News Article

August 11, 2017 [DETROIT] - A children’s book by local author Ruth Cain that is being published posthumously will make its debut Friday, August 11 at Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront (R3) as the popular program brings another successful season to a close.  It’s the first time in the seven years of the program that a book has been launched during R3.

Presented by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and General Motors, R3 is Detroit’s favorite summertime children’s literacy program.  It brings business and community leaders from throughout the Detroit area to Rivard Plaza along the Detroit Riverfront to read to children while promoting literacy in a fun and interactive way.  Since its launch in 2011, R3 has served more than 17,000 children and families.

The program also boasts live musical entertainment, healthy treats, make-and-take crafts, a complimentary ride on the Cullen Family Carousel and a free book provided to each child by General Motors in partnership with the Detroit Public Library’s “Library on Wheels.”

Authored by Cain, “The Tale of the Beautiful Cat,” tells the story of Fleurette, a little cat that loses its tail, but finds she is still beautiful in her family’s eyes.  The book was illustrated by Detroit-born author and illustrator Jamie Ruthenberg.  Each child in attendance at the reading session will receive their very own copy of the book to take home with them.

Cain was a native Detroiter educated in Detroit Public Schools who went on to become a newspaper writer, public relations executive and a columnist.  She also enjoyed tutoring children in the Detroit Public Schools.  Among her many awards, she was honored posthumously with the Detroit Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame Award in 2014 for significant contribution to her profession and the community.  She was married to the late Charles C. Cain, who worked at the Associated Press.  The couple had seven children, several of whom followed their parents into the journalism business.

Cain enjoyed telling the story of Fleurette first to her children and then to her six grandchildren.  The Conservancy invited her to share a manuscript of the story during an R3 session in 2011. Cain died three months later, but her daughters Carol Cain and Nancy Cain return to the riverfront regularly to read the story during R3. 

“Ruth’s family has been dreaming about publishing the book for years and her daughters Carol and Nancy have read here many times, so we’re thrilled and honored that they chose to launch the book during Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront,” said Mark Wallace, president & CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

Cain’s family teamed up with General Motors, Detroit Public Schools Foundation, Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy to bring her book to life.  The book is underwritten with the support of General Motors. 

“We know that literacy is the foundation of educational success,” said Lori Wingerter, who leads Detroit community partnerships for GM.  “GM is proud to support these reading programs and help foster an excitement around learning for thousands of Detroit children.”

Copies of the book are being provided to all Detroit Public Schools in partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

“What a great legacy Mrs. Cain, a former DPS student, leaves for her family and our city,” said Pamela Moore, president and chief executive officer of DPS Foundation.  “Our children will love hearing and learning from this wonderful tale. We are so thankful to the Cain family for this partnership.”

All proceeds from sales of the book are being donated to the DPS Foundation, which is dedicated to early childhood education, literacy and skills to prepare students for the future.

GM’s Lori Wingerter and DPS Foundation’s Pamela Moore will be reading “The Tale of the Beautiful Cat” during the 1:15 p.m. R3 session on Friday, August 11, which will be held at Rivard Plaza, 1340 Atwater in downtown Detroit. 

The book is published by J. Ruthenberg and Company Writing Services Inc. and can be purchased from Amazon.com and JamieRuthenberg.com.