CLEVELAND — A Cleveland father said he reads at least two books each day to his children, Ava and William, one of which he authored, inspired by the city that he loves. 

“I looked high and low, all over the internet, and I could not find a Cleveland counting book. So, I decided to make one myself,” said David Gollinger. 

Four years ago, when his daughter, Ava, was born, the Cleveland native came up with the idea to create the 123 CLE board book.

123 CLE will soon be in the hands of more than 100 backers on Kickstarter, the crowdfunding platform that has allowed people to place orders for the book before it is mass produced by a U.S.-based manufacturer. 

“We are up to 105 backers. We are over 100% of our goal, so the books will be printed,” Gollinger said. 

Each page of this board book contains a different number, color and unique feature of the city of Cleveland.

The Cleveland Orchestra, Lake Erie and Ballpark Mustard are just some city staples highlighted in 123 CLE, all illustrated by Gollinger’s niece, Greta. 

“I’m no artist. I can’t draw to save my life, so my first thought was my niece, Greta,” he said. 

Gollinger, who is a full-time accountant, said he hopes 123 CLE is just the beginning of his journey as an author. 

“People are coming to me and saying, ‘I love what you’re doing for the city of Cleveland and making this kids’ book and hopefully with more kids’ books to come in the future,’” Gollinger said. “It’s amazing.”