Fuddle taking off

Since K.I.D.S. Cuddle Kit Closet released its self-published book "Fuddle Learns to Cuddle" on June 4, Fuddle has been spreading happiness to many Yuma- area homes.

"It's been great, well received," said Kristan Sheppeard, K.I.D.S. co-director. "(We've had) lots of compliments" on the book, she said. "Everybody treated Fuddle like royalty when he came to town."

K.I.D.S. stands for Kindness Is Doing Something, and is a nonprofit aimed at reaching out to area kids in crisis. The organization is best known for its "cuddle kits," little packets of support filled with goodies clothes, stuffed animals, or coloring books, which are given to children who may be in need of emotional support.

Fuddle, a fictional firefly, is the main character in the book self-published by K.I.D.S. "Fuddle Learns to Cuddle" tells the story of his roadtrip to Yuma with a young family. While in Yuma, Fuddle experiences situation after situation where he is treated with kindness by local residents. The book is designed to teach kids about the importance of kind actions.

The book is currently available at 11 business locations in Yuma and through www.CuddleKit.org. Proceeds from sales will go to the nonprofit for future funding and support.

The Fuddle mascot visited Yuma during the Fuddle Light Festival at the Yuma Main Library June 4, along with the book's illustrator Austin Light, who flew in from North Carolina. Sheppeard said more than 200 kids attended the event, and it was a fun night filled with games and activities.

Light also taught two illustration classes that weekend for kids and adults, and there was an afternoon reception for all the book's sponsors, followed by a public exhibit featuring Light's work and a book signing.

Light is a "great guy, we were really blessed" to have him work with us, Sheppeard said.

According to Sheppeard the book had over 70 local sponsors. To encourage businesses to contribute toward the cost of the book's production, local sponsors were honored by having their business logos incorporated into the book's illustrations. In addition, two major sponsors were given the opportunity to write the book's dedications, choose two of the names used in the story. Russ Seh Trucking chose the name of the family Fuddle travels with to Yuma - the Seh family. The Quechan Indian Tribe chose the name of Fuddle's mother - Quddle.

Sheppeard said that since the book's release they have sold over 1,000 copies out of the total 10,000 books printed.

The idea for the book first began in November, and Sheppeard said that K.I.D.S. self-published the book while Sun Graphics did the printing.

With the fast pace of the production, Sheppeard said "we were very excited it came through on deadline."

She also said that K.I.D.S. wants to "put out a big thank you to the community." With how receptive and enthusiastic they were, "we really appreciate everybody's support."

Where to buy Fuddle:

The Yuma Visitors Bureau, 139 S. 4th Ave. (Also pick-up location for pre-paid orders.)

Esther's Good Eats, 133 S. Madison Ave.

Papa-San Rice Bowl, 2770 S. 4th Ave.

Arizona Family Dentistry, 1025 W . 24th St. No. 8

ZPS Miniature Golf, 1335 S. Pacific Ave.

Sprague's Sports, 345 W. 32nd St.

The Treehouse Kids Club, 1730 S. 4th Ave.

Quechan Tribal Administrative Office, Fort Yuma, Winterhaven, CA

Quechan Casino and Resort Gift Shop, 525 Algodones Road, Winterhaven, CA

Jump Up Trampoline and Tumbling, 2081 E. Kennedy Lane

Yuma Regional Medical Center gift shop, 2400 S. Avenue A