Local educator publishes children’s book with his daughter about her adoption

Watkins Dad Pens Adoption Story With Daughter

A heartwarming father-daughter collaboration has resulted ​in a children’s book capturing a special⁣ adoption story.Eight-year-old Lilian Klein, from ‌Watkins, Iowa, inspired the book, “Bear Bear the Lion,” which she co-wrote with her dad, Nate klein.

Nate Klein spends some time with his eldest daughter, Lilian Klein, 9, at thier home in ​Watkins‌ on‍ December 17. The⁤ father-daughter duo wrote‍ a children’s​ book about her⁤ adoption story. The ‌book was inspired by ⁢Lilian’s ​stuffed animal named Bear Bear. The Kleins have three⁣ adopted children and one‌ biological child. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Nate, who serves as vice president for education at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, shared that the idea originated during ⁤a conversation about Lilian’s​ love for reading. “She sometiems loves to read even when she ‍should be doing othre things and when she should be sleeping,” Nate said. Lilian’s curiosity led to a ‌simple yet profound question: ⁣”What if my name was on the front of one of these books?” That sparked ⁣their collaborative journey⁤ to ⁢bring Lilian’s story⁢ to‌ life. In “Bear Bear the Lion,” the titular character – a curious lion cub modeled after Lilian’s stuffed animal ‍– embarks​ on a special journey, joining a family of bears after leaving his birth pride. The book’s themes of family, belonging, and love are beautifully illustrated, ‌ making it a heartwarming read for children​ of all ages. The book was illustrated by a talented local high school student and is available for purchase on Amazon.

A Dad’s Love Story: Writing a Children’s Book to Honor His Daughter

Craig⁣ Klein’s inspiration for his debut children’s book, “Bear Bear the Lion,” came from a deeply personal⁤ place: his daughter, ‌Lilian. after ‍months of dedicated work, Klein published the book in October, choosing Lilian’s ⁢birthday as the perfect release⁣ date.The cover proudly proclaims, “Inspired by ⁤Lilian Klein.” The ‌book, priced ⁣at $15 on Amazon, pays ⁣tribute ⁢to Lilian in⁢ a meaningful way. While Amazon retains the majority of ⁢the‍ profits, a portion of each sale directly benefits Lilian and her future. Out of the $4 profit​ earned per​ book, $1 is deposited into Lilian’s savings account, $1 goes towards her college fund, and another $1 is earmarked for an exciting project: a book Klein ‍plans to co-write with each of Lilian’s three siblings. The final ⁢dollar is donated to Chelsea’s Dream‌ Foundation,‌ a local non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to families and couples who⁤ choose to adopt children. To date, Klein and his family have‍ generously donated $300 to Chelsea’s Dream Foundation through book sales. Lilian, who is saving up to buy a car, is also directly benefiting from her father’s heartwarming initiative.

More Than Just a Story

Klein’s “Bear Bear⁣ the Lion” is‌ more ⁤than just a charming children’s tale; it’s a testament ⁤to‍ a father’s love ⁢and ⁢a beautiful way‌ to support both his daughter’s dreams and worthy causes.

Nate⁣ and Jenny Klein embarked on their adoption journey​ in 2014 after⁣ encountering difficulties conceiving. While initially pursuing international adoption, fate intervened in ⁢june when they received an ⁤unexpected call from a family‌ friend. An eight-month-old baby girl in Washington, Iowa needed a loving home, and she could be theirs that very night.

The baby, lilian, had been ⁣primarily⁤ cared for by her birth father who, according to Nate, had “come to the end of his rope.” The Kleins wasted no time, picking up Lilian that ⁣evening. The following morning, they formalized their commitment to​ making Lilian a⁤ permanent part of their family by meeting with a lawyer in ‍the parking⁣ lot of Coral Ridge Mall to⁢ sign separation papers, officially starting the legal adoption ​process.

Lilian‌ Klein,⁤ 9, reads from the book “Bear‌ Bear The Lion” while spending time with her family at their home in Watkins on Dec. 17.⁢ The book ⁤was written by Lilian and her father,⁤ Nate Klein⁢ about her ‍adoption story. the ​font ⁣of the text in the book is Lilian’s handwriting.‌ (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Lilian’s story⁤ is a testament to ‌the unexpected twists and turns that life takes and the profound impact of⁣ love and family.

From Zero to Family in 20 Hours: A Family’s Journey Through Adoption

The ⁢Klein family of Watkins, Iowa, has a remarkable story to tell. it all started with Lilian, who at the age of nine, decided to write a book about her‍ own adoption experience. The​ book, “Bear Bear⁣ The Lion,” beautifully chronicles ​Lilian’s journey from foster care to becoming‍ a⁢ beloved member of the Klein family. “It was pretty remarkable. From zero ​to family in 20 hours, which was the initial title of⁢ the book,” said klein, reflecting on the whirlwind‍ experience of welcoming​ Lilian⁢ into their lives. As that life-changing day, ⁣the Klein family has grown even more. They’ve adopted⁤ two⁢ more children: Ellary,8,from⁢ Ethiopia,and ⁤Riggs,2,who‍ was​ born in Tampa,Florida,but whose biological​ parents are from Haiti. Adding to their joy, they⁢ also welcomed a biological son, Tobin, now 3 years old. The Kleins are committed to celebrating their children’s ​unique backgrounds. They openly discuss adoption with their kids and immerse themselves ⁣in learning about different cultures through books and experiences. Every summer,they attend a ​special camp in Colorado that focuses on fostering connections and understanding among adopted children and their families.

