The Gryphon Press
I am an animal rescue advocate, so naturally, my blog posting themes are about animal rescues.
I am also a children’s book author, again with an animal rescue theme.
I have been reviewing children’s picture books, and a few middle grade books, on my blog with the important theme of shelter pets.
Instead of reviewing a specific book this month, I’m going to spotlight a publisher who dedicates themselves to publishing children’s picture books about the human-animal bond.
I am referring to The Gryphon Press.
This publisher’s theme is “a voice for the voiceless.”
The Gryphon Press publishes wonderful, award-winning children’s picture books.
Their books promote and honor animal lives and sheds light on issues and conditions animals face.
The Gryphon Press mission is to publish beautiful picture books about the important issues domestic, wild, and farmed animals experience.
Their books help children understand what animals face today and helps strengthen the human-animal bond.
Their books are great for preparing a child for their first companion animal.
The Gryphon Press books present a wide range of major concerns and ideas in humane education.
Their books explore the connections between humans and animal rights and protection.
Their books address these subjects in an appropriate and agreeable manner.
Topics include teaching empathy to children, the need to eliminate puppy mills, choosing a pet for its entire life, adoption, fostering, and animal abuse and neglect.
The Forgotten Rabbit
One of the first children’s picture books I reviewed on my blog was The Forgotten Rabbit.
The Gryphon Press was the publisher.
I thought it would the perfect book to review in my March 2022 blog, prior to Easter in April.
The Forgotten Rabbit is a prime example of animal abuse and neglect.
Each year, baby bunnies are adopted as an impulsive Easter gift because kids love bunnies and parents think a baby bunny would be a good pet for their child.
After all baby bunnies are furry, soft, sweet, and cute.
What’s not to love?
But they also grow up to be full grown rabbits.
I suggested if you are tempted to give a baby bunny as a gift, please do research because you may want to reconsider.
The Forgotten Rabbit is a picture book about a baby bunny who was adopted, and then “forgotten” and neglected by the children of the family.
The bunny is eventually rescued and there is a happy ending.
I will again spotlight this book in March 2023.
Speaking of endings, The Griffon Press offers detailed information in the back of each book about the issue addressed for parents and educators.
The last page of the book of The Forgotten Rabbit has information about helping rabbits, such as the one in the story.
Title: The Forgotten Rabbit
Author: Nancy Furstinger
Illustrator: Nancy Lane
Publisher: The Gryphon Press
ISBN: 978-0-940719-19-4
Available at amazon.com.
A real life rabbit who is at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (hstc1.org) is Kyle.
Kyle is a long termer.
He was once an adorable baby bunny.
He is now an adorable adult rabbit who would love a forever home.
Kyle is a neutered male, American, 1 year 2 months old.
If you are interested in Kyle, please call (772) 223-8822.
Buddy Unchained
Another wonderful book by The Griffon Press is Buddy Unchained.
It is another example of animal abuse and neglect told in an appropriate approach for children that The Griffon Press is best known for.
Buddy Unchained is a beautiful book that teaches children about the humane treatment of animals.
It a simple and wonderful book to read to children.
Buddy Unchained is the 2007 Winner, Humane Society of the US KIND Award, Best Children’s Picture Book of the Year and the 2007 Winner, ASPCA HENRY BERGH AWARD, best Children’s Picture Book in the Companion Animal category.
The book’s cover shows the sweet smiling face of a dog.
You immediately fall in love with him.
Buddy is his name, and he narrates his life story.
Buddy’s previous owner frequently left him chained outside in all kinds of weather.
He was not fed enough, and clean water was not always provided.
He was rescued and taken to a shelter.
He was nursed back to health and eventually adopted by a caring family.
You can look into Buddy’s eyes and experience all his emotions.
All’s well, that ends well, and Buddy’s story is no exception.
The detailed information The Griffon Press added to the last page of this book is addressed to parents and educators about helping dogs like Buddy.
Paragraphs such as Dogs and People, Don’t Tether a Dog Outside, Give a Dog Like Buddy the Chance for a Happy Ending, and Resources educate readers about issues that affect people and animals using an approach that inspires and educates for change.
Title: Buddy Unchained
Author: Daisy Bix
Illustrator: Joe Hyatt
Publisher: The Gryphon Press
ISBN-10: 0940719010
ISBN-13: 978-0940719019
Available at amazon.com and other fine booksellers.
I give all of their books I have read so far a thumbs up!
While The Gryphon Press publishes picture books, their themes are suitable for students of all ages and have been used in high school and college courses of study.
Their books are used by students in higher grade levels who are having difficulty reading.
The Gryphon Press truly is “a voice for the voiceless.”
Check out their website (thegryphonpress.com) for additional information and endorsements this publisher receives from parents, teachers, animal shelters, and humane educators who teach children about responsible behavior towards animals and other people.
Spoiler Alert: My children’s picture book review for February will be, Cookie’s Fortune. And yes, the publisher is The Gryphon Press.
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