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In our most recent book, The Day I Went to Space, we follow the fantastic journey of a boy who shoots off the space one night as he is lying in bed. You may notice that before the story begins, the book opens with the following dedication: “Every child deserves a wonderful bedtime story. It is estimated that 21% of children in the U.S. are living below the poverty line. So, we dedicate this book to those children. Keep your eyes on the stars and never give up!”

When writing our children’s books, we think about sweet little faces curling up with a storybook at night before going to bed. What we often forget is that many children do not have this important bedtime ritual. For many children, books are not available and the adventures we dream up are never seen by these children. Poverty and its numerous effects on children do not make for the most pleasant bedtime reading material but it is so important to remember the children who live without the very things that make childhood so magical.

We dedicate The Day I Went to Space to the many children living below the poverty line in the U.S. with the hope that we can do something to improve their lives. That is why we donate 25% of our profits to organizations that help children in need. In honor of that commitment, we will be working with Shelter Partnership to do our part to help eliminate poverty and bring more books into the lives of children in need.

Shelter Partnership works in a variety of ways to help prevent and solve homelessness; donation distribution, technical assistance to community organizations, public policy research and advocacy and community education. Since 1989 they have secured new donated goods from over 600 companies and has distributed over $210 million worth of goods to more than 550 agencies that serve the homeless and very poor. Bryson’s Books is honored to work with Shelter Partnership and spread the word about their vital programs. To learn more about the work they do and how you can help, visit www.shelterpartnership.org.

On Sunday, September 24^th Bryson’s Books will be participating in the Starry Night 5K in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. This family-friendly event raises funds for medical research, education and support programs for children and families affected by childhood brain tumors.  “As the world's largest nonprofit solely dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission is to care for families along their entire journey, find a cure for the deadliest childhood cancer, and help families and survivors thrive.” After more than 25 years, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has invested more than $29 million in research programs at places like the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Mayo Clinic, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Starry Night name comes from the lantern ceremony that follows the run. Children affected, the “Shining Stars”, and participants light up hundreds of lanterns in the evening sky to honor those who have passed and celebrate those children that live to fight another day. The event promises to be a beautiful and uplifting way to support these children and their families. For more information about the family services, research goals and nationwide events for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation visit http://www.curethekids.org/.

An important part of Bryson’s Books’ mission is finding ways to help people in need. We discovered the Starry Night event through the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and knew that the local 5K was a great way to help support an important cause, spread the word about their work and encourage others to do the same. As of today, we have raised $1,235.00 and hope to do more before the 24^th! If you would like to make a donation to the cause, you can donate on our fundraising page here or on the company’s website here. Thank you for your support!

We are delighted to have one of our first books, The Mouse Who Lost His House, featured on the lovely culture and education blog All Done Monkey! Our book was included in a list of great children's books that showcase friendship and what it really means. Check out the variety of book lists and fun activities created by Leanna at All Done Monkey and its related site, Multicultural Kid Blog!