"Mary and the White Pea" by Demetra Socratous

A story on the special topic of children’s cancer

Demetra Socratous will be presenting her book titled ‘Mary and the White Pea’ on Thursday 16th June 2016 at 7:30 pm at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (86-90 Phaneromeni Str., 1011, Old Nicosia) in Nicosia. The event will be held under the auspices of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Ms Leda Koursoumba.

About the book: Mary’s experience of cancer is given through symbolism, metaphors, fantasy, sensitivity and humor, without any references to cancer or any other medical terms. It encourages children and young people suffering from cancer or similar diseases and their families to deal with this experience powerfully and positively. It also aims to bring a new light in how people view cancer. The book is a story about the heart’s power, its wonder and love.

The colored book is illustrated by Dr Stella Karageorgi (PhD in Arts and History of Art) and has been approved by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture for distribution in schools.

Book presentation program:
Chairperson: Mrs Anna Elia, teacher and drama practitioner
Welcoming remarks:
- Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Ms Leda Koursoumba
- President of the Cyprus Board on Books for Young People (Cyprus IBBY), Dr Costas Katsonis
Presentation of the book: Mr Tasos Aristotelous, poet and writer
Author’s speech: Demetra Socratous
Songs from the Children’s Choir of Lympia Community Council under the direction of maestro Mrs Stavrina Michala Chapeshi
Short Drama Performance by Mohammed Awwad (Actor, Plastelini Storytelling Group)

Free entrance - The presentation will be held in the Greek language.
Charity: copies of the book are also being offered to non-profit organizations supporting children and adults cancer patients.
Under the auspices of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights
Supporters: Youth Board of Cyprus and Youth Initiatives Project, Lympia Community Council, Plastelini Storytelling Group, ANTAMOSIS, Vienna Bakeries, Vasilikon Winery.
Tel: 96 21 99 21
Email: [email protected]
‘Facebook: ‘Η Μαίρη και το Λευκό Μπιζέλι’

More info:
The story of the book: There’s a girl and a pea inside her head: Mary and the White Pea. Why, where, how and when did it grow in her head? Mary attempts to find the Pea and to get to know it. Accompanied by Zelia, her mentor and companion, she’s wandering among imaginary and colorful worlds. Each creature she encounters offers her knowledge and light. Will Mary finally meet the White Pea? And what happens then?

Demetra Socratous (author) is a drama facilitator, primary school teacher, youth leader and an active volunteer in various socio-cultural organizations and groups. She facilitates drama and non-formal education workshops for children and adults on intercultural and peace education, human rights and emotional literacy.
Being an enthusiastic volunteer and an active storyteller, Demetra organizes street theater events and artistic festivals and she also directs children’s performances. In addition, she coordinates and facilitates several bi-communal projects and workshops.
Demetra was awarded a Prize for her poetry collection ‘Truths, dreams and peace’ (May 2016) by the Cyprus Board on Books for Young People (Cyprus IBBY). She was also awarded the 1st prize in the 17th Cypriot Music Competition (CyBC, Eplanepses me Mana mu, lyrics, 2008). ‘Mary and the White Pea’ is her first children’s book.

Stella Karageorgi (illustrator) is a fine artist and a researcher. Stella has studied in the USA and UK and holds a Doctorate in Fine Art. Her artistic practice focuses on the exploration of prehistoric art, ancient symbols and motifs. She also explores the parallelisms and correlations of ancient art and child art as well as the concept of play within contemporary art practice. Stella has participated in many group and solo exhibitions both in Cyprus and abroad, and has received several awards and grants. She is actively involved in creating art and offers talks & workshops, as well as consultation in matters related to bridging heritage & archaeology through contemporary art and life.