Dream Big Publishing

We want to extend my deepest gratitude to Louis Carr, Andy Butcher, and the entire Waymaker Team for featuring author, Thomas Dear, in the 2023 Waymaker Journal Winter Issue. To our team, we are truly grateful for each of you. We couldn’t have done any of this without your support and belief in what we do.

Be sure to grab a copy! (Page 38-40)

Full story here: https://tinyurl.com/mpj8h69m

Author, Thomas Dear, was invited to City Garden Montessori Charter School for an author visit where he read to the students his children's book, 'Teddy Makes Cents.' He discussed the importance of saving your money and how to set money saving goals. Also, he was able to share with them my journey as an author. He had such a wonderful time interacting with the students and look forward to returning in the future. Until next time!👋🏿

Special thanks to, Principal Isom, for this awesome opportunity! Also, thank you to our videographer, Jaz, for the amazing footage!🎥

Full Video Link: https://youtu.be/SNXKdj_b2U0

Author, Thomas Dear, was invited to Highcroft Ridge Elementary School for their speaker series where students learned about financial responsibility and his journey as an author. We had such an awesome time and the students were great! Special thanks to Mrs. Wood for considering us for this awesome opportunity. Until next time, RedHawks!👋🏿

Full Video Link: https://youtu.be/i6y7MJ01m-8?feature=shared

Stay the course and BELIEVE!

📸 Brian McDonald, 4Macs Photography

Thank you, Ms. Neva, for inviting us to be a vendor and guest speaker at yesterday’s Musicians’ Connection Piano Recital Event. The work that your organization is doing to cultivate and showcase the amazing talent of the youth through music is incredible! It was truly an honor to be apart of this amazing event.

Thank you, WAY Center, for inviting author, Thomas Dear, as the closer for your summer program, ‘All About Money.’ It was an honor for him to share his journey with the students and read to them his children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ Afterwards, he had an activity prepared for the students called, ‘The Ice Cream Activity.’ It ties in nicely with the book. They had to create their own ice cream cone and present it to the class.

They were asked, “How does the ice cream cone represent them?” “What would you name the ice cream cone?” “How much would you sell the ice cream cone for if Teddy asked for one?” The students seemed to have really enjoyed the activity. It helped build the students self esteem. They showed amazing ingenuity. They learned the value of hard work and were rewarded for their efforts with ice cream. And most of all, they had fun!

Special thanks to the WAY Center Organization for this incredible opportunity. Also, special thanks to jazb_snappin for the awesome photos and video footage. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and we look forward to collaborating with you more in the future.

Full Video Link: https://youtu.be/6ocFzU2m1gs

Author, Thomas Dear, with members of the University City and Dellwood Community this past weekend for their Juneteenth Celebration Event. He had an awesome time interacting with the youth and educating them about financial literacy through fun financial activities. Thank you for your continued support!

Author, Thomas Dear, had the privilege of speaking with County Executive Sam Page at yesterday’s Juneteenth Celebration Event in Dellwood, Missouri. They discussed his children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ and its significance. They all agreed that educating the youth about financial literacy at a young age will benefit them tremendously. Thank you for your support! We wish you continued success.

Hello Everyone👋🏿 Please join us this upcoming Saturday, June 17th, and Monday, June 19th, at EyeSeeMe Bookstore & Dellwood Rec Center for a day full of fun and community bonding! There will be music, community info tables, storytelling, food & refreshments, and more. Also, author, Thomas Dear, will have fun financial activities prepared for the youth. Financial Literacy is a vital skill we need to foster in our children at a young age. We look forward to seeing everyone at these events.

Author, Thomas Dear, was honored when asked to return to his elementary school for their summer program. The students are learning about entrepreneurship. So, he was able to share his experiences with them and the things he has learned along the way.

Prior to him walking into the classroom, the students had just finished watching
his news segment on the ‘Pulse of St. Louis.’ Their teacher posed the question, “If Mr. Dear was here, what would you ask him?” They had no idea what was about to happen next😎.

