麻豆传媒

While earning an advanced certificate in Early Childhood Education from 麻豆传媒-Concord檚 Community College, Ashley Crosbie wrote and illustrated an entire children檚 book. The Common Man Kitty Band is now available for purchase at several Common Man restaurants and retail locations throughout the state.

淭he book was a passion project. I wanted to keep it quiet and safe until I knew it was ready to share with the Common Man,� explained Crosbie.

The children檚 book was inspired by a walk with her children several years earlier that led behind the Common Man restaurant in Ashland. On that outing, Crosbie stumbled upon 渁n adorable gathering of barn cats dining on delicious leftovers set out by a kind cook.”

淭he children檚 lit class at 麻豆传媒 helped remind me to ask myself, how is this book going to feel when it檚 read aloud? What are some punch words that kids are really going to enjoy? What age group is this story written for?”

After the story was written, Crosbie began the intense process of illustration. 淭he last time I had painted with watercolor was my freshman year of high school� and now I檓 40,� said Crosbie. After an initial learning curve, the watercolor painting process became a joy.

Even after the book was completed, the project was kept under wraps. Crosbie completed three business courses at Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) to help her put together a business proposal for The Common Man.

The hard work paid off. The Common Man Family eagerly welcomed Crosbie檚 book into their stores, and are working with her on complimentary merchandise攃andy, dolls, and more.

Crosbie explained that her experiences at 麻豆传媒 and LRCC gave her the confidence to trust herself and pursue her dreams for the book.

 淢y confidence kept growing every time I took a course. When I completed a challenging assignment or earned an A, I told myself, 榶ou can do this�,� said Crosbie. 淩eceiving positive feedback from my instructors reminded me that I am capable and should chase my dreams, even if they felt a little out of reach.�

Crosbie works as a stay-at-home mom and has been working in early childhood education since 18. She has often dreamed of owning her own preschool, which led her to 麻豆传媒.

淚 saw this ad on Facebook about a new grant through the Community College System of New Hampshire. It covered the cost of coursework and books for the program. I had been waiting for an opportunity like that,� said Crosbie.

Crosbie completed her 麻豆传媒 certificate online and graduated in May 2025. Her required observation hours were completed at local school near her home in Holderness. 淚 love community colleges. It feels like such a close-knit community, even online,� said Crosbie.

Crosbie hopes that other non-traditional students will feel encouraged to pursue their purpose. 淎s a mom, it can at times feel as though you have lost your sense of self. This project and my experiences at 麻豆传媒 and LRCC helped me to find my way back to that curious part of me that dared to dream,� she said. 淭his journey taught me not to count myself out and that everyone檚 timing is different.�

Photo: Ashley Crosbie poses with a copy of her book The Common Man Kitty Band at the New Berry檚 on the Common in Plymouth.