“Hang On, Hester!” Inspiration and Encouragement for Children

Written by Wende and Harry Devlin

“Hang On, Hester!” is the story of a little girl, Hester, and her dog, Red Moose, whose home was swept away in a flood during a severe rainstorm.   Hester and Red Moose cling to the cupola while the house is swept far downstream to the city, where she was rescued.  This story of courage provides an example to children and adults everywhere.  “Well,” said Hester to Red Moose, “today if somebody asked me how to see the world and have the world see them, I’d say, ‘ Just hang on!’   No matter what happens.  Hang On!”

Trustee Sarah Nelson reading Hang On, Hester! to a child at Montefiore Medical Center.

The Meland Foundation distributes at no charge to more than 160 participating hospitals the children’s book, “Hang On, Hester!” The book helps build hope and encourage with the sick children who receive it.

Foundation President Carl Nelson draws with a patient at Montefiore.

Hang On, Hester! is a book for children written and illustrated by prize winning authors, Wende and Harry Devlin, who have authored and illustrated 32 children’s books.

The graphics for the new edition are beautifully restored by Dorothy C. Nelson RN, who has spent many hours working with the original art by Harry Devlin.

Trustee Sarah Nelson shows Hang On, Hester! artwork prepared for a patient.

This is not a commercial venture. All profits are used to provide books free of charge to children in hospitals nationwide.   Thousands of copies have been distributed to sick children by The Meland Foundation. 

List of Participating Hospitals and Institutions.

For a donation of $15 you can provide a sick child with encouragement. A Hang On Hester! with a book plate in your name will be provided to the hospital of your choice.