by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Patrons of the Westwood Public Library (WPL) were in for a real treat recently when author-illustrator duo Rozilla MH and Jennifer Welborn read their picture book “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals.” Children with their caretakers and stuffed animals in tow eagerly gathered in the community room for this special reading.
The book takes readers on a journey with a little girl named Rosie, whose mom is a veterinarian. Rosie’s adventures have her helping animals as small as a bunny to as big as an elephant, using a variety of natural treatments like aloe, salt water, manuka honey, and hot and cold compresses. “I was inspired by a photograph of a baby giraffe with a neck bandage,” revealed author Jennifer Welborn. “It made me wonder about other treatments for injured animals.”
After the book reading, each child was pronounced an official stuffed animal veterinarian and given their own special doctor’s kit. The kits included a bandage, a small sampling of manuka honey, as well as miniature bottles of both an aloe and a salt water mixture. In addition to the kits, treatment cards were passed around to help the beginner stuffy vets diagnose and care for their special friends. The children seemed to delight in inspecting their lovies and finding just the right cure for their ailments.
“We were working together in the same science classroom when Jennifer got the idea,” said illustrator Rozilla MH. “I usually work in watercolor, but it’s so expensive. So I learned a brand new skill for this book, which was fun.”
“It was super good!” exclaimed one young attendee after the event, happily clutching his bandaged stuffed triceratops.
More information about “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals,” including educational guides and resources, plus details on where to purchase, can be found at drrosiehelpstheanimals.org. Proceeds from the book are going towards a veterinary scholarship fund.
WPL offers many interesting programs for all ages. You can view the event calendar at WestwoodLibrary.org.
