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Imagine waking up to find your beloved library gone, washed away by the relentless floodwaters of Hurricane Helene. That's the reality for many schools in Western North Carolina, and it's what drives our conversation with the compassionate author Carolyn Fraiser. Her heartfelt initiative to restock these lost books for K-12 classrooms unveils the power of community action and the dire need for children's literature in times of crisis. Carolyn shares her personal connection to the area, sparking a movement that started with a simple plea from a local teacher and has grown into a beacon of hope for educators and students alike. We highlight ways you can join this effort, offering a curated list of book recommendations to those eager to contribute.

We also embark on an intriguing journey through the creation of Carolyn's debut children's book, MoonTtree, unraveling the extraordinary tale of seeds sent to the moon on Apollo 14. Carolyn takes us through her meticulous research process, braving creative challenges and ultimately crafting a narrative that celebrates the resilience and innovation involved in preserving this unique piece of history. This episode isn't just about rebuilding libraries—it's about uniting communities through the shared love of stories and the enduring warmth of Western North Carolina.

Chapters and Timestamps:

1. Books for Western North Carolina (0:00:03 - 0:10:15)

• The impact of Hurricane Helene on schools in Western North Carolina
• Carolyn Fraiser's initiative to collect books for classroom libraries and families
• How listeners can contribute by donating books.

2. Exploring Children's Literature and Nature (0:10:16 - 0:22:04)

• The journey of creating Moon Tree, Carolyn's debut children's book
• Discovering the Moon Tree story and the research process involved
• The importance of perseverance and creativity in storytelling.

Links: Donate Books to Western North Carolina Schools:

• Visit Carolyn Fraiser's website to learn how you can send books and support the rebuilding of classroom libraries. You can also connect to @carolynbfraiser on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Contact author Constance Lombardo to learn how you can donate books to teachers and students in Asheville and Madison County.

Book Recommendations: If you want to donate books but don't know what to send, check out these lists.

• Flooding WNC with Children's Books
• https://bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.