How an inspired publishing house is taking on the world with words

Aaspirations Publishing, a committed green publisher based in Canada, is collaborating with Eco-Libris for more than two years, planting with us over 10,000 trees to green up great books such as as "The Micro Meanies", "Where the Buttercups Grow", "Under the Desk" and "I Love to Be Me".

Last September, Aaspirations Publishing suffered the sudden and tragic loss of its founder and CEO, Anjali Sondhi, to Dengue fever while working in India. Now the publishing house is headed by her husband, Anil, who is determined to continuing the committed work of this unique publishing house.

The last newsletter of Inc. 500|5000 dedicated an interesting piece to Aaspirations Publishing and their work that I would like to share with you:

In an age when the book business can seem to be guarded, gilded, and, well, way too digital (admit it, an algorithm recommends more books to you than your friends do), here's an Inc. Community company committed to making book selling a community affair. With offices in New York, Toronto and Delhi, India, Aaspirations Publishing is looking to make the world a better place, one book at a time.

The company was founded based on the vision and passion of writer Anjali Sondhi, with the support of her husband Anil. After their daughter experienced the closed doors of many a publishing house in an effort to publish her children's book, the couple decided to open their own publishing house, one with a clear purpose at heart. Their mission? To support good works in the world through books—their authors, their consumers, and their lessons.

According to Anil, "Every book we publish has an important message for the world." And for each book, Aaspirations supports good works projects associated with that book topic that range from tree-planting to fundraising to children's education programs. For Aaspirations, each book becomes the inspiration and driver for change "for people in pain, for people who want to learn, for people in the world who need things". Aaspirations has a concentration on children's and teens' books, and thus supporting global literacy, learning and awareness seems like an appropriate purpose. They also consider themselves a "green" publishing house—they plant a tree for every children's book they print, and all their teen books are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Sadly, Aaspirations recently suffered the sudden and tragic loss of their visionary founding CEO, Anjali Sondhi, to Dengue fever while working in India this September. In her memory, Anil says that Aaspirations is carrying on full throttle, growing the business toward the fulfillment of her dream under the guidance of her vision. Anil affirms fervently that her memory helps the Aaspirations team push harder toward its goal of making the world a better place—"her vision was that great, and this was her passion."

In the future, Aaspirations hopes to move on to Anjali's long-time goal of making movies based on the books that it publishes. The first one is due to be finished by the end of next year. The team at Aaspirations remains committed to growing the business to scale without losing sight of its challenging dual mission to succeed as a for-profit company and to make a positive impact in the world. Thus, it's a good thing that the folks at Aaspirations don't do anything in the publishing world by the book.

You can find more information on Aaspirations Publishing on their website at http://www.aaspirationspublishing.com/

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: Promoting sustainable reading!

Eco-Libris is collaborating with Books of Giving on a new book: 'I Love to Be Me' by Kate Lilja

We are happy to announce a new collaboration with Books of Giving, a division of Aaspirations Publishing, starting with the beautiful book 'I Love to Be Me' by Kate Lilja.

We have been working for a long time with Aaspirations Publishing, a green publisher from Toronto, that is truly committed to environmental and social causes, on books such as "The Micro Meanies", "Where the Buttercups Grow" and "Under the Desk". Now a tree will be planted for every copy of one of the editions of 'I Love to Be Me', which is the first book to be published with Books of Giving.

So what's this book is about?

Sometimes, it’s tough to remember just how special you are, particularly when you face challenges that set you apart from others. The truth is, we are all different in some way! It’s the differences that make us special and it’s the differences that are our gifts.

That’s the message of this delightfully simple book written by Kate Lilja when she was just seven years old. Feeling out of place and a bit discouraged one day, she decided to write a story for other kids who might be feeling just the same way. Kate wrote and illustrated I Love To Be Me as a reminder for children of all ages to love themselves exactly as they are.

The author is a 13-year old Canadian girl and it has a very special story behind it that you can read about in an article about her that was published last week on TheRecord.com.

The book is printed in two editions - the first one contains a special dedication to the Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ontario Canada . A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this edition will be donated to their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The second one, which is balanced out by Eco-Libris, contains a special dedication from Craig Kielburger, Founder of Free the Children. A portion of the proceeds from this edition will be donated to organizations that support children in need. Groups may use this edition for fundraising for their cause.

About Books of Giving:

Books of Giving shows you how to create, produce and sell your book to raise money for your causes or your charity. Books of Giving shows you how to publish books and use them to fundraise. You can help your community. You can help the world. Books of Giving helps you to get attention for your causes or issues. Want to give back to your community? Books of Giving can help. More details at http://booksofgiving.com

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: Promoting sustainable reading!

Happy birthday to Aaspirations Publishing!

Congrats to our partner Aaspirations Publishing that is celebrating its fourth anniversary today!

