(Madera, California) – There are several new ways for children to spend time with one of the most recognized figures in the Central Valley – George the Giraffe! This week, Valley Children’s released a new book featuring him, called “George’s Counting Adventure,” and the video game starring the healthcare network’s beloved mascot is now available on more gaming platforms.
“George’s Counting Adventure” is the sixth book in a series starring the mascot. The book, which is written in English and Spanish, is designed for younger readers, teaching them to count using features found in and around Valley Children’s Hospital. It is written and illustrated by local moms, author Claire Noland and illustrator Mykel Newton Suntrapak, both of whom have a personal connection to Valley Children’s.
“The chance to create new opportunities for kids to read and learn along with George is in line with Valley Children’s commitment to keeping kids well where they live, learn and play,” says Lynne Ashbeck, chief community impact officer at Valley Children’s Healthcare. “Stories written and illustrated by local artists – and that help kids enjoy reading, learning and counting to 10 – are the perfect way to capture our organization’s deep roots in this Valley that we have served for seven decades.”
Additionally, “Castle on the Coast” – a hand-drawn, retro 3D platformer – is now available for PlayStation and Xbox. Valley Children’s released the game last month on Nintendo Switch and PC platforms. Valley Children’s began development of the game – the first of its kind by a children’s hospital in the country – several years before the pandemic, with the goal of creating a fun, age-appropriate experience for patients.
All books in the George series – including “A Home for George,” “Out & About with George in Kern County,” “Out & About with George in Stanislaus County,” “Out & About with George in Fresno & Madera Counties” and “George Makes a Splash,” a water safety book – are available for sale through the Valley Children’s Hospital Gift Shop (only accessible at this time to current inpatients and their families), the Holiday Boutique and Petunia’s Place Children’s Books in Fresno, and My Corazon in Hanford. George stuffed animals are also for sale in the Gift Shop and Holiday Boutique. All proceeds benefit Valley Children’s patients and programs.
Valley Children’s Literacy Program will distribute free copies of the books to patients at the hospital and all Valley Children’s Medical Group locations. The Literacy Program hands out approximately 2,000 books a month to kids from Bakersfield to Modesto, with the intent to place new books in the hands of children in a region with some of the lowest literacy rates in the nation. Books range from board books for infants and toddlers to early step readers to chapter books and young adult novels.
“Castle on the Coast” is currently available for download on sites compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PC gaming platforms, Xbox and PlayStation.