Sacramento, CA (May 21, 2015) – Can a hen be a boy’s best friend? “Hens for Friends,” a new picture book from The Gryphon Press, explores the bond between a boy named Aarón and his best friend, Margaret, a Rhode Island Red hen.
“Hens for Friends” is the latest book to be added to the RedRover Readers program, which helps children develop empathy for people and animals through stories and discussion. The program uses books like “Hens for Friends” that highlight the human-animal bond and display accurate animal behavior.
According to Aarón, hens are smart, savvy, and they like to cuddle. The book helps children understand the benefits and responsibilities of caring for backyard hens and how the family’s care for their hens differs from that on a factory farm.
“We are so pleased to include ‘Hens for Friends’ in the RedRover Readers program,” said RedRover Education Manager Karly Noel. “It is a quality children’s book that will help expand children’s thinking about our relationships to these beautiful animals.”
Other books from The Gryphon Press used in the RedRover Readers program include: “The Forgotten Rabbit,” “Max Talks to Me,” “Call the Horse Lucky,” and “Buddy Unchained.”
About the author and illustrator
Sandy De Lisle is making her debut as a children’s picture book author. Sandy has worked as a public school teacher and currently as senior manager of content development for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Amelia Hansen is the award-winning illustrator of “It’s Raining Cats and Cats!” “Are You Ready for Me?” “It’s Raining Pups and Dogs,” and “At the Dog Park with Sam and Lucy,” all Gryphon Press titles, as well as 19 other books exploring the connections between people, animals, and the earth.
About The Gryphon Press
The Gryphon Press exists to bring children beautifully illustrated books about the human-animal bond; books that foster empathy in children for other living beings. Their books showcase a range of important issues and ideas in humane education. Learn more at thegryphonpress.com.
About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education.
RedRover Readers is a social and emotional learning program that helps children develop positive relationship skills through stories and discussion. Participants in the RedRover Readers program read humane-themed books with strategic questions and discussions to help children develop critical thinking skills and empathy. Learn more at RedRover.org/Readers.
Media contact
Danielle Gates
Communications Coordinator
dgates@redrover.org
916.429.2457 ext. 316
###