Kids Lace Up! North Star Children’s Ramble Set for Sunday, April 25th
Upcoming 21st Annual James Joyce Ramble Features
Author/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds' Book “The North Star”

DEDHAM, MA. - Nationally acclaimed author/illustrator/educator Peter H. Reynolds has once again been appointed Grand Marshall of the 21st Annual James Joyce Ramble’s children’s race. Named in honor of Reynolds’ award-winning storybook The North Star, The North Star Children's Ramble will take place on Sunday April 25th at the historic Dedham Endicott Estate, MA at 9 a.m. for children up to twelve. The 10K James Joyce Ramble, which integrates art, literature and athletics, draws approximately nearly four thousand runners and fifty thousand spectators.  Proceeds from the race go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute, which has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from the racing event over the years. 

Tom Clinton, Director of the Dedham Youth Commission shares, "Collaborating with Peter Reynolds and his teams at FableVision and The Blue Bunny has significantly expanded this youth offering into one of area's most unique and rewarding events for children - mixing both the arts and fitness into one extraordinary and holistic event."

The North Star Children’s Ramble is a free children’s race offering events of varying distances in four age groups – six and under, seven and eight, nine and ten, and eleven and twelve. More information about the children’s and adult races is available at http://www.ramble.org. To volunteer for The North Star Children’s Ramble, contact FableVision’s Dawn Haley at 617.926.1231 or e-mail northstar@ramble.org.

Now in its sixth year as part of the James Joyce race, The North Star Children’s Ramble is now a critical adjunct to the adult race. “Peter Reynolds’ work is all about stepping off the path and believing in your dreams . . . ” James Joyce Ramble’s Director Martin Hanley explains, “The James Joyce Ramble is dedicated to that kind of freedom to express who you are as an individual at any cost - and that’s a message our kids really need to hear especially in the face of peer pressure and mainstream media messages.” The event offers prizes, raffles, and contests, including certificates for all those who run.  For several years running, Boston area children’s publisher Candlewick Press has donated hundreds of books annually as part of the prize offerings.   Simon & Schuster and Penguin Books for Young Readers have also donated books to the race prizes as well, along with other sponsoring organizations working with the Dedham Youth Commission. 

The North Star book, now in its fifth edition from FableVision Press, is an illustrated allegory about a young child’s journey on the path of life which, as Reynolds points out, “encourages life-long learners to navigate their true potential.” Voted to the National Education Association's (NEA) Top 100 Book List by students across the country, The North Star was ranked 47th out of more than 8,100 children’s book titles submitted. The book has also been adapted as an elementary school curriculm and an original musical, which has been performed around the globe.  A free web version of the book is available at www.fablevision.com/northstar.

Peter H. Reynolds’ career has been accelerating in recent years with over two dozen books either already published or in production.  Accolades for his work include Publisher's Weekly "Best Children's Books 2000", and The New York Public Library's "Children's Books 2000 - 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing" List, American Library Association "Notable Children’s Books 2001",  Nick Jr. Family Magazine's "Best of 2003," Child Magazine's "Best of 2003" and "Best Book of 2003" by Valerie Lewis of "Children Book Review," to name but a few.  His most recent, award-winning book The Dot (Candlewick Press) has already been published in ten languages and is in its fourth edition after only four months and recently won a 2004 Christopher Award.  Reynolds is currently writing and illustrating several books, including illustrating a fifth Judy Moody title (Candlewick Press,) illustrating the Judy Moody spin-off series called Stink (Candlewick Press,) illustrating a second Olivia Kidney title (Philomel), writing and illustrating a follow-up to The Dot called Ish (Candlewick Press.)

Reynolds shares his publishing and media ventures with his identical twin brother Paul.  Peter and Paul Reynolds founded and run the award-winning children’s media company FableVision (www.fablevision.com) based in Boston, MA.  FableVision’s mission is to use media, storytelling, and technology to reach, support, and inspire ALL learners.  It is currently in development on a new pre-K television series with Noggin based on a new Reynolds' book series called SugarLoaf. The pair also recently launched a retail venture called The Blue Bunny located at 593 High Street in historic Dedham Square.  The Blue Bunny is Reynolds' new children’s media workshop and book/toy shop (http://www.dedhambluebunny.com), which serves to honor, inspire, and nurture active creative expression in children and adults.  For more details on Peter Reynolds’ publishing career, browse his author site http://www.peterhreynolds.com.

If you wish to volunteer for the North Star Children's Ramble - Northstar@ramble.org

FableVision has created a page dedicated to the North Star Children's Ramble, which is full of photos and results from last year's race: http://www.fablevision.com/northstar/ramble/