When we started Gloo Books, our mission was simple but bold: create children’s books that reflect the diverse, beautiful, complicated world we live in. We wanted kids to see themselves, their families, and their communities celebrated in the pages they turn — because every child deserves to feel like they belong in the story.

We have exciting news about our Baby Go! Board Books series– we’re launching Baby Go! US on Kickstarter (CLICK HERE TO SEE IT RIGHT AWAY!)—and would love your help spreading the word. Same format as our international books, this series teaches early childhood concepts through local travel! We’re starting with California, New York and Texas.

But here’s what makes this moment especially exciting: Baby Go! isn’t just another board book series...

A Board Book Built with Intention

Most board books fall into familiar categories: simple concept books about colors and numbers, character-driven titles, or travel-themed souvenirs. They’re delightful, but we believe there are new, meaningful ways to connect with babies and toddlers.

Baby Go! was designed to be different. Developed by Vanessa Lee Christensen, the series is grounded in early learning research and uses place-based storytelling to introduce foundational concepts in a new way.

Each spread is intentional - where the writing flows seamlessly with the illustrations created by Audrey Lee. The rhythm and repetition support how toddlers process language. The focus on foods, traditions, neighborhoods, and landmarks builds vocabulary and categorization skills. And the lens of culture ensures that learning happens through authentic representation, not stereotypes or oversimplifications.

In other words: Baby Go! isn’t just about what kids see — it’s about how they learn through a wider lens.

Why It Matters Now

These books celebrate the richness of American communities — immigrant neighborhoods, natural wonders, vibrant foods, and iconic landmarks. And at a time when the very idea of belonging is being questioned, Baby Go! US feels urgent.

These books remind us — and our children — that America’s strength is in its diversity. That our histories, cultures, and communities all matter. That everyone has a place here.

The Indie Publishing Reality

But here’s the truth: books like these don’t just appear on shelves. They require enormous upfront investment — from paying our brilliant creators, to printing, to shipping — long before we can sell a single copy.

For the Big Five publishers, those costs are a given. For independent presses like Gloo, the math looks different. We’ve always grown sustainably, reinvesting every dollar back into new titles. That strategy has worked — but this time, to bring Baby Go! to the U.S., we need to do something smarter.

That’s why we’re turning to Kickstarter.

Why Kickstarter Makes Sense

By funding Baby Go! through Kickstarter, we can:

• Fund the first two books immediately (and let backers vote on which ones come first).
• Pay our creators fairly and upfront, so they can bring these stories to life with care and integrity.
• Reduce financial risk and avoid the cash flow delays that often hold small publishers back.
• Stretch to our full goal — and make all three books a reality.
• And yes — they’re really, really cute.

The Leap of Faith

Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. If we don’t reach our goal, these books won’t get made. But if we do, we’ll be able to put stories of belonging, culture, and joy into the hands of kids across the country.

We know the demand is there — parents, educators, and booksellers have been asking for Baby Go! in the U.S. ever since we first published individual countries. Meeting that demand is the best decision we could have made, and Kickstarter gives us the chance to do it in a way that’s sustainable and community-driven.

So today, we’re inviting you to take this leap of faith with us. Because Baby Go! isn’t just another board book series. It’s an intentional way to teach kids about the world, their home state — and about themselves.

Back the Baby Go! USKickstarter here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gloobooks/baby-go-usa 

With gratitude and excitement,

Karen & the Gloo Books Team