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*Please Note: This project is being conducted with funding provided through a state earmark and does not use any funds from the Town of Franklin.
Celebrate Franklin 250
The Town of Franklin is seeking qualified vendors to write and/or illustrate a commemorative children’s book in celebration of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary.
This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate Franklin’s history, community pride, and shared future. To support this town-wide celebration, we are inviting vendors to submit qualifications, product examples, pricing, and service information for a commemorative children’s book that may be sold and/or distributed as part of Franklin’s anniversary events and promotions.
Scope of Services
The Town is seeking vendors that can provide some or all of the following services:
Author a children’s book using the included narrative structure
Illustrate a children’s book according to the provided narrative
Artists may submit as an author, illustrator, or both.
Children’s Book
The Town is seeking authors and illustrators for the production of a commemorative children’s book for early readers ages 4-8 that includes, but is not limited to:
Writing
800-2000 word count
ADA compliant sans serif font
Engaging and interactive
Art
Whimsical
Cover art
Double-spread layouts with bleed
CMYK
Project Goals
Commemorative Children’s Book should:
Celebrate Franklin’s 250th Anniversary in a way that feels special, community-centered, and reflective of the Town
Offer residents a commemorative educational item that is accurate and engaging
Ensure quality writing and art
Author and Illustrator Qualifications
This call is open to qualified authors and illustrators with demonstrated experience in writing and creating art for a children’s book.
Preference may be given to persons who can show:
Experience writing or illustrating a children’s book
Ability to provide properly formatted manuscript and/or art
Ability to produce the manuscript and/or art in a timely manner
Clear timelines and communication
Competitive pricing for service fees
Local and regional vendors are encouraged to apply.
Historical Framework and Content Guidance
The commemorative children’s book should bring the origin and early identity of the Town of Franklin to life by recounting the story of the “Franklin books” in a way that is both historically grounded and engaging for young readers.
Submissions should thoughtfully incorporate key elements of Franklin’s founding story, including:
Ben Franklin as a Founding Father and national hero
The Town’s decision to honor Franklin as its namesake
The Town’s request for a bell, and Franklin’s response of books (including a version of “sense being preferable to sound”)
The conflict around who is permitted to read the books
The resolution of the nation’s first public library centering on the themes of shared books, shared knowledge, shared civic body, and community responsibility
Brief allusions to the Ray library facade and Horace Mann’s use of the books
Artists are encouraged to interpret these themes creatively, using storytelling techniques that make history accessible, imaginative, and emotionally resonant for children. This may include the use of narrative characters, dialogue, or a unique point of view, provided the core story remains respectful of historical context.
While historical accuracy is important, the goal is not to produce a textbook. Submissions should balance factual integrity with creativity, clarity, and age-appropriate storytelling.
The selected author and illustrator will have access to historical references and may work with the Franklin 250 Committee or local historical resources to ensure accuracy and depth.
Additional Notes
The Town of Franklin reserves the right to:
Select one or multiple vendors
Request additional information, portal demonstrations, or product samples
Decline any submission that does not meet project needs, service expectations, quality standards, or timeline requirements
Submission of materials does not guarantee selection.
Selection Criteria
Make evaluation transparent:
Creativity and originality
Alignment with historical themes
Appeal to target age group
Artistic quality (for illustrators)
Feasibility and clarity of proposal
Ability to collaborate and meet deadlines
Timeline
Submission Deadline: End of business Friday, May 22
Vendor Review Period: Monday, May 25 - Friday, May 29
Vendor Notification: Monday, June 1
Production Start: Monday, June 15
Contract Finalization: June 1-June 15
Production Start: Monday, June 15
Compensation & Rights
Selected contributors will be compensated through an agreed-upon flat project fee.
This project is intended as a work-for-hire arrangement. Final manuscript, illustrations, and related project materials created for the commemorative book will become the property of the Town of Franklin and/or the Franklin 250 Committee for purposes of publication, reproduction, promotion, and distribution.
Contributors may be permitted to display completed work in portfolios or professional materials unless otherwise specified in the final agreement.
Royalty or residual payments are not anticipated as part of this project.
How to Submit
Complete the Vendor Submission Form before end of business on Friday, May 22
Questions may also be directed to: chair.250@franklin.gov
Subject line: Franklin 250th Anniversary Commemorative Children’s Book
