Who we are:

Dr. Cynthia and Dr. Paul Sambataro spent a lifetime working with children that have experienced traumas, and disabilities. After retiring from private practice they decided to write a series of children's books that taught life lessons associated with truth, love, loyalty and respect for others. More than that, they wanted to fuel the child's imagination through historical images that existed once upon a time. Foo Foo serves as the child's valet through time from the Qing Dynasty, to Bombay, to Buckingham Palace and even to the White House. Each book takes the child through the location, as if they are there at that point in time. Dr. Cynthia and Dr. Paul live in the grand state of Texas, have three wonderful children and four magical Foo Foo's

A Star is born

Foo Foo Mafia is the first Pekingese owned by the Sambataro's and much different from the Maltese dogs they have always had. Mafia will play ball for days, and protects their daughter with the fierceness of a, well, a Foo Dog. After researching the history of the Pekingese, it was clear the birth story of the Pekingese was magical and needed to be re-told. Integrated with the Foo Dog, a Foo Foo Superhero was born. While Foo Foo Mafia lives and plays here in Houston, the star of the books is Foo Foo, a magical creature born in China, part Pekingese, part Foo statue, Foo Foo travels through history on flights of fancy and even returns home to the Summer Palace in China. Watch for the book Foo Foo Returns Home.

The Magic of Illustrations by Martha I. Escobar, Art Director, Foo Foo Media Empire

Our story was brought to life in may ways but the beautiful visual magic was created by Martha Escobar, a supremely talented designer, and artist in Guadalajara Mexico. Every page is a masterpiece that represents her unique attention to detail weaving together history and fantasy, in a beautiful Qing tapestry. Ms. Escobar's formal in education in architecture can be seen in the beautiful designs through out our books Ms. Escobar is the Art Director for Foo Fu Media Empire and manages all things Foo Foo.

Translation, Linking Cultures, Xiolei Xie

Foo Foo is a story for the world, but most importantly a story of the culture of China and the Chinese people. We wanted to be sure the book was translated for the Chinese children because the story of Foo Foo belongs to them and we have found a way to share the beauty, history and wisdom of ancient China with the Children of the world. Our translator is Xiolei Xie, has worked to make sure the story was told well and translated perfectly to Mandarin. We are lucky she is here in Texas to share her expertise.