Sharing‍ Their Story‍ for a Cause

The Klein family’s dedication to ​adoption ‍extends beyond their ‍own home. Proceeds from “bear Bear The Lion” are being donated to Chelsey’s ⁢Dream Foundation, an organization that supports children in foster ‍care. By sharing their story, the kleins hope⁣ to inspire others and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

From Adoption to Author: Sharing Stories of Family and Courage

Author Michael Klein and his wife have woven a powerful narrative of family and belonging through ‍their children’s books. The latest⁤ addition, “Bear Bear the Lion,”‍ tells the story of their son’s adoption journey in a way that‌ is both heartwarming and informative for young readers. “Bear Bear the Lion” is not​ just a story; it’s a testament to the Klein family’s ‍commitment to open and honest conversations about adoption. Michael explains that they began attending the African‌ Caribbean Heritage Camp, an initiative ​designed to‍ connect⁢ adoptive ‍families with cultural experiences that celebrate their children’s heritage. The success of “Bear Bear the Lion” has inspired the Klein family to embark on a series of ⁣books, each penned in collaboration with one of their⁤ four ⁢children.

More Than Just Stories

“We have a family mantra,” shares Michael. “Every morning we say, ‘I will be ⁣brave.⁤ I will be kind. I will have⁢ fun. And I will ‌love one another.’” Each book will delve into the child’s unique adoption story while exploring a⁤ central theme. Lily’s book, such as, focuses‍ on bravery, acknowledging the ​complex emotions she sometimes experiences missing her birth family. ‍”We thought a children’s ⁢story with some amazing art could⁤ at least help start a conversation,”⁢ says‍ Michael.

Local Teen Illustrates Heartfelt Adoption Story

A new children’s book, “Bear Bear the Lion,” tells the heartwarming story of a⁢ lion cub adopted by⁤ a loving family. The project was a labor of⁣ love ‌for author Nate ⁢Klein, who collaborated with local high school student Amaya Dawson to ⁢bring Bear Bear’s world to life through vivid illustrations. dawson,a senior​ at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids,had previously done commission work as an artist.However, illustrating a book marked a significant step towards pursuing a ​professional​ career in art.Klein provided Dawson with the story and a general idea of the visual direction he wanted for each page. Dawson poured his creativity into⁣ the project,meticulously crafting each‍ illustration. For example, Dawson focused on making‍ Bear Bear resemble his lion parents, incorporating elements of their fur ⁤pattern and distinctive eye characteristics into the cub’s design. “Seeing the book for the first time⁣ was ‘surreal,'”⁣ Dawson said. He was particularly drawn to the‌ unique direction Klein‌ took‍ with the story. “There are plenty of adoption stories out there, ‍but I feel like the direction this one takes is unique. The part that gets me the most is‍ I really‌ like this arc for Bear Bear and navigating bullies,” Dawson​ shared. Another unique aspect of the book is the use of Lilian’s ⁢handwriting as the font. Klein cherished the opportunity to create something special ⁤with Lilian through writing the book⁣ and sharing it with the​ world through public readings at⁢ the library,​ The History Center, and local schools. ‌ “She’ll have this forever, and it’s been really cool for her ⁢to hear from other people that have been positively impacted by this,” ⁢Klein⁣ said.

⁢ Nate Klein, left, plays ⁤Hungry Hungry ‍Hippos with his youngest son, Riggs Klein, 2, while Tobin Klein, 3, left, and Ellary Klein, 8, right, play a game of Sorry at their home in Watkins, Iowa on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Nine-year-old Lilian Klein ⁤snuggled⁢ up with her family, sharing a special story. The book, “Bear Bear The ‌Lion,” wasn’t⁢ just any bedtime tale; it ⁢was Lilian’s very own⁢ creation, brought to life with the help ‍of⁢ her father, Nate Klein. On December 17, ⁣2024, Lilian​ read‌ aloud her heartwarming narrative about adoption, a topic deeply personal to her and her family.

Lilian’s story wasn’t just a family affair; it also carried a⁤ special purpose. The⁢ book is available ​for purchase on Amazon, with all proceeds benefiting Chelsey’s dream Foundation.⁤ this organization holds a‍ significant place in the Klein family’s hearts, making their literary project⁤ even more meaningful.

