Children’s Book Funded by NEA Features Rising Young Creatives

MONSON, MA — Travelnitch, a Monson-based nonprofit, has recently published a collection of short travel stories written and illustrated by rising young creatives. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, this children’s book is a product of Big Writers, Little Ears—a program encouraging young writers and artists through a unique peer-to-peer connection.
 
Big Writers, Little Ears gives teens across America the chance to participate in a free travel writing webinar. Afterwards, these talented young storytellers are encouraged to submit their own short story for consideration. A select few are then recorded as a podcast episode and featured in this book. Custom illustrations by student artists accompany each story, including one by Hailey Gustafson (Grade 4) of Monson, MA.
 
“What we love most about this program is that kids of all ages put their talents to work inspiring others,” says Amanda Renna, Founder & CEO at Travelnitch. “It gives our tiniest explorers a window to the world, and bigger kids the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience.”
 
Bedtime Stories for Young Explorers is now available online at bedtime.travelnitch.org. All proceeds support the continued success of this innovative program, which kicked off season two in early November. For more information on how to participate, visit bwle.travelnitch.org.