CLOVIS, Calif. (FOX26) — The City of Clovis has declared “Clovis On Tour: Connecting Kids to the Story of their Hometown” as its first official children’s book.
The announcement was made during the Oct. 13th council meeting.
The book, envisioned by former Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, aims to instill pride in local children by connecting them with Clovis’ history and community.
The story follows Hayden, a third grader, on a field trip around the city aboard Dolly the Trolley.
Along the way, students meet Clovis native, Jenna Prandini, a 2020 Silver-Medal Olympian, who shares her favorite city spots.
Prandini, who contributed to the book, is providing all third graders in the seven Clovis High Area elementary schools with the new animated book. On Friday morning, she answered questions from the students of her former school, Mickey Cox Elementary, while reading the story to them.
“I’ve gotten to go everywhere, all over the world, and I always find myself right back here in Clovis,” Prandini said. “I had so many people to look up to, and that inspired me to chase my dreams, especially the teachers and coaches right here at Mickey Cox. I just think it’s my duty to come back here and inspire these kids, because without this place, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.”
The book includes a City of Clovis Tour Guide Training Kit, allowing kids to earn a Tour Guide Certificate from the mayor.
Author Susie Harder, a Clovis resident, said, “My hope is that every child who reads it feels more connected to their hometown.”
The book will officially launch at Clovis Night Out on Oct. 18 at David McDonald Park, next to Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center (one of the featured stops in the book).