Local Authors Bring the City's Charm to Life for Preschoolers

What better way to celebrate Riverside than through the eyes of its youngest residents? On January 31, Mark and Giselle Cloud, authors of the charming children’s book Hello Riverside, will visit Family Service Association’s Alvord Child Development Center to share their love for the city.

“We wrote the book because, after having our first son Charlie, we realized there was no children’s book like this for Riverside. So, we decided to make one. We love this city and we are proud to raise our family here,” said Mark Cloud.

The Clouds will read their book aloud, guiding preschoolers on a delightful journey through Riverside’s iconic landmarks like the Mission Inn and Mt. Rubidoux. Afterward, the children will have a chance to express their creativity in a hands-on drawing activity where they’ll illustrate their favorite Riverside spots.

This isn’t just a storytime—it’s a heartwarming celebration of Riverside’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Here’s what makes this event stand out:

• It’s all about Riverside: Hello Riverside highlights the places and stories that make our city special.
• Fostering future generations: Engaging young children with local landmarks helps build pride and connection to their community.
• A creative spark: The drawing activity lets kids showcase their budding artistic talents while sharing their own visions of Riverside.

Family Service Association, with over 70 years of service in the Inland Empire, continues to shine as a pillar of support and connection in our community. This event is just another example of how Riverside comes together to celebrate its unique character and its future.

Riverside residents of all ages can take pride in knowing their city inspires moments like this—where stories and imagination bring the community closer.