Aaspirations Publishing is a green publisher of Toronto, Canada that is collaborating with Eco-Libris to plant a treefor every children’s’ picture book they print. We planted so far thousands of trees for great books such as "The Micro Meanies" by Lynda Anderson and "Where the Buttercups Grow" by Shelley Meyer.

Aaspirations Publishing is celebrating its 4th anniversary with the success of the Canadian Bestseller, The Last Six Minutes by Sandra Martins -Toner and a line up of great books by their talented authors and illustrators; as well as a possible movie in the offing.

Coming soon, their mag-a-log for kids, called My Book and much more great stuff as they team up to bring the pleasure of reading books and more, to customers around the world.

So happy birthday Aaspirations Publishing! We wish them many more years of great success, with many more interesting new books and of course many more trees to be planted on their behalf.


Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: promoting green books!

An interview with Shelley Meyer, author of the new children's book "Where the Buttercups Grow"

"Where the Buttercups Grow" is a great children's book, and we're not saying it just because we're collaborating with the publisher, Aaspirations Publishing, to plant a tree for every copy sold, but because we really think so, and that's also the feedback we got from couple of kids in the Eco-Libris family we asked to check it out.

This book is beautifully written by Shelley Meyer and vividly illustrated by her daughter Tessa Meyer (in the photo above at the first book launch in Surrey).

Here's the short version of what this book is about (the longer version can be found here):

In a beautiful field, the buttercups grow, but when two children have no respect for nature, garbage begins to pile up high. Are the days of the buttercups over, or will help come to rescue the buttercups from a fate more deadly than illness? See the difference that children can make when they set their mind to it and decide to take care of Mother Earth.

I wanted to learn more about the book and the author and I asked Shelley Meyer to join us for an interview, and here it is:

Hi Shelley. What led you to write this beautiful book?
I have 23 years experience teaching children and in that time am raising two of my own. Needless to say, I have read many books to many children, and have always thought how great it would be to write one of my own. So, having seen "The Bucket List" movie, which encourages doing things you want to do, and not just talking about it, I was motivated to get going on writing my own book.

I wanted the book to be about something that would teach children that they can make a difference to our world, one step at a time, as this is something I have always incorporated in our learning. We are part of the Adopt a Street Program, which means we pick up garbage on our street, we have been part of the Bulb planting program in our community, we have always planted a "graduation tree" for the class, we recycle and we always acknowledge Earth Day.

Why of all the flowers you chose buttercups to be the center of your book?
Because most children are familiar with buttercups. You know, holding one under your chin to see if you like butter. They are also such a visible wild flower that I knew most children would be acquainted with them.

On the back of the book it says that as a teacher "you hope to teach young children values they can live up to all their lives". What are the values you hope children will learn from this book?

I am hoping that most children ultimately learn the importance of respect for their community and for each other and that all people, young and old can make a difference even in the smallest of positive acts.

What was it like to work with your daughter, who is the book's illustrator, on the book?

My daughter is such a motivated person, that is something I totally admire about her. She has always enjoyed drawing and has a natural talent for it, so for us to work on this together, was an invaluable experience and a memory that I will cherish.

Your book is filled with optimism and the notion that change can be achieved if we are ready to work to make it happen. Is it something you really believe in considering all the difficulties we face to make even the slightest changes?

I absolutely believe we can make changes even in the smallest ways. If we think of the big picture we may be discouraged. But if we can focus on what we can do, and not we cannot do, then change will absolutely happen. And more people get on board because they see the difference and before you know it, these little changes add up to big changes. I think this is a good way to pace yourself through life. Take on what you can and be proud of that!

What do you think is the best way to educate children on the importance of sustainability?

I think the best way to educate children on the importance of sustainability is "hands on." Get them out there to plant trees and flowers so they can see what needs to be done so as not to deplete our forests. Get them recycling and explain why so they can understand the importance of reducing and reusing. Reading to them, showing them pictures of "treeless areas" etc. They need visual and hands on learning in order to achieve understanding.

Who is your environmental hero?

I so admire the work of Dr. David Suzuki and Al Gore. They are renowned environmentalists who force us to take a look at our lifestyles and seek to change them in ways that protect our Earth. I also admire my little preschoolers when I see them outside picking up garbage or planting their graduation tree, know full well they are making a difference.

What are the feedbacks you receive from children and parents?

I am so lucky to have their support. They are so proud of my daughter and I and they are so glad that the book is one that will teaches their children the values that they as parents are teaching them at home. The children love that they know the author and the illustrator and they like the message and are encouraged to get out their and clean things up. I have had a few children who now bring buttercups into their homes to be put into vases. Parents especially like the Eco-Libris association because having trees planted because they purchased a book is so significant.

How do you feel about the fact that one tree is being planted for every book with Eco-Libris?

