New Zealand book for children exposes global puppy farming trade

 

The author of a new children’s novel about puppy farming says she hopes the book will educate kids about the dark underbelly of the global trade in designer dogs and enlist their help to stop it.
"Children are very much part of a family’s decision to buy a pet and armed with the right knowledge they could influence ethical choices and eventually maybe put puppy farms out of business," says Anna Kenna. The New Zealand investigative reporter-turned-author’s latest novel Underdog, tells the story of 13-year-old Caitlin Nove’s quest to save a young breeding bitch captive in a puppy farm.
From the moment the teen encounters sick and emaciated Sissy at the local vet clinic, the pair’s destinies become entwined in a compelling and touching story. The book is the second in the Viola Vincent Reporting series, stories with a journalistic theme that focus on real issues in society. 

Viola Vincent, an anagram of Catlin V Nove, is the pen name Caitlin uses to disguise her secret identity as a rookie reporter for the local paper.
The story is set in New Zealand but Kenna says it could be set anywhere.

"Puppy farms, sometimes called puppy mills or puppy factories, can be found all over the world. This is a flourishing global industry fuelled by online trading sites and our ‘must have’ consumer culture. Celebrities posting selfies with their petite pooches don’t help."

Kenna says the book for 10 to 13 year-olds is based on extensive research; including hours spent watching undercover video footage of filthy and inhumane conditions inside puppy farms. "I’ve learnt more about this business than I really wanted to but the message of the book is optimistic and hopefully empowering for young readers. That message is ‘your voice matters. Don’t be afraid to use it and if you care enough, take action and bring about change’."

"There are lots of kids out there who really care about what’s going on in the world. I hope my books contribute to their knowledge and demonstrate the transformational power of good journalism."

About the author.
Anna Kenna is an award-winning journalist and former reporter on the 20/20 television programme. She has written extensively for children and her books and stories are used in classrooms around the world. She lives with her husband and two Cairn Terriers on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand www.annakenna.com

Note to booksellers:

Will be listed and supplied online via Amazon @ $US 9.95 but will have an NZ RRP $19.95 for bookshop orders direct to publisher.  

 

Tiromoana Publishing
41B Tiromoana Rd.
Raumati South
Kapiti Coast

Contact John  johnhowsonnz@gmail.com or call 0274 441830.