABET PAINTS A PORTRAIT OF HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH THE EYES OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN

Denver, CO – October 14th, 2008 – Colorado artist and new author Caryn West has announced the launching of her book The Trouble with the Alphabet, Through the Eyes of Innocence, an artistic and literary journey into the heart of human rights violations and suffering of children around the world. The official launch will be kicked off with an Opening Reception and Exhibit at the Ditto Gallery in Denver on October 24th. The exhibit will run from October 24th through December 20th. The book is available to the public online at www.ttwta.com and will soon be available in major bookstores.

With one country represented by each letter of the alphabet, the book addresses the many heart wrenching issues plaguing the world's children: genocide, child labor, human trafficking, the use of child soldiers, poverty, AIDS and the devastating effects of corrupt governments to name a few. It invites the reader to consider these issues through vibrant portraits that illustrate the emotions and vulnerability of each child. It challenges indifference and apathy through poetic messages, delivered as if through a child's eyes, messages that cut through the rhetoric and pierce the heart and soul. It clarifies the issues through short essays that aim to enlighten even the "informed." Finally, it involves experts: organizations that provide answers, strategies and a platform for every reader to become a giver, a doer and an activist. In total there are 25 international organizations that are featured in and will benefit from the book.

As unique and intriguing as the book itself is the projects growing list of endorsements spanning the likes of Robin Leach, infamous spokesperson for the "Rich and Famous" to prominent Spiritual leaders like Dr. Joel Hunter and Tony Campola and renowned human rights activist and established author John Prendergast. In one such endorsement it is stated that the book is "a must have for anyone who knows a child," in another "if there is ever an example of 'the pen is mightier than the sword' then this is the book."

The book began in West's words as "a casual project to paint the alphabet on canvases for my sons' bedrooms, and became a labor of love as I discovered the harsh realities facing children around the globe."

The foreword written by Jack Healey, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA and renowned human rights activist, states "in this book, children, always the first to be hurt and harmed in any conflict, receive the full attention their innocence deserves. Talent, paint and prose become compelling instruments that Caryn uses in an unforgettable manner. The combination of the three lifts the veil of detachment and allows us to enter the room where a new day may dawn and convictions are born; convictions that energize and foment new action for decency and justice."

The Trouble with the Alphabet is a 12x12-inch inch coffee table book printed in the USA in High Definition Hexachrome. It been manufactured using wind energy, partially recycled 100% forest managed paper and vegetable based inks. In addition to being "green" it aims to not only raise awareness to these important issues and support the organizations involved with a portion of the proceeds, but also to inspire young people here in the US about the power of social entrepreneurism: building businesses to build a better world. It retails for $64.95.

About Caryn West:
The first portrait Caryn West created was a life-size drawing of Sammy Davis Jr. to accompany a book report about his autobiography, Yes I Can. The portrait was done in crayon, and she was only nine years old. Though she attended the Pasadena Art Center College of Design, most of Caryn's experience is self-taught through taking on projects with an intuitive belief "I can do this". Over the years she has experimented with a variety of mediums, amassing expertise in acrylic painting and graphic design. Along the way she developed a passion for telling stories through art and has always dreamed of becoming a writer as well. Caryn's work has been primarily in the commercial arena but her passion is working on humanitarian projects, where she can use her artistic skills and creativity to highlight global issues. In 2006 Caryn conceived The Trouble with the Alphabet. Since then her efforts have been focused on bringing her collective experience together in a project that gives full expression to her range of creativity. In this project she has found the inspiration to say "Yes I Can," and we all can make a difference for children around the world. Caryn currently lives in Colorado with her husband Brock and their three children: Felicia, Blaze and Cruz.

Media Contact:
Brock West, VP of Sales
TTWTA
brock@ttwta.com
303.679.1482
303.483.3744