This is the best. How great to have one tree planted for every book sold. I am honoured to be associated with Eco-Libris. This fits into the message of the book perfectly and children and parents can feel they are doing something very proactive.

What are your plans for the future? are you working on any new children's book?

I am absolutely planning on writing more books. My second one is done, just needs to be polished before getting published. All my books will have a "Kids Can Make a Difference Theme." Because I know they can. Then they will carry this attitude into their adult life and hopefully pay it forward and teach other kids that they too can make a difference.

Thanks Shelley!

You can purchase a copy of the book at http://www.aaspirationspublishing.com/where-the-buttercups-grow.html

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: promoting green reading!

Photos and video from the book launch of 'Where the Buttercups Grow' with author Shelley Meyer

We announced earlier this month on the collaboration with Aaspirations Publishing to plant 5,000 trees for their new children's book ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’.

The book launch of this great book was held in Chapters in Surrey with the author Shelley Meyer (see photo above). You can see photos from the book launch on Aaspirations Publishing's website. Here's also a video from the event:

Beautifully written by Shelley Meyer and vividly illustrated by her daughter Tessa Meyer, this inspiring and powerful story will find a spot on every child's list of favorites, especially when they can carry the story forward in their own lives and plant their very own buttercups. This wonderful title is doubly special because for every book 1 tree has been planted.

To order your copy of the book click here, or if you are in the area, drop in at the Chapters at Strawberry Hill, 12101 on 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 2M1.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: promoting green printing

5000 trees planted for teacher turned author’s first storybook!

Eco-Libris is proudly partnering for some time with Aaspirations Publishing, a green publisher based in Toronto and publishes books on issues that are often ignored. Today we're happy to announce on 5,000 trees that will be planted for their book ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’!

Not only that one tree is planted for every copy printed, but customers that buy ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’ can electronically adopt one of the 5000 trees planted for ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’ in the name of the one they love. As well as display a message to the person in whose name they adopted the tree. Isn't that awesome or what?

Here's a little bit more about this book which was beautifully written by Shelley Meyer and vividly illustrated by her daughter Tessa Meyer:

What happens when a mother-daughter team combine the beauty of buttercups, the power of storytelling and a great respect of nature to create a wonderful book with amazing art?

In a beautiful field, the buttercups grow, but when two children have no respect for nature, garbage begins to pile up high. Are the days of the buttercups over, or will help come to rescue the buttercups from a fate more deadly than illness? See the difference that children can make when they set their mind to it and decide to take care of Mother Earth.

Beautifully written by Shelley Meyer and vividly illustrated by her daughter Tessa Meyer, this inspiring and powerful story will find a spot on every child's list of favourites, especially when they can carry the story forward in their own lives and plant their very own buttercups. This wonderful title is doubly special because for every book 1 tree has been planted.

Customers that buy ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’ can electronically adopt one of the 5000 trees planted for ‘Where the Buttercups Grow’ in the name of the one they love. As well as display a message to the person in whose name they adopted the tree.

The author Shelly Meyer is a wife and mother of two children. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She enjoyed teaching for 5 years and is now the owner and operator of Li’l Munchkin Preschool. Her preschool program encourages care and respect for each other and for the environment. Shelley's mother works with her, and together they hope to teach young children values they can live up to all their lives.

To order your copy of ‘Where the Buttercups Grow,’ visit www.aaspirationspublishing.com and click on the book of the month, or if you are in the area, drop in at the Chapters at Strawberry Hill, 12101 on 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 2M1.

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Aaspirations Publishing believes recession is the time to expand and opens an office in India

Eco-Libris is a proud partner of Aaspirations Publishing, a green publisher of Toronto, Canada that is opening now a second office in India!

We're collaborating with Aaspriations Publishing to plant a tree is for every copy of their new titles, which will also carry our logo ‘One tree planted for every book’. We have planted so far trees for great books such as "The Micro Meanies" by Lynda Anderson and "Where the Buttercups Grow" by Shelley Meyer.

Aaspirations Publishing is reporting that a close association is planned between the two offices to nurture and bring talent to the forefront and enable increasing book sales in both countries through co-publishing deals.

The first three books to be launched in India will be The Micro Meanies by Lynda Anderson and Melanie Bennett and The Haven Spear by Nick Mucci.

Both the books are part of a brand, with multi-title series and the possibilities for merchandising and more. 'I see a closer connection between books and movies, merchandising and music, and between different countries as talent abounds and gets an outlet to expand,' says publisher Anjali Sondhi.

More details on Aaspirations Publishing and their books is available at http://www.aaspirationspublishing.com

This is great news and we wish Aaspirations Publishing a great success with their move!

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

A new children's book "Where the Buttercups Grow" is going green with Eco-Libris

Our partner Aaspirations Publishing has a great new children book coming - "Where the Buttercups Grow". This wonderful title, which is the work of a mother-daughter team, is doubly special because a tree is being planted with Eco-Libris for every book!

