I have been grabbing media attention around the plight of animals in peril since 1980. The only way to get the public spotlight on what is really happening to other animals before the advent of social media was through the innovative, dramatic, colorful actions I organized, accompanied by a concise news release.
Yet to write a news release about my own books is like wading through muddy water…. Why? Growing up in the English/Irish culture of my family, I often heard refrains of “Don’t get too bigheaded,” “Don’t be cheeky,” “Who do you think you are?” “A lady doesn’t….”
So at 65 years old, “pushing myself forward” is an effort I am still learning.
The latest book, “Veganza Animal Heroes Guide to Save Animals and the Earth,” encourages ALL ages to choose vegan. I am grateful to Jane Goodall, Joaquin Phoenix, Heart Phoenix, Paul McCartney, Maggie Baird (mum of Billie Eilish), Angela Means of “Friday” movie fame, Tabay Atkins, Gwenna Hunter and the wonderful Veganza Animal Heroes – Freedom played by Korin Sutton, Courage the Mermaid played by Sky Bison – for their delicious vegan recipes. This book is illustrated by the viral artist Choice. I am looking so forward to gifting the third book in the Veganza Animal Heroes series to schools after each presentation. The magical illustrations by the renowned artist Choice engage on another level.
The first “Veganza Animal Hero” children’s picture book introduced readers to the superhero Veganza. She can freeze scenes of cruelty to make the perpetrator feel exactly what the animal feels, and Courage the Mermaid leads captive sea mammals back to freedom, with the help of her sea friends who she protects.
The adventures in the graphic novel, “Veganza Animal Heroes – Liberation,” appeal to teens and up. Phoenix, a teen in a foster group home, teams up with the Veganza heroes to create victorious animal rescues around the world.
“There’s a Cow in My Dreams” is my third book illustrated by the uber-talented Monique Martinez. A courageous girl, Olivia, and a young male calf, River, team up to change the world.
My first book, “Animal Hero Kids Voice for the Voiceless,” is almost 300 pages of true stories of animal rescue and advocacy that will make your heart sing!
Every free program empowering youth to compassionate action receives a gift of these books for their school library. When I tell the stories to groups, there are cheers when the animals are saved – their hearts sing, no matter which species of animal is rescued.