Leah Cohen Last year, Oak Park resident Leah Cohen published her first children’s book, a nature story titled “The Magic Pond: How a small flock of birds brought life and cheer to a lonely pond.”

This month, two more of Cohen’s children’s books have been released. The first, “Lenny the Pink Turtle: How a young turtle saved his friends,” is about a shy turtle who has a bright pink shell. Lenny’s friends think he looks strange, and they don’t like to include him in their games.

However, Lenny’s special skills and unique appearance eventually rescue his young friends and they learn to appreciate his differences.

The second book, “Sophie,” is about a young girl, whose only doll is her best friend. While she likes to go to her friends’ houses and play with their more expensive dolls, she always prefers to come back home to her best friend Sophie.

Both books are filled with colorful illustrations. At the end of each book is a list of reflection questions that offer opportunities for more discussion regarding the books’ educational messages.

Cohen is working on her next book about a young boy’s visit to his grandmother.

Cohen is an award-winning educator who has taught from the elementary to university level. A native Israeli, Cohen moved to Oak Park with her husband in 1986 and has since founded an adult learning academy.

Cohen’s books are available through www .authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com and www .bn.com. For more information, visit www. leahsbooks.com..