The City of Clovis has come together to create an official children’s book — aiming to bolster pride in the community and connect kids with the people, places, and history that makes Clovis special.
On Monday, the City Council declared “Clovis on Tour: Connecting Kids to the Story of their Hometown,” the city’s first official children’s book.
“Dedicating ‘Clovis on Tour’ as the city’s official children’s book is a proud moment for our community and an inspiration to every student,” says Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck. “My hope is that for generations to come, when a Clovis child reads this book, they are filled with pride for their community.”
The city dedicated the book to the community’s youth with the goal of fostering connection and a sense of belonging.
It reflects more than a year and a half of community collaboration and support — funded through donations from multiple local organizations.
“I hope that every child who reads it feels more connected to their hometown, proud of the people who make Clovis special,” said author Susie Harder.
Harder is a best-selling children’s book author, speech-language pathologist in Clovis Unified School District, and the founder and CEO of Authorable, a nationwide program that connects classrooms to the world of book publishing.
Additionally, as part of the city’s collaboration with Clovis Unified on the project, the book will be available in every third-grade classroom and elementary school library within the district.
Students holding the City of Clovis’s first official children’s book, “Clovis on Tour: Connecting Kids to the Story of their Hometown.” (Authorable)
The city will officially launch the book at Clovis Night Out on Saturday from 4 p.m. to dark.
Clovis on Tour Takes Readers on a Local Adventure
Clovis on Tour aims to foster community pride, taking the young readers on an adventure through their hometown.
The story follows Hayden, a third grader who takes a surprise field trip around the city on the local trolley, affectionately called Dolly the Trolley.
Along the way, students meet Jenna Prandini, a Clovis native and silver-medal Olympian who acts as their guide through the city.
Each stop features local discoveries, prompting a deeper understanding and appreciation for Clovis.
Additionally, the book includes a City of Clovis Tour Guide Training Kit for readers to create their own tours, an opportunity for kids to earn an official City of Clovis Tour Guide Certificate from the mayor, and signature pages that encourage kids to meet community heroes.
Proceeds Return to the Community
Proceeds from “Clovis on Tour” will support The Cougar Foundation – Prandini Dream Big Project, a nonprofit founded by Prandini to empower young athletes in Clovis Unified and beyond by providing scholarships, mentorship, and community programs.
“This community has given me so much, and I’m grateful for the chance to give something back through this book,” said Prandini. “Kids will see how wonderful their city is, feel proud to call it home, and be inspired by all the possibilities that grow right here.”
Prandini, a Clovis native, represented Team USA in two Olympic Games, earning a silver medal in the 4×100 meter relay and a world championship gold in 2022.
This month, she will visit several Clovis Unified elementary schools to visit with students and share the book.