Gideon Sterer is a New York Times best-selling children's book author whose work
— including The Christmas Owl and The Midnight Fair — has been translated into
multiple languages and read to children all over the world. His stories sit on a foundation of
wonder, kindness, and care for the natural world.
Coming from the arts, Gideon has always been generous with his time. Frequently, he'd get emails
from aspiring writers asking if he'd take a look at a manuscript or jump on a quick call about
publishing. These were people who wanted help — and he had something to offer.
For years, his answer was always yes or sure. But over time, he started wondering
if there was a better way to leverage what he was good at to have a larger impact. After all, he
was already giving his time and providing real value. What if that value could ripple further?
So he tried something new. He started replying like this:
Hi there!
Given I receive many of these requests, and it takes a bit of time, I'd be happy to help
or jump on a call if you donate $30 to the ASPCA or Humane Society and send me the receipt.
Thanks,
Gideon
People loved it. The model worked. Aspiring authors got real, useful feedback
from someone whose work they admired. Animals in shelters got support that wouldn't have existed
otherwise. And two strangers formed a social bond by doing something genuinely good together.
That single email — repeated dozens of times across manuscripts and conversations — became
the seed of Raisin'. If a children's book author could turn his expertise into meaningful
contributions for causes he cares about, what could every other Provider do?