With supply chain issues still continuing, it might be a good idea to start shopping now for the holiday gift-giving season. There are just about 60 days to go until Christmas as this article goes to press and some people have already begun shopping. Books are always a thoughtful gift, especially for young readers, and bilingual Greek-English texts are a great way for youngsters to build on their language and reading comprehension skills.

Greek-Australian children’s author Panagiota Andreadakis has released her second bilingual Greek-English children’s book, The ABC of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Greek Orthodox version). A great gift for the holidays, this hardcover, made and printed in Australia, features colorful illustrations by Anna Gerb and is finished with embossed gold foiling and matte laminate.

Andreadakis first book, The ABC of Greek Easter, also offers children and families the opportunity to reconnect with the cultural traditions and events, from the beginning of Apokries through to Easter Sunday, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The book explores the meaning of the Easter prayers, hymns, the Lenten period, traditional Easter foods and sweets, and specifically focuses on the moving events of Holy Week. Colorful illustrations by Gerb also highlight this book geared toward young readers. Available in hardcover, the book is printed in Australia.

Andreadakis told The National Herald that “both the Easter and Christmas books, as well as a range of our religious greeting cards will be available to the American market and will be stocked at the Taste and Art of Greece (New Hampshire).”

“We are hoping to spread our wings and see it in many more retailers in America over the coming months,” she added.

Andreadakis lives in Melbourne. After working for several decades as a health professional, she decided to pursue her passion for Hellenic culture and children’s education, according to her biography. Andreadakis was inspired to write books as a way of preserving the wealth of Hellenic heritage and passing it onto the next generation with the same care and passion that it was passed down to her by her parents and grandparents. An active member of the vibrant Melbourne Greek Community, Andreadakis was a senior member of a traditional Greek dance group during her youth and also did volunteer work within the community.

As noted on her website, “inspired by her regular travels to Greece, her love for the Hellenic culture only grew deeper. It gave her the knowledge and skillsets that would help her in developing her idea and turning her dream into a career, bringing pieces of Greece into the readers hearts and homes.”

The above-mentioned books, greetings cards and other items are available for purchase online: https://www.stelakis.com.au.

Those in Melbourne have the opportunity to meet the author at the Book Fair organized by the Greek Community of Melbourne, the Greek-Australian Cultural League, and the Hellenic Writers Association of Australia November 26-27 at the Greek Centre Mezzanine Level, 168 Lonsdale Street in Melbourne. The Book Fair program includes casual talks, panel discussions, book launches and signings, as well as opportunities to meet the participating authors including Andreadakis and purchase their books.