Jennifer J. Stewart’s Involvement Spans Years

	“Who, Me? Why I'm The Cat in the Hat;  there's no doubt about that,” says Jennifer J. Stewart, dazzling a young Story Town visitor.

Jennifer J. Stewart has served on the MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS board since the very beginning nearly 14 years ago, when she, Paul and Mary Jan Bancroft stepped up to become the three board members required to obtain a non-profit 501(c)(3) status. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in promoting early literacy in our community and in growing the organization to serve more and more children.

The Difference MWFB Makes Inspires Local Author

“All children deserve the chance to fall in love with books and reading, but that's not why I support MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS,” said Jennifer. “I give my time and money because MWFB has effective, innovative, and flexible programs that foster early literacy. I have seen how these programs make a real, sustained difference in the lives of young children and their families.”

MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS board members don’t just show up for meetings once a month. They are always willing to lend a hand. Here, Jennifer J. Stewart lends both her hands to portray a cactus in a Family Read-Aloud Night.

An award-winning author of children’s books, Jennifer has drawn on her sense of humor and lifetime experiences to pen some great titles, like “If That Breathes Fire, We’re Toast” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Arizona.” Her book, “Close Encounters of a Third-World Kind” is based on her family’s adventures working as medical volunteers in Nepal. Jennifer is married to Bruce Stewart, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and has three amazing daughters, the youngest of which is just starting college.

Board Member Emeritus Keeps on Contributing

Jennifer has been murmuring for some time about stepping down to give others the opportunity to fill leadership roles at MWFB. But MWFB would never be the same without her. So she is becoming the first MWFB emeritus board member, with the honor of attending meetings at her convenience and retaining voting rights.

No doubt, Jennifer will not be a stranger to MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS. She already has offered to continue dressing up as costumed characters at MWFB events, as well as pitching in with other projects as her time allows. Jennifer, we can’t thank you enough for your service to MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS, and especially to the youngest children in our community.

"I give my time and money because MWFB has effective, innovative, and flexible programs that foster early literacy. I have seen how these programs make a real, sustained difference in the lives of young children and their families."