By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/ People Editor
Ilene Lieber has loved writing since she was a child writing poems but it is her latest endeavor of a children’s book series that she is most proud of.
Lieber added, “Aside from writing poems as a child, one of my favorite children’s books growing up was ‘Clifford the Small Red Puppy’, so maybe that was a sign for what was to come.”
Working hard at her PR company has given Lieber an advantage but it was when she decided she wanted to try something new that her Zoey’s Adventures dog books were born. Her inspiration for the books was what she refers to as her “forever ‘doggy daughter’ Zoey” as she was the love and inspiration of her life.
“With Zoey, the second we first met almost 13 years ago, I started to cry and knew that we were meant for each other,” she said. “With writing, I’ve always found it’s the best way for me to express myself (my mom even has emails and letters I’ve written her saved).”
She cited that she realized that her Golden Retriever “doggy daughter” Zoey, kids and writing summed up her loves.
“So a lightbulb went off that I should write a children’s book staring the love of my life Zoey,” she said. “It’s my first venture into children’s literature and it’s been an incredible journey seeing so many kids and families fall in love with her too through the book.”
As a huge advocate for animal charities and a longtime supporter of Pet Alliance she actually donates a portion of book proceeds to different animal charitable organizations (currently, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge).
Lieber has already heard a tremendous amount of praise about the book from kids and families who love the book and say it’s one of their favorites.
“It’s the best recognition I could ask for,” she added. “It’s also been wonderful to be asked to participate in various community events and story times like at Harry P. Leu Gardens ‘Dog Day’, Pet Alliance ‘Paws in the Park’, Orlando Science Center and local libraries.”
Her book “Zoey’s Adventures to the Ice Cream Shop” is based on a real-life adventure with what she calls “her forever ‘doggy daughter’ Zoey.” She elaborated by saying, “I’m one of those obsessed dog moms who take their ‘babies’ with them everywhere. It’s a super sweet story about Zoey visiting a local ice cream shop on National Ice Cream Day and it has a nice lesson about patience and good things come to those who wait, which I like to say is great for kids and for grown-ups.”
Although her dream would be to write a whole series, sadly, Zoey passed away 6 months ago.
“I plan to continue sharing ‘Zoey’s Adventures to the Ice Cream Shop’ in her honor,” she said. “‘Zoey’s Adventures to the Ice Cream Shop’ is the perfect gift for your kiddos this holiday (and any) season.”
For more information or to purchase the books go to at www.zoeysadventuresbooks.com or Amazon. Socials are (FB/IG): @zoeysadventuresbooks
