Two children’s book were highlighted during the BEL September webinar series. The first book, Kindness is Caring, Friendship is Sharing, will be available in Spring 2026. The second book, Gramps’ Lesson: Service Above Self, is available now through Amazon.
Director Beth Stoller of the Trumbull Rotary Club, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author Tish Rabe and West African illustrator Moka Celess, announce the launch of a new book for kids, Kindness is Caring, Friendship is Sharing, which conveys the messages of the 4-Way Test in a delightful way, includes an original sing-along song and introduces Rotary to young families.
The book brings together two of Rotary’s areas of focus, supporting education and membership, by helping children around the world learn to love reading and also introduces young parents to Rotary and encourages them to join clubs in their communities.
Ms. Rabe set the story in the African plains and it stars Amani, a little zebra who lives with her mother and is learning what it means to care about others and have others care about her. The book inspires everyone to make our world a kinder, gentler place and includes interactive questions to help little readers learn even more from the story.
The book is set for release on March 2, 2026 in time for the celebration of Read Across America in the U.S.A and over 25 Rotary Clubs, members and organizations have formed a partnership to make this book a reality.
To learn more, contact
Beth Stoller, a Past President of Trumbull, Rotary and a Rotarian for 11 years, Beth Stoller- 203-895-3583 Beth@trumbullrotarykidsbooks.org
Gramps’ Lesson: Service Above Self is a heartfelt children’s book inspired by the author’s, Megan Jackson-Schmidt, family’s deep-rooted Rotary legacy and her desire to pass on the values of kindness, empathy, and community service to the next generation. The story follows a young child learning what it means to live a life of purpose through the quiet, powerful example of their grandfather a dedicated Rotarian.
It’s a tribute to the lessons we learn not just through words, but through the way our loved ones live their lives.
Megan chose to write this book as a way to honor her grandfather, who not only served as District Governor of Rotary District 6510 fifty years ago, but also founded the Belize Children’s Project a life-changing initiative that brought children from Belize to the United States for orthopedic surgeries they couldn’t otherwise access. His quiet humility and tireless service shaped the person I am today, and it’s my hope that this story plants the seeds of compassion and service in young readers everywhere.
Giving Back
In honor of her grandfather’s legacy, 20% of all proceeds from this book will be donated directly to the Belize Children’s Project.
About the Belize Children’s Project
Started by Megan’s grandfather over four decades ago, the Belize Children’s Project partners with Rotary clubs, Shriner hospitals, and medical professionals to identify children in Belize with severe orthopedic needs and bring them to the United States for surgery and rehabilitation. The project has helped hundreds of children gain mobility, confidence, and access to a better future at no cost to their families. It remains a living
example of what one person’s compassion, supported by a global network of service, can achieve.
The book may be purchased through Amazon at this link.