Where it all began...

At ENCANTO SCHOOL, Phoenix, Arizona
Authors for Earth Day was founded by naturalist and award winning author-illustrator Brooke Bessesen (www.brookebessesen.com) after coordinating an Earth Day event on April 22nd, 2008.

That special author visit was a great success! The teachers and kids made posters and wore Earth Day pins and t-shirts. Based on a student vote Brooke donated her then fee of $700 to the winning organization and everyone cheered when the voting results were announced. The organization was so thrilled by the uniqueness of the contribution, they sent library materials to the school to thank students and staff for their support.

At the time, Brooke was simply looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day with young readers. But she quickly recognized the potential to expand the concept to an annual multi-author event. She contacted friend and colleague, award-winning author Jennifer Ward (www.jenniferwardbooks.com), who brought her own creativity and knowledge to the project and together the Authors for Earth Day coalition was born.