Creating Global Citizens: Gulliver Books Announces Kickstarter Launch For Personalized Children’s Books, Fully Funded The First Day

by MagnoliaPR | Oct 5, 2021 | Childrens/Baby Brands, Press

Gulliver Books successfully launched and fully funded their Kickstarter campaign on October 4 for their customized educational children’s books with an emphasis on cultural exploration and travel. Gulliver and Me: Adventures Around The World is a beautifully illustrated story book featuring different destinations depending on the child’s name, making it a unique keepsake geared for children ages 0 to 8 years old.

Founder Leonard Chao, who spent his childhood in Africa, Asia, and North America, endeavors to instill a love of learning about cultures and customs for children though Gulliver Books. Each book features custom destinations based on the letters in the child’s name – for example, Amelia will adventure to Australia, Morocco, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, India, and Austria.

Every destination in Gulliver and Me features two double-page spreads packed with detailed illustrations and layers of content so kids can discover new details every time. Symbols from different countries, like flags and national animals, how to say “hello” in the local language, and actual monuments and landmarks are included.

Illustrator and concept artist James Ng lends his creative expertise to every page, drawing from his Eastern and Western cultural influences having lived in Hong Kong, Vancouver, Chicago, and New York. Perhaps best-known for his Imperial Steam & Light and Chinese Steampunk Series, Ng’s talents align with Gulliver Books’ mission of creating global citizens.

The customized concept for Gulliver Books was developed during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, when many families were unable to travel. While at home and home-schooling, Chao wanted to encourage his children to learn more about other countries and customs in order to better understand what was going on in different areas of the world. Gulliver and Me became the perfect jumping off point for lessons in geography to keep the kids engaged and eager to learn about other cultures.

“The first time I read it with them, they were just amazed with how the book knew their name,” said Chao, a father of three who currently resides in Hong Kong. “As we ‘travelled’ through each country, I pulled out the corresponding postcard (which comes with the book) at every destination, and they thought it was magical that I had the same postcard as the one that appeared on the page. This really engaged them to read further to see what happens in the end.  At the end of the story, I remember my youngest asking, ‘Is this book for me?’” 

The decision to launch a Kickstarter helps Gulliver Books create more than 60 different destinations in order to create a story for every child’s name, with each destination covering four illustrated pages. This undertaking will require around 280 illustrated pages for their complete manuscript. Kickstarter pledges start at $35 up to $450, including special perks of hardcover and softcover book pre-orders, real postcards that spell the child’s name, lesson plan booklets, and other personalized details. Both soft and hardcover books are made using sustainable materials, including thick-coated Forest Stewardship Council certified paper that is free of chlorine and PH neutral.

 “Our ultimate goal is to continue creating personalized and educational books that inspire kids to dream bigger and be more open, because in this world we live in, we can all benefit from being more understanding and accepting of other people and other ideas,” said Chao.

To learn more about Gulliver Books and their Kickstarter launch, please visit www.gulliverbooks.com and their Kickstarter here.