I have been recommending books for children to read this summer and another two that would be motivating for your children are by Lisa Wiehebrink. Lisa established the nonprofit foundation Tails That Teach to promote character building in children, including taking good care of their pets, and literacy. Her focus is children ages 5 -8 years old.
Her books Love Me Gently – A Kid’s Guide for Man’s Best Friend and Gray Whiskers – A Kid’s Guide for Loved Ones Growing Older are about a boy and his rescue dog’s journeys toward patience, compassion, kindness, and empathy. Her book Love Me Gently has won awards, including the 2020 Purple Dragonfly Award and from PETA.
Lisa partners with elementary schools and animal organizations all over the US to teach humane education, using her books as teaching tools. She is also the founder of National Rescue Dog Day, celebrated on May 28 annually, which was established primarily to bring attention to all the dogs that are available in shelters for adoption.
On the website, Lisa explains why she has dedicated her work to this cause:
When children are taught to be kind to animals, the ripple effects are boundless and they are less likely to abuse a pet or bully a classmate. Teaching kids to properly care for pets helps them grow up to be compassionate adults and responsible pet owners.
Lisa was an inspiring guest on my podcast Be Convinced! Sharing Lifechanging Stories of Hope. The podcast, episode #28, is available at sorayadiasecoffelt.com. She shares how it all began when she observed a small child at the park playing roughly with a dog; why she wrote the books; and how she is dedicated to promoting character building and humane education. You will certainly enjoy listening to her share her story of hope!
For more information and to purchase her books, please visit www.tailsthatteach.org.