Jacob Green gave a reading from his latest book, Grumpy Shark, and John Cronin, cofounder of John’s Crazy Socks, came to support his colleague.
After hearing Jacob read for his book, John said, “Jacob is a star.”
Jacob Greene is a digital illustrator and artist who happens to have autism. We met Jacob in 2021 when he worked at John’s Crazy Socks as a design intern. Jacob has now moved on to illustrating and writing his own children’s books. On Saturday afternoon, Jacob gave a reading at Barnes and Noble from his latest book, Grump Shark.
“I loved hearing Jacob read his book,” said John Cronin.
Jacob greeted John warmly and thanked him for attending the reading. He signed a copy of the book for John and the pair posed for photographs. In support of Grumpy Shark, Jacob’s Mom had a plush toy shark made based on Jacob’s drawings and Jacob showed that to John too.
Grumpy Shark: A Children’s Book with Empathy
Grumpy Shark concerns a sad shark. His friends decide to put on a talent show to make him smile and let him know that his friends care about him. Jacob did all the illustrations for the book and wrote the narrative.
In addition to Grumpy Shark, Jacob has also published two other books, ABC and Zoo Coloring Book. All three are available at his website, on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble online. You can also find them in local libraries. Jacobs likes to visit the library to see that people have been checking out his book.
“Jacob shows what people with differing abilities can do when given an opportunity,” said John.
Jacob Green and John’s Crazy Socks
In the summer of 2021, Jacob Greene became the first Differing Abilities Design Intern for John’s Crazy Socks. The Company created this position for a person with differing abilities who has the design skills that can assist in designing new socks for John’s Crazy Socks. Caroline Slattery of Massachusetts served as the 2022 Design Intern.
When awarded the internship, Jacob said, “This internship makes me so happy. I get to apply my design skills for a project that makes a difference.”
The Differing Abilities Design Internship is part of the John’s Crazy Socks commitment to show what people with differing abilities can do. More than half our colleagues have differing abilities. Our Giving Back Program starts with a commitment to donate five percent of our profits to the Special Olympics and we have raised more than $600,00 for charity partners that include the National Down Syndrome Society, the Autism Society of America and United Cerebral Palsy. And we sponsor an annual Autism Can Do Scholarship.
About Jacob Greene
Jacob Green is a young man on the Autism Spectrum who recently graduated from the school of Architecture and Design at New York Tech in Old Westbury, New York. Jacob’s passion is Digital Art. He enjoys drawing and creating illustrations for children’s books. Illustrating children's books is very exciting because Jacob has the desire to help young students with developmental disabilities learn to read. He wants children to relate to his lovable animated characters. If you would like to see more of Jacob Greene’s art, visit his website at: https://www.jacobgreeneart.com.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
