Cambridge and Clyde: Missouri Connections
By Alysen Bayles
© February 2024
During more than two decades in litigation, Alysen Bayles (1) began writing books as an outlet for the stress of trial work. While working as a trial lawyer, she met Kurt Larson, the founder of Springfield, Missouri based Safe and Sober. Although they started out as adversaries, Alysen and Kurt realized they shared common interests. They, along with their spouses, have since become close friends.
When Kurt started Safe and Sober in 2004 as Safe and Sober – Prom Night, Alysen and her husband were there to support Kurt and his mission. Over the years, Safe and Sober has expanded to include substance abuse prevention and education in all forms and addressing the root causes of unsafe choices such as anxiety and depression. In 2013, Safe and Sober became a 501(c)(3) organization, and now serves schools and students in multiple states.
In her third fiction children’s book, Cambridge and Clyde, Alysen incorporated a bit of Missouri history, including George Washington Carver and the Joplin E-5 tornado. Alysen’s desire to do so stemmed from her long-time interest in George Washington Carver, and her extensive time litigating cases in Joplin and the surrounding communities. A portion of the proceeds from Cambridge and Clyde will be donated to Safe and Sober.
During Small Business Saturday in 2023, ABC Books in Springfield hosted Alysen’s first book signing for Cambridge and Clyde. ABC Books is an Indie bookstore established in 1989 on historical Route 66. ABC Books has joined with Alysen in donating a portion of the store’s proceeds from the sale of Cambridge and Clyde to Safe and Sober.
Prior to publishing Cambridge and Clyde, Alysen published Winston and Silly Sam from Galapagos Land, incorporating her love for animals and the outdoors into characters. Her newest venture is a series of books told from the viewpoint of her beloved granddog Bruce, including Budgets with Bruce and Beyond Truce with Bruce: Resolving Conflict. She is also working on Mavis and Mo: Zoo Bonds and Beyond about a zebra and giraffe. The inspiration for Mavis and Mo came during a reading event at Literacy KC where Alysen met several families and others from the community, including educators with the Kansas City Zoo.
In December of 2023, Alysen founded Bayles and Bruce with the mantra “Learn, live, love, read.” Future plans for the Bayles and Bruce include merchandise; school and library activities; and storytime in barns, parks, and more.
1 Alysen Bayles is the pen name for former litigator Laurel Stevenson who now focuses her legal work on alternative dispute resolution. Alysen’s pen name honors her late grandfather, Allison Bayles, a mechanical engineer and writer who traveled the world working on numerous engineering projects.