Caribou Coffee CEO Michael Coles Co-authors Children's Book
The Land of Caring Bou
promotes diversity and literacy
Minneapolis — December 22, 2006
While most CEOs write books teaching adults how to succeed in business, Caribou Coffee CEO Michael Coles and his wife Donna have written a book to teach children how to succeed in life. The Land of Caring Bou is a colorful, joyful book that children will love, while the warm messages promote diversity, teamwork and education — longstanding Caribou Coffee commitments. The book is being sold in Caribou Coffee's locations and at www.cariboucoffee.com, with net proceeds going to children's non-profit programs.
The Land of Caring Bou is part of Caribou Coffee's overall social responsibility programs and dedication to promoting literacy and children's education. Kids Corners have been created in many of the Caribou Coffee shops as a special place for children to play, read and have fun together.
To extend the company's commitment beyond its coffee shops, Caribou Coffee will donate net proceeds from the book to the United Way's "Success By 6," which works to improve young children's school readiness. Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee will also donate a portion of the proceeds to CLUES, a local philanthropic organization committed to providing Minnesota's Hispanic community with support services. A Spanish version of the book is scheduled for release in February 2007. In addition to selling this version in Caribou locations, the company will be donating books to schools and children in Caribou's business partners' coffee-producing countries.
"Reading with young children is vital to their future and education," says Coles, "and literacy rates are crucial to life-long success among children everywhere. We loved sharing stories and reading with our own children and grandchildren. We hope to encourage a love of reading with this book, by connecting with families through special in-store events, book donations, story performances, and other children's activities."
The Land of Caring Bou follows the animals of "Caribou Pass" who have felt safe all year long under the watchful eye of Big Bou. When the Bou herd announces they are making their annual migration to the valleys below, the other forest animals become fearful and doubt their ability to care for themselves. Big Bou encourages them, and they try to be "just like Big Bou." But that doesn't work, and soon the animals learn that they will best succeed by working as a team, each relying on his or her own unique abilities to strengthen the group.
"Diversity, teamwork, leadership and confidence are not just corporate keywords, but are important lessons to succeed in life," said Coles. "The Land of Caring Bou strives to teach children these values through an entertaining story while stimulating and encouraging them to continue reading."
"When Michael first shared his concept for this story, it seemed like a natural opportunity for Caribou Coffee to express its commitment to diversity and continue to extend its coffeehouse experience to families," says Steve Floyd, CEO of August House, the book's publisher. "This beautiful book tells a story that will encourage children to discover and celebrate their own special gifts. It's one that will become a family favorite, shared and enjoyed for generations."
Experts say that the ability to read could be the single most accurate predictor of success in life. Recent research indicates that 25 percent of students read below the "basic skills" reading level.
"When children don't read well, they fall behind in school, they suffer from low self-esteem, and many end up dropping out of school," says Coles. "As a business owner, I know how important reading is in order to succeed in life. Hopefully in some way, The Land of Caring Bou will encourage children and families to read, and our community efforts will help improve literacy."
Published by August House, The Land of Caring Bou is also co-authored by Rob Cleveland and Ric Reitz, with radiant illustrations by Timothy Banks.
The Land of Caring Bou is available online at www.cariboucoffee.com for $15.95 and is sold in all Caribou Coffee locations. A Spanish language version of the book will be available in February 2007.
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About Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee Company Inc., (NASDAQ: CBOU) founded in 1992 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the second largest, company-owned gourmet coffeehouse operator in the United States. Caribou Coffee operates 432 coffeehouses, including eight licensed locations. Caribou Coffee's coffeehouses are located in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Caribou Coffee offers its customers high-quality, gourmet coffee and cocoas, as well as specialty teas, baked goods, branded merchandise and related products. In addition, Caribou Coffee sells products to club stores, grocery stores, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses and other commercial customers. Caribou Coffee focuses on creating a unique experience for customers through a combination of high-quality products, a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment and attentive customer service. For more information, visit the Caribou Coffee Web site at www.cariboucoffee.com.
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About August House
Recently recognized as one of "America's 101 Top Independent Publishers," August House is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning multimedia publisher of children's stories and folktale anthologies. August House's is based in Atlanta, GA.
August House Media Contact
Rob Cleveland
404-442-4422
