Benjamin E. Thompson III, known to Houston audiences as Madd Hatta, is bringing "Kase's Little Adventures" to families across the city.
The 34-page hardcover picture book for ages 2-10 turns a family moment into an engaging lesson about imagination, ancestry, confidence, and entrepreneurship.
The book began while Hatta's wife, Ashley, was pregnant. He rhymed to her belly about the things their son might grow up to do; those words became the opening pages. The story follows Kase, a smart and curious child who discovers an old family lemonade recipe and uses creativity, persistence, and family wisdom to build a neighborhood business.
Madd Hatta created the book so his son could see himself in the story - and so other children, particularly Black and Brown children, could see themselves as readers, creators, and future business owners. Illustrated by Adam Bailey, with contributions by Julia Strange, the book encourages children to read, dream, build and create.
"Fatherhood changed the way I think about legacy," said Madd Hatta. "I wanted to create something my son could grow with and other families could share. This is not just a book tour - it is a literacy and fatherhood mission."
The free Storytime with Madd Hatta series recognizes National Black Business Month and back-to-school season. Each event features an interactive reading, a family conversation with Ashley and Kase, audience Q&A, photo opportunities, book signing, and giveaways. The first 10 children at each stop will receive a complimentary copy, plus additional prizes.
For more than 30 years, Madd Hatta has been a familiar voice in Houston media. He currently hosts The Madd Hatta Show weekday afternoons on Majic 102.1, is a Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and leads Paid in Full Entertainment and the Madd Hatta Cares! Foundation. The book tour extends his community work around literacy, active fatherhood, education, and opportunity.
TOUR SCHEDULE
AUG. 8 | 3:00-4:30 PM
Alief-David M. Henington Regional Library
11903 Bellaire Blvd.
AUG. 15 | 3:00-4:30 PM
McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library
7405 Stella Link Rd.
