Scholastic to Publish Children's Book By Actor Jason Alexander

Scholastic to Publish Children's Book By Actor Jason Alexander

Dad, Are You The Tooth Fairy?, An Imaginative Story About The Power of Magic and Love, To Be Published in May 2005

NEW YORK, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL), the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, announced today that it will publish a new picture book by first-time author -- comedian and actor Jason Alexander -- just in time for Father's Day. Based on an actual conversation Alexander had with his son, Gabriel, some years ago, Dad, Are You the Tooth Fairy? (Scholastic/Orchard Books; ISBN: 0-439-66745-3; $16.95 U.S./$22.99 Canada: May 2005) tells a heartfelt and imaginative tale, that will entertain children and adults alike, while underscoring the powerful bond between father and child.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050124/NYM201 )

"This story is an example of the magic that can happen when parents are able to communicate positively with their children," commented Mr. Alexander. "My son wanted the truth, but he clearly didn't want something precious taken away from him. I was happily able to give him both, in a story that both conveyed a magical tale, but also demonstrated my love for him. Ultimately, I believe if you care for the hearts of your children, their heads will be just fine."

"For any child who has ever wondered about the existence of the tooth fairy, this original and reassuring story will satisfy their curiosity and give them the power to believe that magical things can happen," commented Barbara Marcus, President, Children's Book Publishing for Scholastic. "We are delighted to be publishing this highly imaginative story by first-time author and wonderfully talented Jason Alexander."

In the story, young Gaby overhears some older kids saying that the Tooth Fairy is not real, and goes straight to his father to find out the truth. Gaby's father tells him of a long time ago when magical creatures lived on the earth -- dragons, unicorns, mermaids, and, of course, fairies. But how does he answer this very important question about the Tooth Fairy?

Alexander, in a note included in the book, acknowledges that part of parental responsibility is to prepare children for the harshest of realities. However, he also sees the need to be a balance between their heads and their hearts, by providing the truth, where necessary, but not to diminish a child's precious right to childhood fantasies.

Jason Alexander is an award-winning television, motion picture and stage star. A seven-time Emmy nominee for his role as George Costanza on the legendary sitcom "Seinfeld," Mr. Alexander can currently be seen on the CBS sitcom, "Listen Up." Though he misses the New York theater community, the Tony Award winning actor now calls Los Angeles home, where he lives with his wife Daena, their sons Gabriel and Noah, and their dog, Sandy.

Ron Spears has illustrated hundreds of works for a variety of publishers and corporations. Mr. Spears lives with his wife in Bowie, Maryland.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school- based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, http://www.scholastic.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050124/NYM201
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Scholastic Corporation

CONTACT: Charisse Meloto, Scholastic Corporation, +1-212-389-3785,
cmeloto@scholastic.com

Web site: http://www.scholastic.com/


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