I am excited to announce that my most recent book, Unleashed! The Dog Park Chronicles, is now available in both paperback and ebook versions from amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. This is my first novel for young children, ages 5—12.

In the book, I have created a charming cast of animal characters and their human companions who live in or visit the local dog park. Each event which takes place holds an essential message about kindness, community, inclusion, and personal responsibility. There are also messages of anti-bullying and anti-prejudice.

In addition, the narrative includes commentary about how young people can appreciate nature, even if they live in a suburban environment. I explore themes related to the migratory patterns of Canada geese, the natural instincts of the animal characters, and the progression of the seasons.

The dog park described in the novel, Vila Borba, really exists! It is located not far from my home in Chino Hills, California. And depicted on the cover of the book are two of my very own pets! The little white terrier mix on the front cover is Kurby, whose rescue story is described in Chapter 4. (In the book the Kurby character is named Bowser.) The elegant black and white tuxedo is my own ladycat, Licorice.

This 156-page book would make a terrific leisure reading book for your students, or it would make an entertaining story for your own children. After you’ve read it, feel free to post a review on amazon. I’d love to read your thoughts!