Meet the Barnhart Students Behind the First Bobbie the Bobcat Book

Reading and education go hand in hand but it’s rare for students to become published authors and illustrators before they even get to high school.

On Wednesday morning, two Barnhart students had the pleasure of debuting their book to the school and the public. In honor of the book, “Bobbie the Bobcat’s New Friend: Day of Kindness,” the Mayor of Arcadia proclaimed it a day of kindness.

The book is collaboration between, middle school student, Jadyn E. Lee, and first grader, Lily Winter Hauge, and focuses on the virtue of kindness. Kindness is one of many virtues nurtured in Barnhart’s Virtue Project – a program that aims to make more conscious students and community members.

“We are delighted to have another great children’s book to read in Arcadia and the fact that it is created by our city’s school children is something to celebrate,” said Mayor Kovacic. “The book encourages students to make friends with new students and serves as a vibrant example to all Arcadians to spread kindness to newcomers to our community,” Mayor Kovacic added.

Contest entries were judged by former Barnhart student Seth Bass, who wrote the screenplay for the major motion picture, Martian Child, starring John Cusack.

Barnhart School hopes to feature a new virtue annually in what may become a new school tradition of student-created works.

Barnhart School, 240 West Colorado Blvd., Arcadia, (626) 466-5588 or visit barnhartschool.org.