Macon writer, poet and retired educator, Valeria Cordy Cray, will be the featured speaker at Wini McQueen’s ‘The Canopy Project’ Studio in the Macon Mall on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00pm. A long-time poet, Valeria recently ventured into the world of authoring children’s books with her first publication, Sample Your Words, See How They Taste (A Lesson in Thinking Before You Speak). She wrote this book to be used as a teaching tool to start discussions with children about the impact and the power of words – a message that transcends all ages. The story carries a simple message told in an innovative way with hints of southern familiarity. Set in a grandmother’s kitchen, Grandma Grace teaches her granddaughter, Natalie, to Sample (Her) Words and See How They Taste! She teaches Natalie strategies for thinking before she speaks. The event will include a discussion guide for parents and teachers to aid in facilitating conversations with children. Valeria states in the book, “I will spread the word to all my friends – Maybe Sample Your Words could start a kindness trend.”

Copies of Sample Your Words, See How They Taste (A Lesson in Thinking Before You Speak) will be available for purchase, and Valeria will autograph books at the event.

“I am thrilled that Valeria will be reading her book in The Canopy Project Gallery”, said Wini McQueen, artist and creator of the Bicentennial Art Show featured piece, The Canopy Project. “I want children to visit this space and be inspired by what they see and hear”.

To access The Canopy Project Gallery, enter the Macon Mall (3661 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, GA 31206) on the Upper Level at the east entrance facing Mercer University Drive (nearest the former JC Penny end and closest to the new amphitheater construction). There is plenty of parking available and the event is free.