Author, Thomas Dear, first published children's book titled, 'Teddy Makes Cents,' will be featured on the Pulse of St. Louis! He was honored to sit along side Mr. Blair, owner of Eyeseeme Children's Bookstore, who recently received the 2023 Midwest Bookseller of the Year Award. They discussed all things new with the bookstore and his book as well. Special thanks to Jasmine Huda FOX 2 for this incredible opportunity!

The news segment will air:

*Saturday, May 27th at 7:30pm on KPLR News 11

*Sunday, May 28th at 10am on KTVI Fox 2

A few weeks ago, author, Thomas Dear, had the pleasure of returning to his alma mater, Pershing Elementary, as a guest speaker for their MAP(Missouri Assessment Program) Rally. He helped to encourage the students and spoke on the importance of education. They were really engaged and participated in the discussion. Later, he was informed that the students did exceptionally well on their Map Test. It’s a very rewarding feeling to hear he made a difference in their lives.

Thank you, Pershing Elementary, for allowing us the opportunity to pay it forward. Special thanks to Mrs. Colquitt, Ms. Davenport, Ms. Daniels, and Ms. Hawkins for believing in us. Also, special thanks to Fam Establishment Media for all your efforts and capturing these positive moments.

Full Video Link: https://youtu.be/I_mgMrZTe1U

Author, Thomas Dear, was asked to return to Larimore Elementary for their after school program, ‘Money Matters,’ through the Boys & Girls Club of St. Louis. During his visit, he read to the students his children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ Afterwards, he had an activity prepared that tied in with his book.

The protagonist in his book, Teddy, really likes ice cream. So, he posed the question, “If you were to design a new ice cream cone, what would it look like?” The students were encouraged to get creative with real ingredients(ice cream cones, icing, candy, sprinkles, etc). Then, he posed a few follow up questions: What would you name your ice cream cone? How much would you sell your ice cream cone for?

He was able to captivate the minds of the students through his activity. It helped build their self esteem. They showed amazing ingenuity. They learned the value of hard work and were rewarded for their efforts by enjoying their ice cream cone.

Special thanks to Larimore Elementary and Hazelwood School District for having us again. The support you have shown us has been amazing and we are truly grateful. Also, special thanks to my photographer/videographer, Topp, for not only capturing these awesome moments but positively impacting the students lives as well.

A few weeks ago, author Thomas Dear, attended Project Lyf3’s event, ‘Dudes, Dads, and Donuts.’ Fathers and sons were invited to have donuts, refreshments, and real discussions. It was an awesome event! Mr. Dear was an exhibitor on behalf of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and was able to showcase his book.

While he was there, he had the distinct pleasure of meeting professional baseball player, Robert Person. He was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 1989. He went on to play for the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Soxs. Person attained many of his career highlights with the Philadelphia Phillies as a starting pitcher. He earned the Phillie of the Year Award in 2000 and was the recipient of the St. Louis Baseball Writers Association Award for Outstanding Achievement the following year. Thank you for stopping by and grabbing a copy of ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, St. Louis Chapter of Jack & Jill, for having author, Thomas Dear, as a panelist on your panel discussion with authors. He discussed his children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ and journey as an author with the youth. It was an awesome discussion and the students asked a lot of great questions.

Special thanks to St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature for this awesome opportunity.

F U L L • C I R C L E • M O M E N T

In late 2017, Mr. West and author Thomas Dear, were working in the banking industry. An incredible opportunity would present itself and forever change their lives. If you would have told them back then that it would put Mr. Dear on path of writing a children’s book and Mr. West in education. I’m sure they both would have laughed in disbelief. It’s not because it was unattainable. Neither one of them saw it in their plans. However, GOD DID! Let me explain.

The bank they worked for sponsors a non-profit organization that promotes financial capability, work and career readiness, and business ownership. Every year that organization asks for volunteers to deliver lessons and share experiences with students. So, Mr. West and Mr. Dear decided to team up and volunteer their time. They were placed at an elementary school in the Ferguson/Florissant School District and were responsible for forty 4th Grade Boys. Students were taught the importance of financial literacy and they, the adults, learned the true meaning of patience😆.

