CMU-themed children’s book strengthens community connection

In the children’s book “Otis Goes to CMU”, authored by faculty member Jeanneane Wood-Nartker, Otis the squirrel becomes a Central Michigan University student. During his time at CMU, Otis finds he “loves the school and the Mt. Pleasant town.”

That affinity for both CMU and the community is behind a new initiative partnering the university, Mount Pleasant Public Schools and United Way of Greater Central Michigan. Together, they plan to distribute free copies of “Otis Goes to CMU” in local schools and libraries starting this month, which is also National Reading Month.

The idea to distribute the CMU-themed children’s book was born in the Community Relations Committee, a group formed in to help achieve CMU’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan priorities of engaging communities and enhancing organizational culture.

Committee member and CMU Deputy Chief of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement Marcie Otteman said Wood-Nartker offered to donate more than 1,300 surplus copies of the book for the effort.

“The author just wants to see the books be given away and not thrown away, so she's donated them to the Community Relations Committee, and we are now sharing them in our community,” Otteman said. “It's a kind gesture and a really valuable use of the book.”

CRC member Annie Sanders, president and C.E.O. of United Way of Greater Central Michigan, said helping to distribute the book to schools in their four-county region demonstrates their belief that strong communities start with strong connections, and literacy is one of the most powerful ways to build those connections.

“Partnering on the distribution of ‘Otis Goes to CMU’ gives us an opportunity to spark a love of reading in local students while also helping them see themselves as future college students and community leaders,” Sanders said. “By putting books into children’s hands, we are opening doors to imagination, confidence, and possibility, and strengthening the bond between CMU and the families and schools across our region.”

United Way of Greater Central Michigan is also adding “Otis Goes to CMU” to their virtual calendar celebrating National Reading Month. CMU alumnus Tyler Zimmerman was recorded reading the book aloud, and the video can be viewed on the UWGCM YouTube playlist. 

At Mount Pleasant Public Schools, CRC member and Superintendent Jennifer Verleger said the district is grateful for the partnerships that are making a difference for students.

“Bringing ‘Otis Goes to CMU’ into our classrooms is a powerful way to strengthen literacy while showing our students that their community is truly invested in their growth,” Verleger said. “These connections are what transform a school district and community into a supportive ecosystem where every young reader can thrive.”

While “Otis Goes to CMU” has been read for nearly a decade to children across the nation, Otteman said bringing the book and its message of pride in the CMU community back home now will have a positive impact.

“This outreach recognizes that CMU plays such an important part in our community and is a way we can connect campus with community, and the community with campus.”