WHO IS
ANNABELLE?
Meet Annabelle, a colorful giraffe with a heart as bright as her spots—and the star of Annabelle’s Best Ever by author and illustrator Rhonda Atkins Leonard! With her cheerful outlook and can-do spirit, Annabelle inspires young readers to find the silver lining in every situation. Alongside her lovable and diverse group of friends—Mingo Rose the Elephant, Leonard the Lion, Rico the Cheetah, Glory the Zebra, and Gazzie the Gazelle—Annabelle embarks on exciting adventures that teach valuable life lessons, such as the importance of friendship, courage, and kindness. It’s a joyful, fun-filled series that helps children grow and learn!
OUR GOAL
is to make learning fun and engaging
Early childhood learning is the foundation for lifelong success. Annabelle and the CoGLo Amigos™ turn that journey into a fun-filled adventure! Backed by research, this engaging program combines the power of play, storytelling, and purposeful instruction to enhance school readiness, foster social-emotional growth, and develop essential academic skills. With colorful characters, catchy songs, and interactive lessons, children are excited to learn while developing fundamental skills such as critical thinking, communication, and kindness. Teachers love the flexible, standards-aligned toolkit—complete with lessons and adaptable resources that fit any classroom. With Annabelle and the CoGLo Amigos™, learning isn’t just effective—it’s unforgettable!
Proven
Recognizing the urgent need to enhance early childhood education in South Carolina, CoGLo Amigos successfully secured an Innovation Grant from the South Carolina Department of Education for three consecutive years. This funding has facilitated the creation of engaging print and video content designed for young children, both at home and in the classroom. The materials aim to bridge educational gaps and better prepare children for kindergarten. The CoGLo Amigos series is built around South Carolina’s Early Learning Standards and the Profile of the Ready Kindergartner. It includes animated videos, books, lesson plans, and resources for teachers, parents, and students. This impactful program is transforming the lives of young learners across the state and is positioned to serve as a model for other states looking to improve early childhood education.
IN THE MEDIA
Annabelle the colorful giraffe and her eclectic friends embark on colorful adventures to make learning fun and were recently featured on www.KnowItAll.og.
SAM believes that investing in place-based partnerships and their supporting ecosystem is a powerful avenue for improving the life trajectories of young people and families in communities across the country.
Through a partnership with SCETV, the CoGlo Amigos team has developed several videos. The ETV series draws on the curriculum outlined in the South Carolina Profile of the Ready Kindergartner and the state’s Early Learning Standards.
What Teachers Say
“The students and parents really loved Annabelle.”
Teacher Testimonial
“We absolutely loved this book.”
Teacher Testimonial
“The students enjoyed the lessons and the book”
Teacher Testimonial
Parent Reactions
“He talked about it at home, which he doesn’t usually do with other books.”
Parent Testimonial
“My child really enjoyed this book and being able to bring the book home to share with her brother.”
Parent Testimonial
“I feel that this is helpful to parents who have never led their child through a book.”
Parent Testimonial
RESULTS
CoGLo Amigos launched an exciting early learning program in South Carolina’s kindergarten classrooms—both public and private—with outstanding results! Students eagerly engaged in fun, standards-aligned lessons filled with interactive activities and colorful videos, while every classroom enjoyed the added joy of a cuddly Annabelle plushie. Teachers, equipped with hands-on professional development, successfully implemented the program and provided valuable feedback that helped refine and strengthen the lessons. Parents actively participated through special take-home activities, extending learning beyond the classroom. Together, these efforts sparked joyful, curiosity-driven learning that boosted creativity, confidence, and school readiness for every child involved!
CoGlo Amigos materials have been
created and assessed to address
the South Carolina State Department
of Education’s academic standards.
Integrated lesson plans have
been developed and are available
for grades 4k and 5k.
Lesson Plans have been created
to accompany the books, videos,
and activity books.
LEARN MORE
Read our Overview and Pilot Study below. They contain information on CoGlo Amigos with detail and teacher feedback. Want to know even more? We would love to share our plan with you.
Email us, we’d love to talk!
