Travel the World with “Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map”

New Giftable Children’s Book about Embracing Curiosity by NFL Player Kelvin Beachum

No one revels in the magic of the holiday season more than children, and NFL offensive-lineman Kelvin Beachum Jr. (born and raised in Mexia, TX) has published a book just in time for gifting that is sure to delight young readers.

“Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map” is a magical book that takes readers around the world, promoting curiosity while encouraging readers to be true to their roots. Beachum carved some time out of his busy schedule last week to answer a few questions about the book.

“This book was an opportunity to really showcase a couple of interests that I have: one being traveling, another being the ability to be curious, to want to experiment and discover. Throughout the book, you see that, but also, in real life, that’s the kind of mode that I like to operate in, just a willingness to explore and to be able to embark on different experiences.”

The book celebrates family, experiencing different cultures, and lending a helping hand, with captivating illustrations by Liane Nichole helping to bring the story to life. The story, featuring visits to China, India, and Zambia, was largely influenced by Beachum’s real-life experiences.

“Over the last three years, those are all places I’ve been to,” Beachum said. “I was in Hong Kong last year, was in Mumbai in ‘22 or ‘23, then went to Lusaka two years ago. So I’ve had a chance to spend time in all those locations, and those were real-life experiences coming from the little boy from Mexia, Texas. I think that really lends itself to what’s possible, even though many people may not think it is possible.”

To create this book, Beachum partnered with Ello Storytellers, the firstever AI reading coach developed to help children read correctly in real time. He was excited to work with Ello in writing a story that encourages children to dream big.

“We started in early April with the idea, the concept to go to some of the places that I’d already been, so I didn’t have to think too hard about that part of the story,” Beachum said. “I was able to write it out and then (Ello) kind of tailored it to a younger generation and a younger audience.”

“Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map” was published in mid-October, and Beachum and his team have been promoting the book on social media when time allows, as the current football season takes priority. Beyond sharing a special story with the little ones in your life, buying a copy of the book also supports teachers.

“It’s not a money grab for me; the funds that are coming from book sales go to a nonprofit, Donors Choose, which helps teachers fund some of the projects that they have within their classrooms, all across the country. It’s not a Texas thing or Phoenix thing, it’s nationwide.”

Beachum’s three children have enjoyed the book, and this reporter’s sons have, too. When asked if the magic map would be initiating more worldwide travels in the future, Beachum laughed.

“The adventures will continue for sure. Those are not going anywhere,” Beachum said. “As far as the next book, I have no idea when that would come out. Dropping a book while in-season is something that I didn’t expect to ever happen, but, you know, you never know.”

Kelvin’s Big Adventure Map is available on Amazon.