Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project, a children’s book that shares the inspiring story behind The Jared Box Project, has garnered significant recognition, receiving numerous awards for its heartfelt message and impact.
Award Highlights:
● 2023 Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Recipient
● 2023 indieBRAG® Medallion Winner
● 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards Winner
● 2023 Chanticleer International Book Awards Semi-Finalist
● 2023 Story Monsters Approved®
● 2024 Book Excellence Award Finalist
● 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist
● 2024 Eric Hoffer Award Nominee
● 2024 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Winner
● 2024 Global Ebook Awards Gold and Silver Medals
● 2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner
● 2024 The BookFest® Awards Second Place
● 2024 Best Book Awards Finalist
“The award season has been truly humbling for Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project,” shared author Ellie Smith. “Eyen and I are so honored to have been part of sharing Jared’s story and spreading the mission of The Jared Box Project. Jared’s story is one of extraordinary love and compassion—a narrative that was already award-worthy.”
Based in Centre County, Pennsylvania, The Jared Box Project is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to children in hospitals nationwide. Jared Boxes—plastic shoe boxes filled with toys, games, and fun activities—are made by local community groups and given to young patients in emergency rooms, hospital rooms, and clinics across the country. To date, over one million Jared Boxes have been distributed in all 50 states and over 500 hospitals.
In Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project, young Tex the dinosaur finds himself in an emergency room after a scooter accident, where he receives a Jared Box. The story illustrates the kindness of others and the impact of a small gesture, encouraging young readers to perform their own acts of kindness.
Local author Ellie Smith, a retired special education teacher originally from Maryland, developed the story. She met Eyen Johnson, the book’s illustrator, when he was in kindergarten, and they first discussed creating a book together when he was in fifth grade. The duo published their first book when Johnson graduated from high school. Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project is their sixth book together in the series.
“Congratulations to Ellie and Eyen on this wonderful success,” said Cindy Kolarik, Executive Director of The Jared Box Project. “This book beautifully shows how Jared Boxes bring smiles to children in hospitals, teaching young readers that they too can make a difference. It’s a pleasure to work with Ellie, and Eyen’s artwork is just outstanding. This book is an invaluable addition to our mission of raising awareness for The Jared Box Project.”
“As Eyen has said many times, ‘We are helping children learn to read and to enjoy reading.’ However, I think we both felt that something was missing from what we were doing–some purpose for our work together,” Smith explained. “I donated a few of our books to The Jared Box Project, and the rest is history. Eyen, Tex, and I are so honored to have been asked to help tell Jared’s story and to now be part of the Jared Box family –– purpose found.”
“This project has filled me with gratitude,” added Johnson. “It’s been an honor to help Ellie create a book for The Jared Box Project and celebrate the life of Jared McMullen. I hope Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project brings smiles, hope, and happiness to children and families worldwide.”
Smith and Johnson donated their time and talents to the project, while support from The Jared Box Project’s donors will help fund the inclusion of the book in future Jared Boxes. Those interested in supporting the cause or purchasing copies can visit thejaredbox.org or purchase online through Amazon.
The Jared Box Project was founded in 2001 by students at Our Lady of Victory School in State College in honor of their classmate Jared, who battled cancer with resilience and compassion. Diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor in 1999, Jared brought a backpack filled with toys to his treatments, sharing them with other young patients. His kindness inspired his classmates to continue his legacy by creating Jared Boxes. Starting with 81 boxes for children at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, the project quickly expanded across the U.S.
