By CLAIRE LAWRENCE, Vandegrift Voice 

Hoping to inspire kids to make a positive impact on the world, junior Aimee Jones co-wrote and illustrated a children’s book, “A Happy World” with her best friend and Dripping Springs High School junior Melissa Richardson. The book was self-published through IngramSpark and sold 73 copies by May 16. 

“[Melissa and I] have always wanted to write a book together,” Jones said. “We wanted it to have a powerful meaning and message. This was definitely a teamwork effort.”

“A Happy World” follows a young girl named Summer who wants to make Mother Earth happier. After meeting Mother Earth in her dreams one night, Summer is given a list of things she can do to help make the world a better place.

“Our book teaches children how to ‘make the world happy’ by doing five simple things that anyone can do, including being kind to all, turning off the lights and eating more fruit and vegetables,” Jones said. 

Along with the book, Jones and Richardson also created stickers and pillows that are sold on their website. They mainly promote their book and merchandise through social media platforms like Instagram. Their Instagram can be found under the username @ahappyworldbook.

“Ever since I was young, it has been my dream to become a published author,” Jones said. “I’m really proud of myself for sticking with a project and making it something that I’m excited to share with the world.”

The girls were set to have book readings at school libraries, but due to the on-going pandemic, their plans were postponed. They have, however, been holding book readings via Zoom with local teachers and students.

“I love kids, and I believe that education is the key to creating values, like kindness to others and to the world, which is why I wrote the book,” Jones said. “I really want to make a positive impact on the world and I aim to bring this mindset in everything I do.”

Jones would like to shout out her two teachers, Ms. Roth and Ms. Dawson, for their critiques and help with printing layouts. 

“A Happy World” is available for purchase at https://ahappyworldbook.wixsite.com/happy

Vandegrift Voice’s Claire Lawrence is a graduating senior at VHS who wants to study journalism in college and eventually become the editor of a successful publication. She also enjoys theater and writing music.