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About Baldy Books
Baldy Books creates interactive children’s books designed to make storytime playful, meaningful, and memorable.
Our debut title, Baldy’s America, introduces children to Baldy—a curious young bald eagle who invites little readers to join him on his first adventure through America.
With interactive elements and engaging storytelling, Baldy Books creates books meant to be read, played with, and experienced together.
Because the best stories aren’t just read—they’re remembered.
Meet The Founder
Leah Theodore
Hi — I’m Leah, the founder of Baldy Books and a stay-at-home mom of two young boys. Like many parents, I’m intentional about what comes into our home. Storytime matters to me. It shapes how my children see the world, how they feel about where they live, and what they grow to love.
I’ve always loved my American heritage — the mountains, the fields of grain, the wide open skies. The words of “America the Beautiful” stirred something in me long before I became a mother.
Baldy was imagined during nap times, sketched between snacks and laundry, and built from a simple desire: to give young children a warm, wonder-filled introduction to the country they call home — and to nurture an innocent love and appreciation for it from the very beginning.
That idea became Baldy’s America, our very first book — a playful, interactive story little ones can read, sing, and experience with Baldy right alongside them.
And this is only the beginning. There are many more adventures with Baldy to come.
Jennifer Ledgerwood, Illustrator
Hello. I am Jennifer, book designer extraordinaire. I own Ledgerwood Design a graphic design studio specializing in all things book, especially book design and illustration. I bring your stories to life in a simple and meaningful way.
It was an honor working with Leah on such an iconic character, Baldy, and song, “America the Beautiful.”
I’ve been working in the design industry for over 15 years. I was still excited when Leah first told me about Baldy’s America. She was passionate about the story. Yay! It was a finger puppet book. I’ve never done that before. Double Yay! It’s a public domain story. I have always wanted to work on a classic from long ago. Triple Yay!
A bit about me. I am a Midwest gal through and through. I love the Lord, my family, am dedicated, hard working, and neighborly. My design style is layered yet easy to understand. I have worked with a wide range authors from industry leaders to excited first timers. My biggest hope is you are passionate about your story, because I am passionate about your story.
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Katharine Lee Bates, Author
America the Beautiful began as a poem written in 1893 by Katharine Lee Bates, an American author, poet, and professor at Wellesley College.
Inspired by a journey to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, Bates captured the breathtaking beauty of America's landscapes and expressed her hopes for a nation guided by grace, courage, and compassion. Her poem was first published in 1895 and later set to music, becoming one of America's most cherished patriotic songs.
Baldy's America brings Bates' timeless words to life for a new generation through interactive storytelling. As families read—or sing—the poem together, children can join Baldy on an adventure that celebrates the beauty of our country and the joy of spending time together.