ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The sun has set on another day at Muhlenberg College's campus, and it's time to say "Goodnight, Chew Street."
In Muhlenberg senior Maddie Davidson's new book, student writers and illustrators take readers on a gentle journey around the college campus, wishing sweet dreams to the many places and people who make the institution special.
"I had been thinking a lot about the spaces and people on campus that often get overlooked. Plant operations, housing. I feel like students don't go there unless they need help."
Goodnight to the "dining hall workers, who make the tables shine."
"Lilah Tov" to the campus' Hillel.
And don't forget to tuck in the polar bears. Did you know that Muhlenberg has polar bears?
"This book is proof that Muhlenberg students can do anything," Davidson said.
Davidson said the idea for "Goodnight, Chew Street" — a book inspired by the classic children's book "Goodnight Moon" — struck her and a friend one cold January night in early 2024 while she was on a walk home from Muhlenberg's Writing Center, where she works as a tutor.
"I had been thinking a lot about the spaces and people on campus that often get overlooked," she said. "Plant operations, housing. I feel like students don't go there unless they need help."
The race is on
As one of the senior tutors in the college's student-run writing center, Davidson said she also been thinking about ways to help get the center out of the confines of the Harry C. Trexler Library and into the community it serves.
"I want to make these student writers and illustrators feel empowered," she said.
"Goodnight, Chew Street" married the two ideas, she said.
"What better way to do it than through a children's book?" she said.
But the clock was ticking.
"The seniors were graduating in a few months, and I wanted to make sure they had a piece of Muhlenberg to take with them," she said.
"It's 100 percent by students, for students."Muhlenberg senior Maddie Davidson
So, the race was on to assemble a team of superheroes consisting of student writers, illustrators and Campus Reception and Visit Coordinator Stacey Golden, who helped facilitate communication between Davidson and various department heads.
"She's amazing," Davidson said. "She was a huge cheerleader throughout the whole process."
100% by students, for students
Davidson collaborated with Kutztown-based AlphaDesign to design and publish the book.
The finished product, coming in at a whopping 65 pages, consists of 28 poems and illustrations and now sits in the Muhlenberg bookstore.
It's available for purchase for $14.50. (Senior students get a 50% discount.)
"That's the beauty of a liberal arts college. Be messy. Make mistakes."Muhlenberg senior Maddie Davidson
Proceeds directly benefit Muhlenberg students, too: All money goes toward the Muhlenberg Student Emergency Relief Fund, a fund created during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist students experiencing financial hardships.
"It's 100 percent by students, for students," Davidson said. "It's all about supporting community."
Soon, Davidson will leave behind the community she's worked so hard to build, when she exchanges her jam-packed planner for a diploma.
Long after she bids Muhlenberg College "good night" — and goodbye — she said she hopes that future generations of Muhlenberg students will take the time to pause and acknowledge the many spaces on campus that keep the college humming.
"That's the beauty of a liberal arts college," Davidson said. "Be messy. Make mistakes. If you have a big idea, take it on.
"You, too, can write a book in three months."
