The most memorable children’s books do more than tell a good story. They help children understand what it feels like to be loved, safe and seen.
For Franklin County Commissioner and Future Ready Five Board Co-Chair Erica Crawley, two books do that especially well: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry.
Crawley describes both as “feel-good” children’s books. While their stories and settings are different, each center on the loving relationship between a caregiver and a child.
Goodnight Moon transforms a familiar bedtime routine into a comforting ritual. Its gentle rhythm and reassuring repetition create a sense of calm, predictability, and security. It reminds young children that even the simplest moments, such as saying goodnight together, can become meaningful expressions of love.
Hair Love tells the story of a father learning to style his daughter’s hair. Through patience, encouragement, and a little persistence, an everyday task becomes a joyful celebration of family, identity, and natural hair. The story helps children feel confident in who they are while reinforcing the powerful sense of belonging that grows from being supported by someone who loves them.
Together, the books demonstrate how caregivers help children develop the emotional foundation they need to thrive. A warm bedtime routine, an encouraging word or time spent working through a challenge can help a child feel valued and secure. Those everyday interactions build confidence, strengthen relationships and teach children that they are never facing the world alone.
That message closely reflects Crawley’s lifelong commitment to children and families. A mother of twin girls, Crawley is also a U.S. Navy veteran and the first Black woman to serve as a Franklin County Commissioner. Her commitment to public service is rooted in her own experiences and her understanding of what families need not only to survive, but to thrive.
A first-generation college graduate, Crawley earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology with a focus on juvenile delinquency from Cleveland State University. She later earned a master’s degree in public administration from Walden University and a law degree from Capital University Law School.
Long before holding elected office, Crawley worked directly with children and direct service organizations.
Crawley was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2018, representing portions of eastern and southeastern Franklin County. During her time in the legislature, she championed issues affecting children and families, including maternal health, infant mortality, birth-to-five initiatives, housing and food insecurity, and access to quality childcare.
Today, she continues that commitment as a Franklin County Commissioner and Future Ready Five Board Co-Chair. Her professional experience, public leadership and personal perspective as a mother help strengthen Future Ready Five’s work to ensure every child in Franklin County has the opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.
Her favorite books offer a simple but powerful reminder: Children grow through connection. They gain confidence when they are celebrated, security when they are comforted, and a sense of belonging when they know they are loved. In both Goodnight Moon and Hair Love, ordinary moments become extraordinary because a caring adult is present. Each story ends with the same feeling of hope, warmth, and reassurance that every child deserves to carry with them: You are loved. You are valued. You belong.
Helping Every Child Thrive By Five
No single person, family, or organization can do this work alone. Preparing children for kindergarten requires families, early childhood educators, childcare providers, community organizations, public leaders, and supporters working together to build a strong foundation during the first five years of life. Future Ready Five brings those partners together to strengthen early learning opportunities and help more Franklin County children enter kindergarten prepared for success. Community support makes this mission possible. Whether you donate, become a community partner, share Future Ready Five resources with families or advocate for young children, you can help build a Franklin County where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about Future Ready Five, explore ways to get involved or make a donation at www.futurereadyfive.org.