Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra and ZekeProgram Schedule: Tuesday, April 283 - 4 p.m.Recommended Ages: K-8th GradesStudents who cannot independently read and write should be accompanied by an adult or siblingCost: $10 (Members), $10 (Nonmembers)Copies of Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke will be available for $25 at checkout or for purchase during the event.Join us for this Author's Corner-style event with The Society of Child Entrepreneurs' Leah Ellis, as she shares the recently published origin story of their organization's mascots and mission. Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke is the first in a picture book series created to help children ages 6–12 see themselves as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs right now, not someday. The story introduces Astra, a thoughtful dreamer and planner, and Zeke, an energetic idea generator, who meet at a children’s business fair and quickly realize that their strengths complement one another. Together, they launch “Sparks to Stars,” a coaching business designed to help other kids bring their boldest ideas to life. Filled with colorful illustrations, imagination, courage, and possibility, the book reminds young readers that they don’t have to wait for permission, adulthood, or perfect skills to make a difference. Too often, children are told that one day they’ll change the world, but that distant “someday” can quietly send the message that their ideas don’t matter yet. This story flips that narrative by affirming that their voices, passions, and creativity already hold value. More than just a charming origin story, Sparks to Stars challenges children to imagine boldly, try bravely, fail forward, rise again, and believe they are already enough to begin.3pm Live reading of Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke3:30pm What is the Society of Child Entrepreneurs?3:35pm Entrepreneurship Activity 4pm Thanks for getting to know Astra and Zeke!Meet the Author: Leah Ellis Leah Ellis is an educator, nonprofit founder, and advocate for youth leadership. She is the founder and executive director of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a Kansas-based nonprofit that helps children ages 6–17 turn ideas into real businesses while building confidence, financial literacy, and leadership skills.Leah created the Ignite. Empower. Lead. curriculum and the Astra & Zeke children’s book series to help young readers see themselves as capable leaders right now, not someday. Through storytelling and hands-on learning, she partners with schools and community organizations to expand enrichment opportunities and advocates for youth entrepreneurship initiatives, including the proposed SoCE Law in Kansas.
Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra and Zeke
Program Schedule: Tuesday, April 28
3 - 4 p.m.
Recommended Ages: K-8th Grades
Students who cannot independently read and write should be accompanied by an adult or sibling
Cost: $10 (Members), $10 (Nonmembers)
Copies of Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke will be available for $25 at checkout or for purchase during the event.
Join us for this Author's Corner-style event with The Society of Child Entrepreneurs' Leah Ellis, as she shares the recently published origin story of their organization's mascots and mission. Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke is the first in a picture book series created to help children ages 6–12 see themselves as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs right now, not someday. The story introduces Astra, a thoughtful dreamer and planner, and Zeke, an energetic idea generator, who meet at a children’s business fair and quickly realize that their strengths complement one another. Together, they launch “Sparks to Stars,” a coaching business designed to help other kids bring their boldest ideas to life. Filled with colorful illustrations, imagination, courage, and possibility, the book reminds young readers that they don’t have to wait for permission, adulthood, or perfect skills to make a difference. Too often, children are told that one day they’ll change the world, but that distant “someday” can quietly send the message that their ideas don’t matter yet. This story flips that narrative by affirming that their voices, passions, and creativity already hold value. More than just a charming origin story, Sparks to Stars challenges children to imagine boldly, try bravely, fail forward, rise again, and believe they are already enough to begin.
3pm Live reading of Sparks to Stars: The Story of Astra & Zeke
3:30pm What is the Society of Child Entrepreneurs?
3:35pm Entrepreneurship Activity
4pm Thanks for getting to know Astra and Zeke!
Meet the Author: Leah Ellis Leah Ellis is an educator, nonprofit founder, and advocate for youth leadership. She is the founder and executive director of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a Kansas-based nonprofit that helps children ages 6–17 turn ideas into real businesses while building confidence, financial literacy, and leadership skills.
Leah created the Ignite. Empower. Lead. curriculum and the Astra & Zeke children’s book series to help young readers see themselves as capable leaders right now, not someday. Through storytelling and hands-on learning, she partners with schools and community organizations to expand enrichment opportunities and advocates for youth entrepreneurship initiatives, including the proposed SoCE Law in Kansas.