Page 20 September 2016 By Amanda Goossen In May 2015, Phoenix resident Phoebe Fox decided to leave her job as librarian at Christ Church School and focus on her lifelong passion, creating children’s books. “For over 15 years I had kept files of ideas for children’s books,” said Fox. “It was finally time to take action.” With the help of Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, Phoebe turned her dream into a reality. According to their mission statement, SWHD strengthens the foundation Arizona’s children need for a great start in life. SWHD provides services in the areas of education, child development, child welfare and early literacy. According to the Children’s Literacy Foundation, 68 percent of America’s fourth-graders do not read at a proficient level and 61 percent of low-income families have no age-appropriate books in their homes. In addition, for every 300 children in low-income neighborhoods there is only one book. Statistics like these are what drive SWHD and their programs. The nonprofit’s early literacy division includes Reach Out and Read as well as Raising a Reader, two programs which promote early reading and book donations. Through Reach Out and Read alone, SWHD distributes nearly 90,000 new, age-appropriate books to low-income children annually. This large number of book donations, however, must come from somewhere. And last year, through repeated discussions, this Arizona nonprofit debated the best way to ensure their inventory of good quality books remained high. The final conclusion was to create a “Buy a Book, Give a Book” program, with SWHD publishing a book from an aspiring author. For every book purchased on their website or in Changing Hands Bookstores, the nonprofit would give a book to a child in need. “We came to the conclusion that publishing our own book had great benefits,” said Jake Adams, chief development officer of SWHD. Last year through the First Edition Project, SWHD called for submissions. They sought an author and an age- appropriate story for children 0-3. “We anticipated 100 entries,” said Adams. “We had over 250.” A panel of literacy experts judged the submissions, narrowing the group from over 200 to 10. Those 10 were then sent to a panel of six reading specialists who chose the winner. Phoebe Fox, entered her book Up, Up, Up in August after a friend brought the contest to her attention. A month later, while driving her children to the Phoenix Wildlife World Zoo, Fox received the call that her manuscript had won. “I was so happy,” said Fox. “It was such a feeling of validation for going after my passion.” After being named the winner, Up, Up, Up was then sent to editors, illustrators and designers. Local illustrator and graphic designer Michael Hale got the call to begin sketches and was thrilled at the chance. “I had just decided to dedicate my time to illustrating kids’ books,” said Hale. “The timing was perfect.” For both Fox and Hale, the SWHD First Edition Project was a catalyst toward a dream come true. For the kids who hold Up, Up, Up in their hands, this book has the potential to change their lives and inspire a future love of reading. To find out more about First Edition Project or how to buy Up, Up, Up , visit firsteditionproject.com. For every copy of Up, Up, Up purchased, SWHD will donate a copy to a child in need. Librarian turned children’s book author wins with Up, Up, Up Stop doing and start simply being at Current Meditation. Our novel approach re-imagines meditation for the modern world, helping you live a more mindful and authentic life. Start your journey today at Current, the place to be. INTRODUCING ARCADIA’S NEWEST PLACE TO BE SEEN. BOOK A CLASS becurrent.com Arcadia Studio | SW Corner of 44th St and Indian School Rd | 602.522.2000

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