This month marks the release of a new children’s book, Going Bananas in Space, co-authored by 10 Louisville youth. The book is the first in a youth-authored series designed to showcase young talent while generating funds for a not-for-profit organization that serves at-risk youth.
Louisville-based Baxter’s Corner teamed up with The Cabbage Patch Settlement House to lead a week-long day-camp for young storytellers, ages 8 to 13 years. In addition to individual samples, the campers collaborated to write and illustrate a group story that became the centerpiece of a booklet distributed to family and friends at the end of the week.
Favorable feedback led to the idea of turning the booklet into a professionally-produced book that could be used as a fundraiser.
“It quickly became apparent that we had something very special in our hands,” said Tracy Holladay, executive director of The Cabbage Patch. “The Baxter’s Corner team identified the strategic opportunity available and worked with us to make the series possible.”
Youth Authored Series
The new book series, Tales from The Patch, is “by kids, for kids.” The new series will be authored by young writers with content for kids, and also will serve as a funding source for youth services at The Cabbage Patch.
Baxter’s Corner donated their services to lead the camp as well as to edit, illustrate and design the first two books in the series. The second book is in production following a 2015 summer camp, with plans to expand the program to include school-year options.
“The values we promote in our books mirror the high standards that The Cabbage Patch sets for the children and families they serve,” said Mary Ellen Stottmann, Chief Crayon for Baxter’s Corner. “It was very natural for us to partner with The Patch on this project.”
“The first camp was the seed for an ongoing project with far-reaching opportunities for children The Patch serves,” said Linda Baker. Chief Pencil for Baxter’s Corner, Baker led the writing portion of the camp, while Stottmann worked with the campers on illustrations. Baker edited and Stottmann designed the new book.
About the Book
Going Bananas in Space is the story of two intrepid Cabbage Patch Explorer Club members who successfully trade their phenomenal bananas for out-of-this-world brainberries, all while avoiding conflict with the aliens they encounter.
The book includes fun facts about space travel, along with math and craft activities, following Baxter’s Corner successful formula for combining a story with a variety of educational activities to create a rich, “beyond the story book” experience for readers.
The book sells for $16.95, with proceeds going to The Cabbage Patch to fund youth services. The book is available online at Amazon.com, or by calling (502) 634-0811.
About the Project Team
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House is a local, non-profit Christian organization whose mission is to equip and empower at-risk children, youth, and their families, to be self-sufficient by helping them maximize their economic, educational, emotional, moral, physical, social and spiritual potential. Established in 1910, The Cabbage Patch Settlement House serves approximately 1,000-1,200 at-risk children and their families annually through programs in the areas of recreation/youth development, educational programs, and counseling and family services. As a privately funded charity, The Cabbage Patch relies entirely on contributions from individuals, organizations, churches, corporations, and foundations to meet the needs of those we serve.
Dedicated to promoting social literacy, Baxter’s Corner creates stories and programs that serve as a foundation to help teach life’s lessons and build character around social skills and fundamental values.