The Portal in the Park - Softcover

Quincy Jones Review: “Grandmaster Melle Mel has done it again! Melle Mel and Casey have written and produced a read and rap fable with a new Message for our youth through story and hip-hop songs, to help kids choose the right path of activity—not passivity. Read ’n’ rap with your kids and join Melle Mel and Lady Gaga as they give Grammy-worthy performances. It’s “The Message” that counts and Melle and Casey are our kind of messengers for the future.” ~Quincy Jones

Cricket Casey is a motivator as well as a qualified educator in the field of body-mind fitness. She is a graduated of New York University, with a degree in physical therapy, and she holds a degree in biopsychology from William Paterson University. In private practice she has worked as a physical therapist, personal trainer and life coach. For many years she served as a therapist in the New York City public schools and various private preschools. Casey has produced four fitness videos and a children s book which have been distributed nationally and cited in numerous newspapers and magazines including the National Physical Therapy Bulletin and the Wall Street Journal. She also developed a Biofitness Training program for kids to stretch and strengthen proximal core muscles sprouting beautiful posture. She is presently working on a wellness training program and developing an ergonomic design to create a more productive setting in the classroom. Manhattan is her office and the subway is her car. Casey is always seeking out the next opportunity. Everyone associated with this book she encountered on the street, in the subway or in a café. She is a firm believer in team effort and together Melle and Casey make slam dunk talent. The Portal in the Park is the first of a multimedia book series for the multitasking generation Grandmaster Melle Mel grew up in the Bronx utilizing his creative musical talents and lyrical genius to become successful. Melle Mel. a three-time Grammy winner and one of the pioneers of hip-hop is most noted for his all-time classic song "The Message," to which Rolling Stone magazine gave a rare five-star review. Melle's original sty le changed music and laid the foundation for what has become an exploding musical culture. He was a contributing author for Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones. An article in the BBC News listed Melle Mel as the single greatest rapper of all time. In March 2007 he was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. I-Ie has a physique to match his verbal firepower, a world-class bodybuilder and competes regularly. He now has a new "Message" to all the children of the world. You can read 'n' rap along with Grandmaster Melle Mel and the characters as they speak and sing the complete text and seven original inspirational songs of hip-hop and pop. Melle brings lyrical dexterity and his trade-mark delivery elevating children's records way above the standard, into something with more substance and a positive message. The Portal in the Park is in a league of its own.