The Book

Small, quiet, and just a bit fearful, a little flame sets out on a passion-filled journey of self-discovery, inspiring positive change along the way, and learning how to overcome the destructive forces of anger and grief to find her destiny as a blazing fire of global peace.

During her expedition, the little flame encounters a tall tree enamored by its own beauty, a noisy waterfall captivated by its own voice, and a thick fog weighted down by its heavy pride. The little flame grows through good deeds, eventually striking up a friendship with the fog. But the fog’s pride turns to jealousy and cruelty, and soon a new feeling flares up inside the little flame—anger. Anger devours their friendship and smothers the light of the little flame. How does the little flame recover and what becomes of her?

The Little Flame is an allegorical fable using physical phenomena to represent outstanding traits, as well as frailties of humankind, imbuing our natural world with spirituality and wonder. Fanning the flames of peace, tolerance, and compassion among young and old, this children’s picture book in hardcover illustrates the ability to do more than you ever thought possible through integrity and perseverance, while emphasizing personal peace as the first step toward global peace.

The Project

I had the story of The Little Flame swirling around inside my head for a long time before I finally wrote it down into words.  Once it was written, I knew there would be nothing more fitting to the spirit of The Little Flame than to give the story away.  One of the book's themes is growth through giving, whether it is from handing out kindness with no expectation of reward or letting go of (giving away) anger.  Because the story reflects many aspects of my own personal journey in life toward peace and joy, the tale was not meant for me; it was meant to be shared with as many children—and adults—to which it could find its way.  As the executive director of Kids Need to Read, a nonprofit children’s literacy foundation, I could think of no better way to share the story than through the organization, which could distribute the book much more widely than I ever could to children and families who cannot afford to purchase books.  Raising funds through an Indiegogo project seemed to be the best choice possible to print books at no cost to Kids Need to Read, and then give The Little Flame the most appreciative homes in which to spread its light. In this way, only goodness will profit.

The original draft of The Little Flame has gone through three edits—by a librarian, an English professor, and a professional editor—to be sure we are providing a quality book. The story is a very sweet, joyful children’s tale and Steven Riley’s art is incredibly appealing. The kiddos will adore the character of The Little Flame and will be rooting for her to succeed in her quest to become a Fire of Peace! –Denise Gary, Author

What We Need & What You Receive

We need to raise a minimum of $6,000 to fund the printing of The Little Flame for Kids Need to Read. The funds will go directly to the organization, and there is a matching gift offered for another $6,000! Because the matching funds will be provided even if the project raises more than $6,000 in donations, all additional funding raised over the $6,000 project total will be used to print additional copies and/or promote the book! Let’s see if we can put this over the top! After fulfillment of awards and shipping, the $12,000 total will make it possible for Kids Need to Read to print 5,000 copies of The Little Flame, all of which will belong to the organization to give to disadvantaged children who need inspiring books to read, as well as to sell for donations. If the total amount of $6,000 is not funded, Kids Need to Read will seek additional sponsorships to fund the difference to print The Little Flame.

We have put together fantastic supporter perks, all of which are designed to encourage and inspire, just like The Little Flame herself! Check them out below! Select packages include irresistible Little Flame plushes handcrafted by Carly Woolley, and beautiful Little Flame copper bookmarks and book clips hand-forged by Marisa Grieco, Urban Blacksmith—perfect reminders of the kind of light to keep alive in your life. Each bookmark will have a flame charm, peace symbol charm, crystal, peace stamp, and Marisa's stamp, while the finish, color, and ribbon will be unique. Each book clip will be stamped with a flame symbol, while having a unique finish and color.

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Please Help Ignite The Little Flame!

Be a Little Flame for disadvantaged children! What can be better than supporting children’s literacy by participating in the printing of an endearing children’s book that will be given to kids, schools, and libraries, while also receiving a copy of the book for you, family, and friends? We need everyone's help in spreading the word for this important project, even if you are unable to assist with funding. Word of mouth is a spectacular force, so please help us out with mentions on Facebook, Twitter, and the like, as well as by sharing directly with family and friends. Please know for every level of support, you have our most sincere gratitude. This project cannot be a success without your generous help. Shine on!

The Author: Denise Gary

Denise Gary is co-founder and executive director of Kids Need to Read, a nonprofit foundation providing books and literacy programs to disadvantaged children. In addition, Denise is co-founder and chief financial officer of RMG Imaging Artists LLC, assisting young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the field of photographic image editing. She also participates in community service work as a member of the Mesa Host Lions Club in Arizona. Denise was a home school teacher for her two sons during their junior high and high school years. This fuels her desire to help reluctant readers learn the power and joy reading can bring to their lives.

The Illustrator: Steven Riley

Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Jim Henson, and Walt Disney were all Steven Riley’s childhood heroes, and are to this day. Reaching kids through imagination and entertainment while teaching them real life lessons is something he experienced through these men in his childhood, and something he continues in the lives of children touched by his books and programs. Steven is the author and illustrator of the Little Ty Cooney National Wonders series of children’s books. He has traveled the country for many years inspiring children everywhere with his highly entertaining and secretly educational programs. He lives just outside Yosemite National Park with his wife, Julie and their two daughters, Peyton and Savannah.

The Urban Blacksmith: Marisa Grieco

Marisa Grieco is an artist who merges the contrasting worlds of fashion and blacksmithing. Using this unique blend, Marisa conjures magical adornments, each one inspired by the universe around her. Every piece Marisa creates is done so with its own purpose as she infuses her deep understanding of energies and her passion to positively affect human consciousness within her art.