Here is some more information about the book:

Title: Where the Buttercups Grow

Author: Shelley Meyer

Shelley Meyer is a wife and mother of two children. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She enjoyed teaching for 5 years and is now the owner and operator of Li’l Munchkin Preschool. Her preschool program encourages care and respect for each other and for the environment. Shelley's mother works with her, and together they hope to teach young children values they can live up to all their lives.

Illustrator: Tessa Meyer

Tessa Meyer, the book’s illustrator is the author’s 17 year old daughter. She graduated from high school in 2008 and has an undying passion for soccer. She is currently on the Whitecaps Reserve roster and is playing for Trinity Western University where she is currently studying. Illustrating has been her long-time hobby and she has truly enjoyed using her creativity to illustrate this book.

What's the book about: What happens when a mother-daughter team combine the beauty of buttercups, the power of storytelling and a great respect of nature to create a wonderful book with amazing art?

In a beautiful field, the buttercups grow, but when two children have no respect for nature garbage begins to pile up high. Are the days of the buttercups over, or will help come to rescue the buttercups from a fate more deadly than illness? See the difference that children can make when they set their mind to it and decide to take care of Mother Earth. Beautifully written by Shelley Meyer and vividly illustrated by her daughter Tessa Meyer, this inspiring and powerful story will find a spot on every child's list of favourites, especially when they can carry the story forward in their own lives and plant their very own buttercups.

Pre-orders are open at www.aaspirationspublishing.com or click on http://www.aaspirationspublishing.com/where-the-buttercups-grow.html to read more and to buy.

We will soon review the book and give away one copy so stay tuned!

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Special offer on Aaspirations Publishing's website

Earlier this month we announced on our collaboration with Aaspriations Publishing of Toronto, Canada, where a tree is planted with Eco-Libris for every copy of their new titles. Now they also have a special holidays offer for our stickers on their website.

You can order our stickers from Aaspirations Publications' website, or simply add it on to your order of books. For every sticker bought, one tree will be planted with our planting partners. And that's not all! You will receive a $2 cash coupon on every purchase of more than 2 stickers.

Offer ends November 30th, so you've got 9 more days to check it out.

Happy green holidays!
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

A new collaboration with Aaspirations Publishing, a proud green publisher!

We are very happy to announce our new collaboration with Aaspriations Publishing of Toronto, Canada. A tree will be planted for every copy of the new titles published henceforth, which will also carry our logo ‘One tree planted for every book’.

Aaspirations Publishers is a proud green publisher that decided to go green as much as they can. As you can see from the steps they have taken their move represents a true commitment to the environment.

So what does it mean for Aaspirations Publishing to be a green publisher? Here's a summary of the measures they take:

Local Print On Demand

Firstly, their books are printed within 24 hours when an order is generated and are shipped directly to the customer, straight from the printer – thus reducing the distance traveled and resulting in the smallest carbon footprint, possible.

No books printed on virgin forest paper

All books published by Aaspirations Publishing use a certain percentage of recycled paper and no papers are sourced from endangered old growth forests, forests of exceptional conservation value or the Amazon Basin. All papers used in printing are FSC – The Forest Stewardship Council; SFI – The Sustainable Forestry Initiative; PEFC – The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification or GREEN-E.

Green fax, Recycling and Switch Off when not in use Programs

They have a new Green Fax, which sends faxes straight to their email. Confidential, secure and most of all amazing savings on paper, toner and electricity. Add to that a switch off if you don’t need it program and comprehensive recycling programs and you can see they mean business. Aaspirations Publishing even want to recycle iPods to deliver education to children in India and elsewhere -–see The Laptop Project for more details.

And last but not least - a collaboration with Eco-Libris to plant a tree for every book published

All new titles published henceforth will also carry the logo ‘One tree planted for every book’, following their partnership with Eco-Libris to reduce the environmental impact of book publishing, by planting one tree for every book sold.

Anjali Sondhi, publisher and CEO of Aaspirations Publishing, explains in a press release they initiated that even though she believes she is doing the right thing, both in environmental and social terms and in business terms, it's not that easy to go green as a publisher:

“Yes! It is a gamble. We are trying to reinvent the publishing wheel. Of course this leaves us with much smaller margins to operate on but we have the satisfaction of knowing that our books are as green as can be. Will customers appreciate it? Will they reach out for our books? Time will tell”

We are positive that this move will generate value for Aaspirations Publishing and will prove that it's not easy to be a green publisher but eventually it is worthwhile!

For more information on Aaspirations Publishing please check out their website: http://www.aaspirationspublishing.com

Want to support their move? Check out their catalog of books and order one of the great books they publish: https://aaspirations.infusionsoft.com/cart/store.jsp?view=1&i=1&navicat=1

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!