Dec. 7 Book Release Party and Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society: 4:00-6:30, Sniff Dog Hotel, 1828 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR
Featuring:
–Kids’ Music by Mr. Hoo
–Caricatures by our illustrator, Heather Nichols
–Raffle of Kids’ and Dogs’ Gift Baskets
—Two Autism Service Dogs
Boy, 6, Keeps Memory of Dog Alive in His Heart, Thanks to Surprising Book Supporters;
Dec. 7 Book Release Party, Fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society
Young author Michael Cohn, age 6, will keep the memory of his dog, Lucy, alive in his heart by continuing a kids’ book series launched in 2013–thanks to some unanticipated Kickstarter supporters who helped fund his just-released book.
Dania Doose, the owner of a dog training company, surprised Michael and his mom, Lisa Cohn, by backing a Kickstarter project in May that aimed to fund the Cohns’ second dog picture book. Doose asked the Cohns to make her special-needs son, Tristen, a character in the book, along with his service dog.
The new book, successfully funded by the Kickstarter, is “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy.” It follows “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence,” a Mom’s Choice Silver Award winner and finalist, USA Best Book Awards. The Cohns wrote the first book in 2013 to overcome grief over the sudden death of their golden retriever, Lucy.
“This series really helps Michael keep the memory of our dog, Lucy, alive in his heart,” said Lisa Cohn. “Michael, who loves helping write these books, rose to the challenge of integrating our Kickstarter backers into the new ‘Bash and Lucy.’ He came up with the jealousy theme and created the entire plot line, integrating Tristen and his dog.”
In addition to Tristen and his service dog, featured in the book is Kickstarter backer Sniff Dog Hotel, which will host a Dec. 7 book release party and fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. The natural pet products company “I and love and you” also appears in the book. In addition, the Cohns wrote into their book their vet, Cornelia Wagner, in appreciation for her care of their new dog, Hudson.
“Not only did these companies back us initially, but they continue to give generously to our project,” said Lisa Cohn. “’I and love and you’ and Sniff Dog Hotel have donated products for our Oregon Humane Society fundraisers.”
Portland-based backers also include authors Ryan Chin and Brian Tashima.
“For us, this project is about giving back—through our OHS fundraisers, to dogs who give so much to us. We’re also thanking the companies and students who are so enthusiastic about our books,” she added.
In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy,” Lucy helps coach Bash’s soccer team by kissing the kids and making them laugh, and even leads the team to the championships. But Bash is overcome with jealousy when a special-needs boy, Tristen (who has mild autism and epilepsy), says he wants Lucy to coach his Olympics team of special-needs kids.
The Cohns visit school children in Portland and via Skype, sharing their story. They also do “KidLit Chats with Michael,” during which book lover Michael discusses books with young children. Here’s an example: http://youtu.be/_D5PooWyPvc
“Lisa and Michael Cohn are a powerhouse team,” said Doose. “They inspire reading in a most lovely way. Children and parents are going to love their next project. My child, who is intelligently challenged, was inspired to read by their book.”
Lisa and Michael Cohn have appeared on the Today Show, SiriusXM Radio, in Disney’s Babble, in the Oregonian, on AM Northwest, and other media.
For more information visit www.BashAndLucy.com or contact Lisa at BashAndLucy@gmail.com
A Big Thanks to Our Other Kickstarter Supporters, including:
Airlie Road Publishing, Deborah Taylor-French, Peak Performance Sports, Toren Orzeck, Kristi Holden, Susan Richardson-Bishop, Neha Hewitt, Patty Price-Yates, Ljupka Journey, Tatiana Terdal, and Elisa Wood.
QUOTES FROM KICKSTARTER SUPPORTERS:
We were excited to support the Bash & Lucy book series through Kickstarter. What better way to celebrate the bond between people and dogs, especially when it involves children and their unique connections with pups. We love that the authors, Lisa and Michael, are from Portland and that the story take place locally. Portland has such a large, loving dog community–we look forward to bringing these local supporters together for the book release/ fundraiser at Sniff.
–Jami Mollas, Owner, Sniff Dog Hotel
I was so impressed with Lisa and Michael Cohn’s first book. Kickstarter made it possible for us to connect in a way that otherwise would be impossible. I am so humbled to have my son, Tristen, be part of this book. He is encouraged to read books by Lisa and Michael because he loves dogs. His service dog, Benji, has opened doors for him to be confident and make new friends. We are excited for the release of this new book and we hope it promotes reading and acceptance of others.”
–Dania Doose, whose son, Tristen, and service dog, Benji, appear in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy”
