Edited version of Band of Innocence Graphic Novel from Robert Agnello Released

Online, January 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - January 2010 New York, NY: Robert Agnello, of On The Lamb Productions and Emmy Award Winning Carmen Sandiego music fame, has released an edited version of the graphic novel, "Band of Innocence." Band of Innocence (BOI) was first released in March of 2009. BOI teaches a strong, important message to children and adults alike. Although originally geared toward children, ages 8 and up, it reaches beyond the barriers and draws in adults, as well.

Agnello explains the book, "The characters in the book are innocent of any pre-conceived notions. They don't judge, they act. There is no thought of physical violence since they believe everyone has a story and that that story can be changed. For example, the first episode is about endangered species. They save a baby white gorilla from a mean man who wants to hunt it down. They don't just simply stop him but they change his attitude so that he is forever changed, not just stopped. They realize that they are able to change a person's thinking and therefore change their actions."

Graphic novels are becoming more popular as people are realizing their importance in many aspects.

According to an article posted on the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) website http://eric.ed.gov

"After years of fighting for shelf space in libraries and classrooms, graphic novels have finally become an acceptable alternative to their prose-packed counterparts-and kids can't seem to get enough of them. For that matter, neither can grown-ups. In 2006, U.S. consumers dropped an estimated $330 million on graphic novels and comics, with librarians accounting for about 10 percent, or $33 million, of those purchases.

Publishers have taken advantage of the format's rock-star status by launching special imprints-such as Toon Books, the new imprint from Raw Comics, published by New Yorker magazine art editor Françoise Mouly and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman-that feature developmentally appropriate comics for the pre-K-6 crowd. That means graphic novels are now addressing important personal and social issues like the power of imagination, being true to one's self, the benefits of teamwork, and how to cope with divorce and bullying.
Teachers and librarians are also beginning to realize that these books are perfect for young readers who are making the transition from picture books to text-only titles. And with graphic novels' hypnotic power to pull kids into a story, they're also perfect for promoting recreational or free voluntary reading-one of the most effective ways to increase literacy and create lifelong readers."

The BOI website has also been revamped, where the book and a poster are available for purchase, the BOI song available for download and children can register to become a member of the BOI community. The interactive section of the website is still being developed where children will be able to pick their favorite characters and discuss what they are doing in their community to help the world around them. Each book is delivered with a BOI wristband. Agnello says, "These bracelets signify that these children are now part of "BOI." The bracelets empower children with truth, compassion and the realization that anything can be accomplished if you are positive and in the moment. We want to create a community where kids feel comfortable - where they are able to relate to what is happening in the book. In several different ways, they are able to identify with a character, which in turn will help them with situations they are dealing with in real life."

Taking his idea direct to his audience and presenting it directly to children in New York City public schools, Agnello says it has been very well received and all the children are very excited about it. This is what one fan wrote about the book:

"Dear Robert (aka...author extraordinaire),
Thank you so so so so so (times 3 million) much for Band of Innocence. I read it and thought that it was AMAZING! I gobbled it up in one hour (yes, I kept track...I wanted to be able to say how long it took me to read it to show how interesting it was). I really like the moral of the story. It just makes me want to be a better person, and start my life over as a child child (as in three years old child) and be more "pure" if you will.
Also, I thought that maybe, as a promotional product, there could be the Amulet that Emily wore and the Sword of Truth that she had in the Amulet. I would definitely buy the Amulet, and I'm sure others would buy the Sword of Truth.
Thanks SOOOOO much again for Band of Innocence and I totally look forward to reading the next adventure and seeing more BOI in the future! Good luck and best wishes!"

Band of Innocence is available for purchase from the website http://www.bandofinnocence.com, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. It will be available in the coming weeks in bookstores, Target and Walmart.

Agnello is scheduled to talk at area New York City bookstores, libraries, and elementary schools in the coming months and is available for media interviews. For media information please see the website, http://www.bandofinnocence.com.