Can These Boys, Age 6-8, Inspire Kids to Get Off Their Screens?
50% of Proceeds of Kids’ Audiobook To Benefit Dogs; Audiobook Free for Schools
It’s no secret that parents and educators worry about the effects of children’s “screen time.” But four young boys, age 6-8, from Portland, Ore. are demonstrating that kids can use “screen time” to promote good causes.
With a computer, microphone and software, the boys—Michael Cohn, 6, Edward Stipkala, 8, Adam Stipkala, 6, and Matthew Stipkala, 6–helped create a new audiobook by sharing their voices, enthusiasm, and passion for dogs and reading.
Writer Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, just released the audiobook, which is an audio version of their award-winning “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” dog picture book. Lisa Cohn narrates, Michael reads for “Bash,” and brothers Edward, Matthew and Adam read the parts of a coach and boys in the book.
Half the proceeds from sales of the “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence” book and accompanying audiobook will be donated to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). In addition, the Cohns are offering the audiobook and book free to elementary schools, in the hopes of sharing with young children the boys’ enthusiasm for dogs, reading and writing. The authors want to communicate the message that other young kids, like these boys, can write a book or create an audiobook.
Michael dedicates the audiobook to the memory of his dog, Lucy. Grief over her sudden death sparked the book project.
Listen to Michael’s dedication and preview the audiobook here:
Michael, Edward, Adam, and Matthew recently read portions of “Bash and Lucy” at a fundraiser for OHS, along with a group of dog book authors. At the event, all the authors raised more than $400 for the organization, which helps find homes for dogs from all over the country. Last year, the Cohns raised more than $300 for OHS at a book release party.
“I’m so proud of Michael, Edward, Adam and Matthew for taking part in this project with such enthusiasm,” said Lisa Cohn. “They’re all dog and book lovers, and I’m excited about sharing that love with kids across the country while raising funds for the Oregon Humane Society.”
The Cohns have already sent their new audiobook and book to a number of schools that participate in a “Skype in the classroom” lesson given by Lisa and Michael. During the lesson, the mom and son share their story and encourage kids to follow Michael’s example and write a book. Michael actively participates in the lessons, enthusiastically communicating his love of reading and writing.
Clip From Skype in the Classroom Lesson with Michael
The audiobook, along with the book, are available for purchase on Amazon.com here: Buy New Audiobook + Book on Amazon.com
“Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” illustrated by Heather Nichols of Portland, won a Mom’s Choice Silver Award and was a finalist, 2013 USA Best Book Awards.
For more information, visit www.BashAndLucy.com. Contact: Lisa Cohn BashAndLucy@gmail.com