Children’s book series raises money for child medical grant

Sept. 26--There's no adventure too big for Oliver the Bear, as long as his best friend, Hope the Butterfly, is at his side.

Together, they've hiked mountains and rode down creeks.

This year, they packed their bags and went on their first camping adventure.

The tales of Oliver and Hope can be found in UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation's books: 2013's "Oliver and Hope's Amusing Adventure" and 2014's "Oliver & Hope's Adventure Under the Stars."

Proceeds from this series go toward the foundation's child medical grant program, according to a release.

The grant "provides financial help and assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan," as stated on the organization's website.

"Parents should be able to worry about their child's health rather than paying for medical bills," said Will Holman, foundation representative.

More than 1,700 families nationwide received grants last year, according to a press release.

Fifteen of those grants went toward South Carolina families, including one in North Augusta.

The series is written by foundation employees Matt Peterson, Elaine Elliot, Gayle Woodis, Chris Kair, Amy Mattson, Derek Walling, Trish Drewes and Scott Otto ? these authors make up the pseudonym Meg Cadts.

Adventure advertising employees Samantha Mitzel and Abby Fitch, together known as Samantha Fitch, painted the book's watercolor illustrations.

The characters of Oliver and Hope are joined by a cheery owl named Millie and a brave English bulldog puppy named Chewie.

"In many ways, their story aligns with the mission of (the foundation) and reflects the virtues our organization feels passionate about sharing with the children and families we impact ... like acceptance, courage, perseverance and compassion," as stated on the series' website.

In "Oliver and Hope's Amusing Adventure," "the friends encounter winding trails, a crooked little creek and tall mountains, all in an effort to reach their favorite amusement park," as stated in the book's summary.

This book has won the Mom's Choice Silver Award and placed in the American Book Fest's Children's Novelty & Gift category.

In "Oliver & Hope's Adventure Under the Stars," the gang faces their fears and tricky shadows to enjoy their first camping trip, Holman said.

"It's a great book for families to read together," Holman said.

Both books have audio versions, including one read by a child.

The reader can also purchase an Oliver or a Chewie stuffed animal or download activity sheets based around the series.

This year, the foundation released another book to raise money for the grants, "Little Book Big Laughs Joke Book ? For Kids By Kids."

More than 600 jokes submitted by children around the U.S. were included in this book.

All three books and merchandise can be purchased through the foundation's website or Amazon.

Those interested in applying for a child medical grant must meet the qualifications and can apply online.

"Our medical grants have already helped thousands of children in need, and we are looking to help thousands' more children in the future," Matt Peterson, foundation president, said in a press release.

There are plans for a third "Oliver and Hope" book, Holman said.

For more information, visit www.uhccf.org or call 855-MY-UHCCF.

Stephanie Turner graduated from Valdosta State University in 2012. She then signed on with the Aiken Standard, where she is now the arts and entertainment reporter.

___

(c)2014 Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.)

Visit the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.) at www.aikenstandard.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services