Global Gifts and Author Ingrid Hess Release First-of its-Kind
Children’s Book about Fair Trade
Think Fair Trade First Seeks to Educate Children and Adults
Indianapolis, Ind. – March 22, 2010 – Global Gifts, a fair trade store with three locations in Indiana, and Ingrid Hess, author and illustrator of the books Sleep in Peace and Walk in Peace, have released a first-of-its-kind children’s book about fair trade. The book, Think Fair Trade First, follows two children on a shopping trip with their aunt as she teaches them about fair trade and how shopping consciously can improve lives.
Global Gifts is partnering with the Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN) to bring Think Fair Trade First to a national audience. Global Gifts and the author are co-publishing the book, which is edited by Global Gifts Executive Director Sam Carpenter.
Carpenter believes that Think Fair Trade First will introduce fair trade to a new generation of supporters.
“Think Fair Trade First is the first book of its kind. It combines a fun story for children with a clear and understandable message of how fair trade helps people,” Carpenter says. “This book will fill an important niche for introducing fair trade to both children and adults.”
Think Fair Trade First engages younger readers with the story of Stella, Henry, and Aunt Mabel, while older children can read the non-fiction informational sections that accompany the story. Adults can gain a basic understanding from sharing the story with kids.
Ingrid Hess, author and illustrator of Think Fair Trade First traveled to visit many of the artisans whose products are featured in the book. About her experience she said, “Throughout my travels I was continually amazed at how significantly Fair Trade affects artisans and their families. The positive impact that Fair Trade has on entire communities is so inspiring. One man in India who is president of a cooperative of artisans affected by leprosy told me, ‘Tell all the people
that because of Fair Trade we haven’t had to beg for 28 years.’”
Think Fair Trade First will have aninitial print run of 5000 copies. Global Gifts’ three locations and many Ten Thousand Villages stores around the country will carry the book. Hess’ previous titles, Sleep in Peace and Walk in Peace, are among Global Gifts’ top-selling children’s books. Think Fair Trade First is also available from the FTRN website, www.ftrn.org.
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About Global Gifts
Global Gifts is a fair trade organization with stores in Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana. Founded by members of the First Mennonite Church, Global Gifts celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008. Global Gifts is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and limits its purchases to vendors who have a proven commitment to fair trade practices. Global Gifts builds long-term relationships with its artisan partners, many of whom might not otherwise be able to reach a market for their products. As a fair trade enterprise, Global Gifts insists on gender equity, no child labor, and safe and healthy working conditions from our artisan partners, plus an emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Global Gifts … making a difference one purchase at a time
Media Contacts:
Sam Carpenter, 317-917-1836, sam@globalgiftsindy.com
Patty Coyle Locke, 317-294-8418, pattylocke@sbcglobal.net
What are other people saying about Think Fair Trade First?
The world needs more Aunt Mabels. This book will help create them . . .
I can't wait to have this book in my hands. ~ Candi Smucker, Co-owner, Baksheesh Fair Trade
This book will be a welcome resource for socially responsible parents and teachers. . . The best part of the story-line is that the children arrive at their own decision to “think fair trade first,” an insight that matches the independent spirit of Fair Trade. ~ Jacqueline DeCarlo, Author of Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide
Think Fair Trade First explains Fair Trade's comprehensive approach to business and development with fun, educational content for kids and grown-ups alike. A great find for teachers to explain how their students can make the world a better place. ~ Carmen K. Iezzi, Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation
Kids understand fair and unfair . . . This colorful book will help kids, and adults, understand how they can help to make . . . trade fair for the people who make the products we buy. . . . . Our world really can be a better place to live for everyone if we all start to think fair trade first. ~ Doug Dirks, Ten Thousand Villages USA
