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Kids & Teens
Our Mission:
"To optimize public safety
in the City of Calgary"
My Dad Says: A "drive safe" book for adults ... and their kids
Buddy and his dad have hit the road in Everytown and are taking the children of Calgary with them in the vividly illustrated pages of My Dad Says: A "Drive Safe" Book for Adults and Their Kids.
The new children's book was created by the same team who brought Calgarians the much sought-after 2000 children's book, My Mom Says: A Safety Book for Kids. Author Calgary Police Service Inspector Debbie Middleton-Hope and illustrator Lisa Dawood built upon the accepted premise that children learn by examples set by their parents.
"Parents who practise safe, responsible and courteous driving behaviours will instil the same behaviours in their children," said Inspector Middleton-Hope.
Partnership brought book to life
Published through a partnership between The City of Calgary, Roads, the Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Traffic Safety Foundation, 10,000 copies will be distributed free of charge to Calgary parents through all police district offices, satellite stations and The City of Calgary, Roads Department.
"Between 2000 and 2001, the number of vehicles on Calgary roads increased by almost 20,000," stated Alderman Ric McIver. "Infrastructure projects alone cannot ease our traffic woes; every Calgary driver needs to favour safety and courtesy over distractions and tight schedules."
"In our growing city, increased traffic congestion underscores the need for good judgment on the part of drivers, "said Calgary Roads General Manager Arne Andreasen. "It also sets a good example for the children of today who are the drivers of tomorrow."
Education core of traffic safety for Police Service
Traffic education is a central component in the Calgary Police Service's traffic strategy. "Calgarians have ranked traffic issues as their second-highest crime and safety concern," said Police Chief Jack Beaton. "This children's book is one of many Calgary Police Service initiatives in support of traffic education."
Acting Inspector Gary Loughery, a member of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Traffic Safety Foundation added, "The three partners behind this project are committed to increasing awareness of safe driving and this publication is a step towards achieving this goal."
The interactive, brightly illustrated 36-page book includes a safety song and safety game to reinforce the traffic safety messages for children, and a special message for parents along with tips for planning trips. Based on a premise of reciprocal learning, the intent is to reinforce good driving habits for parents while they are teaching their children.
This is the second book in the Everytown Safety Series. The first, My Mom Says: A Safety Book for Kids was published in 2000 and more than 28,000 copies were quickly distributed for free to Calgary parents. It has since been developed into a personal safety program for young children by Safe & Sound Calgary. For more information on Everytown Inc. and the Everytown Safety Series, visit its Web site at www.everytowninc.com.
Meet the author and illustrator
Debbie Middleton-Hope, author
A proud mother of four and grandmother of one, Debbie Middleton-Hope has been an officer with the Calgary Police Service for more than two decades. She walked the beat as a constable, investigated crimes such as child abuse, robbery and prostitution as a detective and Staff Sergeant, and now runs the Administration Section as an Inspector. Raised in Southern Alberta, her first children's book was published in 2000. My Mom Says: A Safety Book for Kids has since been developed into a personal safety program for young children by Safe & Sound Calgary.
Debbie has won several awards for her crime prevention work directed at protecting children and other vulnerable people. These honours include a 2001 Alberta Crime Prevention Award, 2001 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and being named a Woman of Vision by Global Television. My Dad Says: A "Drive Safe" Book for Adults and Their Kids was inspired by the birth of Debbie's grandson.
Lisa Dawood, illustrator
Lisa Dawood has enjoyed many years of working with children, both across the country and around the world. Now as an illustrator her colourful pictures have accompanied many of her own original stories as well as familiar, well-loved ones. Lisa has teamed up with author Debbie Middleton-Hope to create their second book, My Dad Says: A "Drive Safe" Book for Adults and Their Kids and a whole community full of new characters in "Everytown."
Illustrating for children's books comes from Lisa's passion to create meaningful learning experiences for kids and to see children realize their amazing potential. She has also developed "Budding Books," a literacy-based program in which kids not only explore a wide world of books but also learn to bring stories to life through pictures. When Lisa takes a break from the books, she enjoys time with her husband Mike and their two daughters Sharayah and Lauryn in their home of Edmonton, Alberta.
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