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Maryland Author Out to Help Canines

ODENTON, Md., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens when you mix a beloved mutt dog and trumpet-playing prodigy child, Geoffrey Gallante? If you're Maryland author Mona Smith you end up with a new children's book titled Rocko the Hero.

"My husband and I love dogs," explains Smith. "When I decided to write a children's book, I knew I wanted the canine in the story to be an adaptation of our own dog. My husband Dale rescued Rocko when he was six weeks old. But the story needed a child, so I asked my friend Beth about using her son Geoffrey in the story, and Beth loved the idea, so Rocko the Hero was officially born."

Smith says, "Geoffrey is so talented and our Rocko is a real hero to us, having overcome so many adversities as an abandoned puppy. It seemed like a natural fit to put the two of them together. When I came up with the idea for the book, my husband and I thought one of the best tributes to Rocko, and all homeless animals, would be to bring attention to their cause and also donate a portion of the profits to the SPCA. They do a lot of good work for animals that don't have a voice of their own. Plus, every little bit they receive goes a long way in helping them find loving homes for displaced pets."

"This venture has really been the best of all worlds," explains Smith. "The book touches on what makes Maryland special, it highlights a gifted child, and it celebrates the love that animals can bring to our lives. I'm proud with how it's turned out, and I look forward to sharing it with the folks of Maryland and all across the world."

Rocko the Hero will be released April 2008. To learn about the book and the author, be sure to visit http://rockothehero.com/ for more information.

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