Combining our passions in a deliberate manner leads to maximum community impact! Helen Cordes is a prime example of this.
Helen first connected with BookSpring last year when she graciously selected BookSpring as the recipient of sales from her spectacular book and hat packages. Each includes a children’s book and a one of a kind knitted or hand-sewn hat corresponding to the theme of the book.
The Minneapolis transplant first arrived in Austin in the early 90s. Her travels and experiences living in various places always drew her closer to books to find a sense of home.
“I’ve loved books and reading as long as I can remember, and spent hours on the Colorado wheat farm where I grew up ‘living’ in the pages of whatever book I was reading,” she recalled.
Her works of art embody Helen’s love for knitting and literacy. “I love so many children’s books, and like BookSpring, want others to enjoy the benefits and fun of reading with children,” she remembered.
Helen recalled the bountiful laughter and overwhelming emotions evoked from stories shared with her daughters Jesse and Zoe.
“When my husband Eric and I had daughters, I was so happy that they loved reading with me and later on their own,” she said. Some of Helen’s favorite books to share with her daughters included Pippi Longstocking, Anne of Green Gables and the Suess and Moomintroll books.
Helen’s favorite childhood book is Charlotte’s Web. She recalled rereading it countless times because it was a wonderful story that made her feel akin to Fern. “Not many books then (or now) are about girls who live on farms,” she said.
Helen’s connection to books also led her to volunteer with our Ed and Go programs. She became a classroom reader at Perez Elementary. She recalls the kids were wonderful, enthusiastic, and loved all the ReBooks provided for their classroom library.
“Reading and loving to read is invaluable. It’s a joy that allows you to imagine so many people, places, and experiences through the words. And it’s also a key skill that opens up opportunities in every area of life for kids and adults,” she said.
Helen is the editor of New Moon Girls, the national and regional print magazine made by and for girls. She has worked her entire life as a writer and editor for national regional magazines and newspapers.
BookSpring is thankful for wonderful and creative donors and volunteers such as Helen!
Want to be a BookSpring volunteer? Learn more here.
