Local author donates all funds towards Animal Australia organization

Local author donates all funds towards Animal Australia organization: A local author has taken the initiative to help out with the devastated wildlife across Australia.

The "Captain Underpants" of Wellsboro Pennsylvania

I enjoy being an author that is also a bookseller. I used that skill to write books for children that they enjoy. I also get to meet my readers. Children and adults sometimes forget that there's a real person behind the book.

I share some of the same readers as the better known Dav Pilkey. He's the creator of such characters as Dog Man, Cat Kid, and Captain Underpants. So, I took it as quite the compliment when a young reader called the Totally Ninja Raccoons as the "Captain Underpants" of Wellsboro.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons is a series of early chapter books, target audience first through fourth grade. The books are short adventures with quick chapters, specially structured to encourage reluctant readers. Each book has the Totally Ninja Raccoons encountering a cryptid -- a creature from folklore or mythology, whose existence is not currently confirmed by modern science.

The "monsters" are presented in a fun, not-too-scary way, and readers are encouraged to do their own research to make up their minds about the possible existence of Bigfoot, werewolves, thunderbirds, sidehill gougers, the Loch Ness monster, and more. The child in your life will plow through these and ask for more.

The books are all available at From My Shelf Books in Wellsboro PA, and you can meet me there. I'll happily autograph the books and personalize them as well. It is the digital age, so you can buy the books online at the store's website, or ask your favorite hometown bookstore to order them. You'll be glad you did.

I'm Donating $1 from Every Totally Ninja Raccoon

You've seen photos of the Australian fires. It's overwhelming. Australia has animal species found nowhere else, and they are being pushed to extinction. Australia is a world away from Pennsylvania, but I still want to help.

I read how crafters got out their tools and started hand-knitting pouches for baby kangaroos and wallabies. That's great, but I'm no knitter. What could I do?

I read how Chris Helmsworth, Russell Crowe, Elton John, and Metallica donated hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'm not a famous actor or singer. What could I do?

I read how young, attractive Instagram models sold nude photos and donated the proceeds. Well, people aren't going to pay to see that, and besides I'm a children's author.

That's it. I'm donating my royalties from every Totally Ninja Raccoon I sell in January to the Animal Australia organization. I've already started and counted the ones I've sold this month. My royalties on each book is a little less than than a dollar, but I'm rounding up for good measure and the math is easier.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons is a series of early chapter books, target audience first through fourth grade. The books are short adventures with quick chapters, specially structured to encourage reluctant readers. Each book has the Totally Ninja Raccoons encountering a cryptid -- a creature from folklore or mythology, whose existence is not currently confirmed by modern science.

The "monsters" are presented in a fun, not-too-scary way, and readers are encouraged to do their own research to make up their minds about the possible existence of Bigfoot, werewolves, thunderbirds, sidehill gougers, the Loch Ness monster, and more.

The books can be purchased at From My Shelf Books & Gifts in Wellsboro. The store does sell the books on their website, and all books come autographed. It's said that no person, or raccoon is too small to make a difference.

Your Chance to be a Ninja

The Totally Ninja Raccoons want to help their animal friends in Australia. You can help too. Here's your chance to be a ninja.

For every Totally Ninja Raccoon book sold in the month of January, I will donate $1 to Animals Australia.

The Totally Ninja Raccoons can be purchased at From My Shelf Books & Gifts in Wellsboro, or online at our website

Animals Australia is Australia's leading animal protection organization. You can read more about them here