On June 1, in commemoration of International Children’s Day, U.S. Embassy Tashkent held a book presentation and signing event with the National Library of Uzbekistan. Ambassador Spratlen introduced the Dancing Bear, an American Tale by Laura Whitton, to almost 60 Uzbek school children and teachers representing three Tashkent elementary schools. U.S. Embassy Tashkent translated the Dancing Bear into both Russian and Uzbek and published the book with specially-commissioned art by an Uzbek artist.
The Ambassador spoke to the children about the history of International Children’s Day, the importance of education, and the importance of determination and perseverance – the values highlighted in the Dancing Bear. She then personally signed many copies of the book for the eager and excited Uzbek kids, who were happy to pose with her for a photo with their new books. Deputy Director of the National Library, Alisher Ishmatov, introduced the Ambassador to the kids and conducted a short tour of the library after the book presentation.