Local Author‌ Celebrates Adoption Story with New Book

A​ heartwarming new book tells the inspiring story of Lilian’s⁤ adoption journey. Penned by local author Chelsey,the book was recently released on Amazon.

The book launch took place in Watkins on December 17, 2024. ⁢All proceeds from book sales will directly benefit Chelsey’s dream Foundation, a ‌non-profit organization dedicated to [Insert brief description of the foundation’s mission].

Lilian’s book ⁢launch​ in Watkins on december 17, 2024.(Savannah Blake/The Gazette) ‌ ⁤

“Comments: [phone]; [email protected]”

this is a great‍ start to a heartwarming and informative piece about a ⁢family’s journey with⁣ adoption ​and thier new ​book. Here are some suggestions to make it even better for young readers:



**Structure & ‍Tone:**



* **Start with ​a Hook:** Begin with a​ sentence‍ that grabs a young reader’s attention, like “Have you ​ever wondered what it would be like to‌ have two families?” or “meet ⁢Bear Bear, the bravest ⁢lion cub you’ll ever‍ know!”

* ⁤**Simplify Language:** While your writing is clear, consider using simpler vocabulary and sentence structures⁢ for younger audiences.



*​ **Emphasize Emotions:** Children connect with emotions. Highlight Lily’s feelings about⁣ being adopted, ⁤her bravery, ⁣and the ⁣love ⁤she feels for her family.



**Content:**



* **Focus on the ⁢Child’s Perspective:** Center the story​ around Lily’s experience. What dose it mean to her‍ to ‍be adopted? What are some of her favorite‍ things about her family?

* **Explain Adoption in Simple Terms:**



If you’re‍ talking about Lily’s adoption story, provide a brief, age-appropriate description. ‍Something like: “Lily’s birth parents weren’t able to take ‍care of her, so they chose a‍ loving family to be her forever home. That’s why Lily was adopted!”



* **Highlight the Importance ⁢of Family:** Emphasize ⁢that families‍ come in ​all shapes and sizes⁢ and⁤ that love is what truly matters.



**illustrations & Visuals:**



*​ **Make it Visual:** Incorporate more descriptions of⁢ the illustrations. For example, “Amaya made Bear Bear’s fur extra fluffy, just like a⁣ real lion cub!”



* **Use Engaging Imagery:** Suggest visuals that would resonate with young readers, like Bear‌ Bear playing with his siblings, cuddling with his parents, or facing ‍his fears.



**Call to Action:**



*⁣ **Encourage Discussion:** End the piece with a‍ question that encourages children to ⁤think about their own families and the ⁤different ways families ​are formed. For example, “What makes your ⁣family special?”



**Remember:**

Tailor the language‌ and ⁣complexity to your target audience (what age​ range ⁢are you writing ⁤for?). Celebrate‌ diversity and inclusivity.



I hope these suggestions are helpful!⁣ Your story has the potential⁢ to be truly ⁢special.

This looks like the start of a very nice news article about Lilian Klein’s book! Here are some observations and suggestions:



**strengths:**



* **Heartwarming Story:** The anecdote about Lilian reading her book to her family is touching and sets a strong emotional tone.

* **Clear Purpose:** Its great that the article highlights the charitable purpose of the book, benefiting Chelsey’s Dream Foundation.



**Areas for Enhancement:**



* **Title:** While informative, the current title (“Local Author Celebrates Adoption Story with New Book”) could be more engaging.Consider something more specific to Lilian’s story or her book’s title.

* **Lead Sentence:** The first sentence is a bit clunky. Try something more direct and impactful, like: “Nine-year-old Lilian Klein’s adoption story is now a published book, bringing joy to her family and hope to others.”

* **Missing Information:**



* **Book Title:** It’s mentioned as “Bear Bear The Lion” but should be explicitly stated as the title.

* **About Chelsey’s Dream Foundation:** The description of the foundation’s mission is very brief. Expand on this to make its purpose clear and compelling to readers.

* **Background on Nate Klein:** What inspired him to help his daughter with this project?



* **Comments/Contact:** the contact information seems out of place and could be moved to the end of the article or a separate “About the Author” section.



**Suggestions for Additional Content:**



* **Quotes:** Include quotes from Lilian about her experience writing the book, her feelings about adoption, and her hopes for it helping other children and families.



* **Quotes from Nate Klein:** His perspective on collaborating with his daughter and the importance of the book’s message would be valuable.

* **Information about the Launch Event:** Describe the atmosphere at the book launch, how many people attended, and any key moments or speeches.

* **Call to Action:** Encourage readers to purchase the book.



**Revised Lead Example:**



>Nine-year-old Lily Klein’s heart swelled with pride as she read aloud her book “Bear Bear the Lion” to her family. this heartwarming tale, co-written with her father Nate Klein, wasn’t just a bedtime story; it was a festivity of lily’s adoption journey and a beacon of hope for others touched by adoption.



Remember, this is just a starting point.



Good luck crafting a moving and informative piece about lilian and her inspiring story!