Câmbio - by Taylor Lahey (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Child would always remember the Old Man's caring eyes.
A Child grows up in a Neighborhood filled with litter. Then, one day, the City creates a trash exchange program where people can trade litter for Bus Tokens. As time passes, a Glow appears around the Neighbors and the Bus Tokens, which will change life in the Neighborhood.
Through this timeless tale, Taylor Lahey and illustrator Ryan Matias team up for their first book, Câmbio. The story expresses their deep desire to create a more caring world that everyone can benefit from. Both Taylor and Ryan were born in California and reside in the Monterey Bay Area and San Francisco Bay Area.

Review Quotes

"Câmbio is a delightful, beautifully illustrated tale. The story demonstrates that a simple concept can have maximum impact on a community. This book serves as a springboard for a rich discussion on strengthening community with the simplest of actions, starting with providing a child with a pair of sandals."
--Maureen T., Aptos, CA

"Câmbio shows us the power of kindness and how magic can happen when we work with love. This story illustrates the transformation in Curitiba so that we can imagine how it can grow anywhere."
--Naoko M., Santa Cruz, CA

"All books should be so beautiful. Taylor's writing is simple as if he really knows what kids need. Yet, as an adult, I found it penetrating with a profound message."
--Jerry L., Santa Cruz, CA

"As Lahey told me this story, I kept imagining our own Santa Cruz community doing something similar. We have put so much effort into cleaning up encampments and shuffling folks from place to place. We have trash and people who need food. Could a program like this work here?"
--Claudia Sternback, Lookout Santa Cruz

"I love the book. It grabbed my attention and held it. Câmbio has a great message, and when I learned it's based on real events it hits with a heavier weight. The illustrations were spot on too. I like the color and style, and it's detailed without being busy. The book strikes a nice balance."
--Tom B., Reston, VA

"This is a beautiful story that showcases the connectedness and care that one can receive within a community. A community that takes the time to observe, listen and understand the needs of its people and then respond in kind."
--Nataisha R., Toronto, ON

"What can one child, living in rubbish and poverty, do to change his street, his neighborhood, and his world? One little boy stepped up with nothing to offer but an old pair of shoes--and hope."
--Connie P., Aptos, CA

"When Taylor and Ryan shared their book with me, I was taken aback by not only the beautiful pictures and genuine writing but also the warmth, hope, and energy I felt from the story's message. Câmbio is indeed special."
--Willie Real, Character Designer and Storyteller

About the Author

Taylor Lahey grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His childhood passion for drawing led him to a career in graphic design, animation, and art direction. Câmbio is his first children's book and is a reflection of why he writes: to share his vision for a more beautiful world. Today, Taylor resides in Santa Cruz, California, where he works to impact his community.