From “The Kind Bus” to the Bookshelf: Lebanon Author’s New Series Helps Kids Grow Big Hearts and Brighter Confidence.

Lebanon, OH – When Bobbi Chegwyn moved from Australia to Lebanon, Ohio, she took a job driving one of the local LCS school buses for Grades 3 and 4. What started as a way to get to know her new hometown became the heart of something much bigger—a children's book series designed to help kids build emotional strength, kindness, and self-worth.

Bobbi is the author of Radical Ray, a chapter book series for ages 7–10 that follows an Aussie boy named Ray as he navigates real-life challenges with curiosity, courage, and a whole lot of “Radical Love.” Through school struggles, family changes, and big emotions, Ray is learning how to understand his feelings and stay true to himself—even when it’s hard.

“Those kids on my bus were full of curiosity and potential,” Bobbi says. “What struck me most was how open they were to learning about how their mind worked, how their feelings made sense, and how they could choose who they wanted to be. Our bus became known as The Kind Bus—we had a ‘Kind Rider of the Week’ award, did donation drives for those in need, and created a space where kindness was just how we rolled.”

The Radical Ray series brings that same spirit into classrooms and homes. Each book includes a Think / Share / Explore section at the back with discussion questions and activities for educators and parents, plus a fun glossary of Aussie terms to help American readers enjoy the Australian flavor woven through Ray’s world.

The Radical Ray series is available at www.meetradicalray.com. Bobbi is available for interviews, school visits, community events, and local collaborations.