Leonard Shanklin, Sr. (and his wife, Linda Shanklin) of Springfield are hosting a Book Launch Party on Saturday, April 13th, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Kidzeum in downtown Springfield. Admission is $20 for a family of four and the fee includes a signed copy of the book, which has just been released.

The book, “Mikey P. Pardee Seasoned,” which was written by Leonard Shanklin, Sr., is about Shanklin’s son, Leonard Shanklin, Jr., who was killed in 2011 (in East St. Louis) at the age of 39. Leonard, Jr. was affectionately called, “Mikey P. Pardee,” and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed the four unique seasons and his father enjoyed watching him grow and play.

The book captures the joyful, carefree spirit of Leonard, Jr. and encourages readers of all ages to embrace each season and the loved ones we hold dear, while they are here. When Leonard, Jr. died unexpectedly, his father was devastated and painfully wished to regain lost time. He often thought of his son and remembered the 5-year old boy who laughed and played alongside him.

Shanklin’s stepson, and his wife Linda’s son, is Andre Iguodala, who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors and has won three NBA Championships. Iguodala is from Springfield and is a Lanphier High School graduate.

Leonard Shanklin, Sr. is the CEO of the Springfield based company FAB Enterprise, LLC. For more information, visit: www.Fabenterprise.com

About FAB Enterprise, LLC

Leonard Shanklin, Sr. is a devoted husband to Linda Shanklin, father, grandfather, and educator. He is the CEO of FAB Enterprise, LLC a company based in Springfield, Illinois, which includes FAB Educational Consulting, Hedge of Thorn Attire (HOTA), and FAB book publication. Shanklin has always wanted to inspire youth and he and his team are committed to raising academic achievement, expanding career opportunities, and increasing social development and leadership abilities. He has spent much of his life mentoring young people, insisting that, above all, they educate themselves, discover their potential, and continue their education.

The Shanklin’s mentoring programs include How to Develop Young Leaders and Ladies Giving, a mentoring program designed to join National Basketball Association (NBA) moms and female athletes that have a desire to achieve at an optimum level. Leonard obtained his Master of Education degree from Eastern Illinois University and served the public housing commission and the Illinois Department of Human Services for more than 30 years. He has also worked in School District 186 serving students as a dedicated educator.

For more information, contact:

Paul Wappel 217.416.0371

Email: PTW63@aol.com