A new children s book written by and for elementary students from Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia shares personal stories while supporting the young authors futures. Teddy Bear Helps on the
Farm, published by Headline Books and E.G. Bear Company in Parkersburg, W. Va., is a unique collection of short stories and activities written by the children of Appalachia to inspire others.
Under the direction of children s book authors, Martin & Delia Wach and Jason Lynch of E. G. Bear Co., children from Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia schools and workshop attendees at the
Mountain State Art & Craft Fair in Ripley, W. Va., provided stories and drawings for this engaging new book. It was released at the Bob Evans Farm Festival held at the original Bob Evans
Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. The project symbolizes the power of children to impact their community and inspire others to lead successful and generous lives. This book stresses the idea that
everyone has potential - no matter their abilities or where they are from, said Jason Lynch, co-founder of E.G. Bear Company. Children and their families can explore and engage in activities
together, such as coloring and reading. There s also space for young readers to create their own stories and drawings. The process of watching the children of Appalachia reflect upon what it
means to help others was amazing, Lynch said. We hope readers are inspired to help others in their greater community through this book. The book is dedicated to Bob Evans, founder of Bob Evans
Restaurants and a native of Gallipolis, Ohio, who embodies the success anyone can achieve with the right support from their rural roots in Appalachia. A portion of the book s sales will be
donated to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) in honor of Mr. Evans to continue the organization s support of access to greater educational opportunities for Appalachian Ohios students.
