Helping Kids Laugh, Learn, and Open Up Since 2014
Since 2014, Cartoonversation™ has been on a mission to rescue childhood – one cartoon, book, and memory game at a time. Built for real conversations about real challenges, our trauma-informed tools help schools, police departments, and community partners connect with kids around topics like toxic stress, injury prevention, and safety.
Because every child deserves to be safe, secure, and silly.
The Problem
Childhood isn’t always easy, and what happens in childhood doesn’t stay in childhood.
Research shows that trauma early in life can lead to serious challenges later on, from health problems to incarceration to career struggles. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) the biggest unaddressed public health threat in the country.
The hard truth? Kids are carrying more than we think.
The hopeful truth? We can help them carry it.
The Cartoonversation™ Solution
So how do you talk to a third grader about grief, gun safety, or bullying? You invite them into a Cartoonversation™.
With lovable non-human characters, laugh-out-loud stories, and easy-to-use materials, Cartoonversation™ helps kids from all walks of life open up and helps caring adults meet them where they are. Every resource is built with subject matter experts and aligned to national SEL and state teaching standards, so you get heart and evidence in one package.
Acclaim for Cartoonversation™
- Recipient of 2022 Michigan Governor’s Traffic Safety Award
- Telly Awards for Humor, Education, and Animation
- Multiple AVA Digital Awards
- Over two dozen national and international awards
What People are saying...
“As a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves the populations with the most need, the Cartoonversation™ series aligns with our commitment to serving the whole person in every aspect of their lives: medical, dental, economic, social, psychological, and spiritual.”
Behind the Scenes
Tim Wheeler is a writer, parent, and lifelong advocate for kids. Inspired by his own family and his background in creative communication, Tim launched Cartoonversation™ through Wheeler Creative Studios as a way to spark better conversations between adults and children.
What started small has grown into a full-blown Cartooniverse – filled with critters, creatures, and classrooms across Michigan. In 2024, Tim launched the Funner Childhood Organization, a nonprofit helping educators and community leaders get access to funding and resources to bring Cartoonversation™ to more students.
Have questions? Want to bring Cartoonversation™ to your community? Tim’s ready to talk – anytime, anywhere, especially if there’s laughter involved.
Our Partners
Meet some of our partners from the education, law enforcement, non-profit, and business sectors who help bring Cartoonversation™ in the classroom.
Events
Join us in person! From educational seminars to advocacy conventions find out where Cartoonversation™ will be next!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got you covered with answers about all things Cartoonversation™.
In The Media
See what everyone’s saying about Cartoonversation™ and how we’re making headlines in education and child advocacy.