HARTFORD, Conn. — A year after Paul Mayer wrote a children’s book to ease the fears of first-time school bus riders, he helped bring its message directly to families in the Hartford community.
DATTCO partnered with the Central Regional Tourism District, the city of Hartford and Knox Farmers Market for a National Coloring Day giveaway Monday at Knox Farmers Market. Organizers distributed hundreds of free coloring books to market visitors of all ages.
The event showed how a bus company can work with community groups to share safety tips and connect with local families.
DATTCO distributed copies of “The Big Yellow Adventure,” a coloring book that introduces children to school bus safety and helps them understand what to expect on and around a bus.
Mayer, DATTCO’s vice president of marketing and communications, wrote the picture book, which was illustrated by Nancy Ingenito. Behavioral health professionals from OPTIMUS Healthcare reviewed its content for age appropriateness and emotional impact.
Since the book was introduced last year, its website has received more than 14,000 visits. The book and related resources have been downloaded more than 4,000 times.
“People of all ages love to color, and beyond being fun and creative, coloring can help ease stress, encourage mindfulness and give families a simple way to slow down and spend time together,” Mayer said.
The Central Regional Tourism District also gave out coloring books about farmers markets in central Connecticut. The books invited families to visit the markets and buy local food and goods.
“National Coloring Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate creativity while also sharing helpful resources about local farmers markets and school bus safety,” said Mayer, who also chairs the tourism district’s marketing committee.
“The Big Yellow Adventure” and its coloring book are free in English and Spanish on DATTCO’s website.
DATTCO, based in New Britain, takes more than 120,000 students to and from school each day. It also offers motorcoach, public bus and shuttle services across New England.
Photos courtesy of Paul Mayer
