Pamme

MANCHESTER – Award-winning children’s author and psychotherapist Kathy Brodsky has released A Horse Named Special, an uplifting picture book about a therapeutic riding horse who helps people young and old.

“Kids always ask for books about horses,” said Brodsky. “Many of my friends love horses as well, which is why I decided that these wonderful animals deserve a book of their own.”

As a psychotherapist, Brodsky started exploring the many ways in which horses help people. To learn more, she visited two local nonprofits, Upreach Therapeutic Riding Center in Goffstown and Wings and Hooves in East Kingston. Once her storyline was established, she was on the lookout for a horse to star as the main character of the new book.

“We held a contest, which served to benefit equine rescue groups and to find the star of the book,” said Brodsky. “The contest was similar to those we conducted for two of my books, Purrsnikitty and The Winner Is. . .”

The contests have raised nearly $3K in donations to animal rescue groups. All entrants were encouraged to donate to an animal rescue group of their own choosing for each photo submission to the contests.

Ramsey, a horse then owned by twelve-year old Taylor Svenconis of Raymond, took top honors in the “Be the Star” contest and served as the model for illustrations of Special.

Advance readers have much praise for Brodsky’s seventh book, which features the colorful signature illustration work of Manchester fine artist and illustrator Cameron Bennett. Bennett has illustrated each of the books in Brodsky’s collection.

“This is a must have book that will touch the hearts of children and adults alike as it teaches lessons of hope, caring and compassion,” said Louise Foreseze, teacher and founder of Peak Education Performance.

Educators and nonprofits use Brodsky’s books to promote social awareness in their classrooms and programs. Each book includes a series of discussion questions to further conversation with children. Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center in Bend, Oregon has incorporated A Horse Named Special into their intake orientation with each new rider.

“This story celebrates the horses at PATH International Centers who are true heroes in the equine community,” said Karen Karvonen, Path International Strides Editor. PATH International promotes safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding, with over 800 member centers worldwide providing help and support for more than 42,000 men, women and children with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted activity and therapy programs.

Brodsky visits schools, nonprofits and bookstores offering readings, signings, interactive discussion and enrichment programs as well as opportunities for fundraising. Two of her books, The Winner Is. . . and Stover have been honored with 2011 Preferred Choice Awards by Creative Child Magazine. Learn more about Kathy Brodsky and her seven picture books for children at www.kathybrodsky.com.

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Kathy Brodsky is a New Hampshire children’s author, poet and psychotherapist. Her books include My Bent Tree, The Inside Story, Just Sniffing Around, Purrsnikitty, The Winner Is. . ., Stover, and A Horse Named Special. She is also the author of Moments in Our Lives, a Woman’s Eye View. Learn more at www.kathybrodsky.com or contact Brodsky at kathy@kathybrodsky.com.