The Chronicle Publishing Co Launches New Community Coloring Book “I Know I Can”Celebrating Local Leaders, Literacy, and Possibilities
- The Chronicle News
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 18
As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of serving Mid-Michigan, the organization is also investing in the future through one of its newest youth initiatives: the Chronicle Kids Community Coloring Book. The publication, titled I Know I Can: Real People. Real Careers. Real Possibilities., was created to inspire young readers by introducing them to community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants, and changemakers who are making a difference throughout the region.
Developed through Chronicle Kids, a youth literacy and enrichment initiative of The Chronicle News and Lansing Community Catalyst, the coloring book combines creativity, reading, career exploration, and positive representation in a format designed specifically for children. “We wanted children to see people who look like them doing extraordinary things,” said Chronicle Publisher Yanice Y. Carter. “Representation matters. When children can see successful business owners, judges, artists, educators, media professionals, and community leaders from their own communities, it expands what they believe is possible for themselves.”
The coloring book features illustrations and profiles highlighting local leaders from a variety of professions and backgrounds. Each page encourages children to learn about careers, leadership, entrepreneurship, service, and the importance of giving back to the community. Educational activities throughout the book help strengthen literacy skills, critical thinking, and vocabulary development while keeping learning fun and engaging. The project reflects The Chronicle News’ ongoing commitment to literacy and educational access. For decades, the newspaper has preserved community stories while creating opportunities for the next generation of storytellers, readers, and leaders.
Through Chronicle Kids, the organization continues to develop programs that promote literacy, media education, youth leadership, cultural awareness, and workforce development.
Released as part of The Chronicle News’ 40th Anniversary celebration, I Know I Can serves as another tool to help children build confidence, discover career pathways, and develop a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Copies of I Know I Can: Real People. Real Careers. Real Possibilities. (ISBN: 979-8-89372-542-1) are now available for purchase and are ideal for families, schools, libraries, youth organizations, churches, mentoring programs, and community groups seeking positive and engaging educational resources for children.
Supporters who would like to help place books into the hands of children throughout Mid-Michigan may also make a tax-deductible contribution to support Chronicle Kids literacy initiatives. Donations help fund books, educational materials, youth programming, and community literacy efforts that encourage young people to read, dream, and lead.
“Literacy is about more than reading words on a page,” Carter said. “It’s about helping young people see themselves in the story and giving them the confidence to write their own.”
To purchase a copy of I Know I Can, visit:
To support Chronicle Kids literacy initiatives, visit:
About Chronicle Kids
Chronicle Kids is a youth-focused initiative of The Chronicle News dedicated to promoting literacy, leadership, creativity, career exploration, media education, and positive youth development through engaging community-based programming and educational resources. Through books, community events, educational partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities, Chronicle Kids works to inspire the next generation of readers, leaders, creators, and changemakers.
About Lansing Community Catalyst
Lansing Community Catalyst is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through education, literacy, youth development, entrepreneurship, media, arts and culture, and community engagement initiatives. Founded in 2017, the organization works collaboratively with residents, schools, businesses, and community partners to create opportunities that empower individuals and families throughout Mid-Michigan.
Through programs such as Chronicle Kids, community events, educational workshops, literacy initiatives, workforce development efforts, and strategic partnerships, Lansing Community Catalyst helps connect people with resources, opportunities, and experiences that inspire learning, leadership, and long-term community impact.
To learn more, support the mission, or get involved, visit www.lansingcatalyst.org.
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