Welcome to an Extra post this week since I thought we could all do with an extra dose of kindness during these times, yes? I’ve got just the book, one I dearly love for its tender story, lovely illustrations, and message of kindness and patience. It’s primarily written for ages 7 – 12, but it’s appropriate for any age.
Drum roll … the book is Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts: Rootbeer and Edward by Rene Townsend, a dear friend of mine. This year is the 5th anniversary of this book’s publication. Today I’m celebrating its timeless message.
In real life, Rene’s mini-horses, Rootbeer and Edward, are therapy horses. That’s not fiction. But the story Rene writes about them is fiction. In it she has the horses speak to each other, letting readers in on secrets to being a good friend and a kind human being!
Read more at Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts: Rootbeer and Edward by Rene Townsend | Goodreads
Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts
Praise for the story:
“Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts is entertaining and heartwarming, celebrating the positive connection between animals and humans. In an engaging way, the miniature horses’ adventures will bring you into their story and help you realize you are not alone. Working in animal welfare for over 50 years, I was touched by the animal-human bonds portrayed.”
~ Michael Arms, President/CEO, Helen Woodward Animal Center.
“The days Rootbeer and Edward, two miniature horses, visited our school campus were special for students and staff. On these days our “toughest” students revealed a tender side they rarely showed others. Why? Simply because Rootbeer and Edward have a magical way with people of all ages, endearing them to all of us and making our day brighter.”
~ Chuck Hoover, Principal, Murray High School.
Rene the author
From the book: “Rene was a school teacher, principal, district superintendent, university lecturer, partner in a superintendent search firm, and education outreach director for Central America through a San Diego charity. Her passion for education continues with this book about the adventures of Rootbeer & Edward, smile ambassadors who live a life of learning, playing and serving others and who, every day, make Rene laugh.”
Rene my friend
Rene is a dear and talented friend of mine. We met In 2013 while on the same educational group tour to Cuba. Our friendship is still going strong today.
Although we live across the country from each other, Rene has done me many favors. For one, she was the “second set of eyes” on blog posts I wrote for the Florida Writers Association blog–for three years straight! Before that she read drafts of Undertow, providing valuable suggestions before I published it.
Reciprocity for Rene
During the time that Rene wrote Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts, I was honored to do the same kind of writerly favors for Rene that she had done for me by giving feedback on her story and cheering her on to publication. If you’re a writer, you know that writing-buddy friendships are one of the greatest gifts ever!
I’m proud to promote Rene’s book here and hope you check it out.
Thanks for reading!
Best wishes from your writer on the wing,
Charlene
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