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24 Artscene · WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 Looking to books to broaden children's horizons Long-time friends start publishing company By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF They started out as sorority sisters in Phi Sigma Sigma at Carleton University in 1992 and quickly became good friends. Fast-forward to 2009, and Kim Ramsay Gorny and Lori Kirk have released their first children's book through their new publishing company called Roots and Wings Books. The friends, and now business partners, say they are thrilled their paths have led them here. "We love children's books and we wanted to create what we felt we couldn't find for our own kids," said Oakville resident Ramsay Gorny. "We're really excited about all of this." Roots and Wings Books is a unique publishing company with a focus on children's books that embrace cultural diversity. Ramsay Gorny and Kirk co-wrote the first book, Seven Hands, Seven Lands, with this theme in mind. The book is illustrated by former Oakville resident Peter J. Weis. Seven Hands, Seven Lands is targeted to a variety of ages and takes readers around the globe. "What we do is take the reader around the world, we visit each continent, and while we're there, we approach different concepts children are involved in every day," Kirk said. "While there are differences, children will hopefully appreciate the similarities at the same time." Ramsay Gorny, a former Montessori teacher, and Kirk, a private English as a Second Language tutor, say that exposing children to the beauty of other cultures expands their horizons. They've seen this first-hand from time spent in the classroom, as well as among their own children. Gorny has an eight year old son, Jackson and a three year old daughter, Jaime. Kirk has a daughter, Maren, also aged three, and is expecting a baby, whose gender is still a secret, in December. Not surprisingly, Jaime and Maren are becoming kindred spirits. The authors and entrepreneurs say the earlier kids are exposed to cultural differences, the better. "Young people respond so well to learning about the world," said Ramsay Gorny. "We believe that people overlook teaching their children about different cultures and NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER ROOTED IN BUSINESS: Lori Kirk (left) and Kim Ramsay Gorny, founders of Roots and Wings Books, an independent publisher of children's books, recently released their first book, Seven Hands, Seven Lands. The book was illustrated by former Oakville resident Peter J. Weis. all the amazing things they have to offer. The women said it took a major financial They don't realize how young children can investment to start the publishing compabe to understand and start to appreciate the ny, but they are optimistic it will succeed. world. So many companies are teaching The pair said they have many ideas for employees about diversity, but we think it future books, but they hope to eventually should start much, much earlier than be able to also publish other authors' books that." that meet the company's Ramsay Gorny has "We believe people overlook criteria in the future. already written a second teaching their children about "We have a great supbook called A Family is a port base and the recepdifferent cultures and all the Family, illustrated by tion has been wonderOakville resident Patricia amazing things they have to ful," said Kirk. "We're Fortune. It is currently in offer." picking up momentum the production stage with now and we feel confian anticipated release Kim Ramsay Gorny dent. We're committed Author, mom and entrepreneur date of spring 2010. to the long haul." "It is a sweet look at The name of the pubthe face of modern-day lishing company reprefamilies," said Ramsay sents what impact Gorny. "We're trying to show, in very subtle Ramsay Gorny and Kirk hope their books ways, that families can look lots of different will have on children. ways. That not all families have a mom and "We think it is important that you give a dad, two kids and a dog. We're showing your kids firm roots when they are very that no matter what your family looks like, young, and on their own they develop their it's fantastic." individuality and grow their own wings," Kirk said. "We believe that through reading with your kids, you give them that platform to grow from." The pair's fresh thinking and perseverance has landed them a nomination for the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The winner will take home more than $15,000 in cash and services to advance their business. Those who would like to support the women can go online to www.momentrepreneuraward.ca and vote for Roots and Wings Books before the end of September. And if she wasn't busy enough, Ramsay Gorny has also recently launched an Internet-based business with friend and fellow Oakville resident Kathy Damolidis called Kathy and Kim Originals (www.kathyandkimoriginals.com). The business sells personalized items, such as water bottles, T-shirts and mugs. For information on Roots and Wings Books or to purchase Seven Hands, Seven Lands, visit www.rootsandwingsbooks.ca.