THE HISTORY OF OODLES

In 1999, founder Steffanie Lorig met a little girl named Hallie, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer when she was 12 months old. When they met, Hallie was six years old and had spent a large portion of her young life fighting the obstinate tumor. Up until then, Art with Heart only had programming for homeless youth. Meeting Hallie made Steffanie realize that Art with Heart needed to expand and reach out to help children like her.

Shortly after meeting her, Steffanie had a vivid dream about an extraordinary activity book that would bring healing and help to hospitalized children who were dealing with anxiety and fear.

Two and a half years later, the dream became a reality. First published in 2002, Oodles of Doodles became a therapeutic activity book that gives hospitalized children a meaningful way to express their fears and concerns.

The book is testament to the power of collaboration: the first two printings of the book boasted the talents of 97 different artists who all contributed free of charge, including Mary Grand Pré of Harry Potter fame, and Gary Baseman, best known for his Disney feature-length film Teacher’s Pet. Numerous printers and paper mills offered their products and services at reduced or pro bono rates to create this vibrant activity book.

Due to high demand, Art with Heart distributed 20,000 in the first three years, and then reprinted a smaller version in order to be sensitive to hospital’s postage and storage issues. The newer 48-page version is visually engaging and contains therapeutic benefits to the user. Through the magic of creativity and humor, the book transforms a difficult time back into what it should be… a childhood.

Demand was also great for a Spanish version, and in 2005, Art with Heart received funding that allowed us to translate and reprint the book in order to benefit hospitalized Hispanic Latino children.

WHAT MAKES OODLES SPECIAL?

The book has over 40 pages of activities, puzzles, journaling exercises, all based in art therapy and all illustrated by different artists that the children will recognize from other children’s books. Half the pages are in full color and the other half are in black and white for the kids to color.

It was designed to help the children communicate their feelings through games that encourage participation. It helps the kids find fun – despite their situation – through their own creative imagination. Hidden behind the fun imagery are therapeutic benefits that encourage the child’s sense of self, giving them back a much-needed sense of control and a safe place to express their fears and worries.

The book has been endorsed by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Starbright Foundation and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, and enjoys success in an estimated 500 hospitals across North America who routinely utilize Oodles with children in their care. The book has helped over 28,000 children find hope in the midst of health crises.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The number of hospitalized children continues to overwhelm the available stock, so please consider purchasing a case of books on behalf of your favorite hospital at our online shop. 100% of the proceeds help Art with Heart continue to offer this book to under-served hospitals and clinics. Or make a donation today to underwrite the cost.