Now, Mr. West is a teacher at Marion Elementary within the Ritenour School District and Mr. Dear is an author. Thanks to Mr. West, Mr. Dear was able to have an author visit at the school and read to the students his children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ It was an AWESOME event and they seemed to have really enjoyed the story.

Special thanks to Mr. West and Marion Elementary for this wonderful opportunity! Also, special thanks to our photographer and videographer, Topp, for always being a phone call away whenever these opportunities present themselves🤝🏿.

Author, Thomas Dear, biggest supporter (Mom) and the wonderful Kym Whitley.

His mother had the pleasure of gifting Ms. Whitley an autographed copy of his children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’

Thank you, Ms. Whitley, for your support!

Author, Thomas Dear, was honored when asked to be a presenter at this year’s Black Excellence Celebration, ‘Hudson My Story.’ The students of Hudson Elementary heard from Black Entrepreneurs, Artists, Influencers, Doctors, and more at the annual event. He had the pleasure of reading his children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ and discussed with them the importance of financial literacy.

Special thanks to Desmond Alexander for inviting us to come and speak with the youth! We greatly appreciated the warm welcome we received from the staff and students. It was a delightful experience and we look forward to collaborating with you again in the future. Also, special thanks to our photographer and videographer, Topp. He’s been on this journey with us since the very beginning. Gratitude🤝🏿.

Author, Thomas Dear, and other St. Louis Black Authors were guest speakers at this year’s MLK Day event held at the Missouri History Museum. We commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy through storytelling using music and literature. The auditorium was packed and the participation from the audience was AMAZING! Mr. Dear shared with the young readers his journey as an author and encouraged them to always DREAM BIG! Afterwards, they received a free autographed copy of the book.

Special thanks to St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature for this awesome opportunity. Also, special thanks to the Missouri History Museum, for giving us the platform to share our stories.

Thank you, Hazelwood School District, for the feature in your monthly newsletter. It has always been a goal of author, Thomas Dear, to incorporate, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ in the schools. So, to see it come to fruition is a dream come true. No dream is ever too small…DREAM BIG!💭✍🏿

Full Article: https://www.hazelwoodschools.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=43&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=34594&PageID=1

It was truly an honor to participate in this year’s Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights event, sponsored by St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature. A free family-friendly event held at Kiener Plaza with local holiday themed talent performances, giveaways, photo ops with mascots, real live reindeer and a magical fireworks finale. Thank you, Julius Anthony, founder of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, for this amazing opportunity! An organization that ensures all children become confident and competent readers by the end of third grade.

Also, we had the wonderful pleasure of connecting with Congresswoman Cori Bush at the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights event. Thank you for stopping by the literacy booth and grabbing a copy of our children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ Your support is greatly appreciated.

Author, Thomas Dear, had such an AWESOME time interacting with the students at Larimore Elementary during his author visit and reading to them, his very own children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ When he first embarked on this journey. He was simply following his dream with no idea of what the future had in store for him.

When he was their age, he didn’t like to read. He was an average student who didn’t apply himself. Now, here he is discussing his children’s book. How ironic, right?! Well, his hope is to inspire the next generation and show them that anything is possible. No dream is ever too small…DREAM BIG!💭✍🏿

Special thanks to the illustrator, Demar Douglas, for joining us via Zoom and sharing his story with the students. Also, special thanks to the photographer/videographer, Topp Turner, for capturing a lot of these wonderful moments. Lastly, special thanks to the staff of Larimore Elementary for believing in him and allowing him this opportunity. We are forever grateful for everyone’s support.

Thank you to the community of Dellwood, MO, for joining us this past Saturday for ‘Story-Time In The Park.’ It was a wonderful event with great weather, lots of laughter and fun. Author, Thomas Dear, had the awesome pleasure of reading his children’s book titled, ‘Teddy Makes Cents.’ Both the parents and children seemed to have really enjoyed the story. Afterwards, the children were gifted a free autographed copy of the book.

Special thanks to Refuge and Restoration NPO and St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature for this AMAZING opportunity!