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04/17/2019 1:07 AM

What happens when a cuddly canine named Mr. Fuzzy Ears goes on the search for a playful companion? He comes across a timid mouse, a spunky squirrel, a rat in a hammock and numerous critters waiting for their forever home. Along the way, he learns important lessons of loving and caring for animals and supporting the local humane society.

“The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: Searching for a Furry Friend,” written and illustrated by Slane College Artist-in-Residence Donna Carr Roberts, is the first in a series of children’s books. Inspired by the four “fur children” she shares with her husband, President Gary Roberts ’70, she hopes the heartwarming story will raise awareness for the university while it promotes a worthy cause.

Profits from the book’s sales in central Illinois will go to the Peoria Humane Society. Carr Roberts has donated a copy to every grade school in the city. She’s also done readings at nearly 20 Peoria schools, as well as nursing homes and a ������ý��Ƶ class.

“When I read the book, I want to get across that animals are helpless; they need our love and care,” she said. “Even though they (young children) might be powerless if they see an animal being abused, they can help break the cycle as they get older because they’ll know it’s wrong.”

Carr Roberts initially published the book herself but signed with industry self-publisher iUniverse a few months ago. The company has provided a publicist who will set up a national press tour and if all goes well, Mr. Fuzzy Ears will make his way to Hollywood.

The publisher is already working on merchandising.

“They say (the book) has the potential to become a classic, and they call it a modern-day ‘Winnie-the-Pooh.’”

In the next book, Mr. Fuzzy Ears will have to solve the mystery of the missing bunnies on ������ý��Ƶ’s campus. This time the message will be about trading screen time for real time.

“I want people to be entertained by the books,” she said. “And at the end think to themselves, ‘What a nice message.’”

“The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: Searching for a Furry Friend” is available at amazon.com and .