Innovative children's book project 'Up Up Up' helps fund early childhood programs

PHOENIX - Dec. 16, 2016 - PRLog -- A great book is more than just a read. It's a step up for a child's imagination and development. To help improve early literacy and put more high-quality children's books in the hands of young kids, Southwest Human Development, one of the nation's largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development, recently published its first-ever children's book, Up Up Up. And it's just in time for the holidays!

Written by Phoebe Fox and illustrated by Michael Hale, Up Up Up follows the journey of 10 animals on their way up to a party on the 10th floor. As the guests board the elevator, something happens that causes them to take an unexpected detour. The simple text and humorous illustrations blend perfectly to create a charming book for very young readers ages 0 to 5.

Up Up Up was selected from 250 manuscripts submitted to the First Edition Project national children's book manuscript contest last year. The selection committee included a former Caldecott selection committee member, Kathy Short; Little Free Library founder, Todd Bol; former "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" writer, Elizabeth Seamans; and a variety of other early childhood experts and passionate supporters of early literacy initiatives.

Up Up Up is available for sale at http://www.FirstEditionProject.com. The book is also available online at http://www.Amazon.com and http://www.MamaFoxBooks.com, and at retail locations in the Phoenix area including Changing Hands Bookstore, Copper Star Coffee, Duck & Decanter, Duza's Kitchen, Nestldown, Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, and The Stockroom, Inc.

As part of Southwest Human Development's commitment to early childhood literacy, sales of Up Up Up also include a "Buy One, Give One" concept where the nonprofit donates a book to a child or family in need for each copy sold.

Southwest Human Development distributes over 115,000 books annually to children and the organization started this literacy project as a solution for finding high-quality children's books at an affordable price.

"We were overwhelmed by how many entries we received when we first launched this contest," said Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development. "As a parent who reads to a 2-year-old every night at bedtime, I've learned that it is important to have a book that I can interact with my son around the story and pictures. I really enjoy finding books like Up Up Up where I can not only help my son develop literacy skills, but also discover something new myself each time I read it."

Fox is an author, school librarian and mother of three who has always lived a life rich with children's books. The idea for Up Up Up came to her when she remembered how much her toddlers loved elevators.

"They especially enjoyed riding the glass elevator at the Burton Barr Central Library in downtown Phoenix," Fox said. "My passion for children's literature developed in elementary school. I love to collect children's books and write them, so this opportunity to submit the manuscript for Up Up Up was very exciting for me."

Hale has more than 25 years of experience as an illustrator, copywriter and concept designer. Most well known for his work as the creative director for the Phoenix Zoo's Zoo Lights, and experiences designing numerous Fiesta Bowl floats, exhibits for the Arizona Science Center, and a playground at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Hale decided to put his creativity to work on one of his favorite things—children's books.

"Looking back at my work and all of the things I enjoyed the most, I knew what I really wanted to do was create for children," he said.

Southwest Human Development's First Edition Project Editor Michelle Parker-Rock brought Hale on board to illustrate the story.

"The marriage between the simple text and the character-driven illustrations is what makes this a perfect choice for very young readers," says Parker-Rock. "The humor and charm makes it something that both children and adults will enjoy."

Learn more about Up Up Up and other upcoming First Edition Project initiatives at http://www.firsteditionproject.com.