Book author tells Borderland kids to choose love and embrace their differences

EL PASO, Texas -- Kids across the Borderland are being inspired by a unicorn.  They're learning to embrace things that make them unique, work hard, and believe in themselves. 

This positive message is brought to them by Lisa Caprelli, who has written 15 books, some of which showcase "Unicorn Jazz."  Caprelli says the story she tells mirrors her own childhood. She was the painfully shy one who never spoke up, and struggled with confidence.

"Think of the quietest one," Caprelli says.  That was me!  But look.  Now we're here singing and dancing.  It was because of experiencing life, and reading, that I"m able to do that.  I was shy and my only voice was on paper."

That love of writing has now turned into her purpose.  

"I had people who believed in me from when I was a little girl.  If it wasn't for those people who believed in me, I wouldn't be here today," Caprelli says.

Lisa lives in California now, but this Bel Air High School graduate was born and raised in El Paso, and makes frequent school visits in the Sun City.  Her illustrator, Davey Villalobos, is also an El Pasoan.

"Children will come up with glasses and say,' I'm the shy one!'  I say, keep writing.  They just get excited that we're all different and we're supposed to be.  Just be yourself."

Caprelli has a "Unicorn Jazz" song on YouTube, and the book has been turned into a play by local screenwriter Christian Diaz.  The ulitmate goal?  Turning Unicorn Jazz into a cartoon series.

For a look at the books available, free coloring pages and teacher/librarian resources, please visit unicornjazz.com.