By: Paula Reed
Meet Easton, the lovable rescue dog who has captured readers’ hearts everywhere. Born in Pennsylvania and adopted by Toronto elementary school teacher Elizabeth Retter and her family, Easton is no ordinary dog—he’s the star of a charming series of children’s books that are quickly becoming cherished classics for kids. Through his inspiring story, Easton teaches children about love, compassion, and the importance of adopting rescue animals.
Elizabeth Retter, a passionate educator with over two decades of classroom experience, has always loved children’s books. Over the years, she developed a deep connection to the art of storytelling and a firm belief in the power of reading to shape young minds. Her background in theatre and voice also adds a unique flair to her writing, lending her books a delightful and melodic tone that keeps children engaged.
Easton’s story begins with a simple yet powerful message: every animal deserves a loving home. Retter hopes her books inspire readers to adopt rescue pets who often need a second chance.
The first book in the series, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet: The Dog in the Deli, introduces Easton as a brave and curious dog who takes matters into his paws when he hears about a local deli facing a meat shortage due to the pandemic. Easton sets out to help save the deli, leading to lighthearted and heartwarming moments. Inspired by a true story, the book showcases Easton’s energetic and adventurous nature, making him a delightful character for a children’s series.
Retter’s connection to Easton is evident throughout the books. She and her family adopted him after he was rescued, and Easton has been a constant source of inspiration for the author. His infectious personality and love for life shine through in the stories, making him a character that children can easily relate to and love. Retter has even said that her interactions with Easton have given her a deeper understanding of the bond between humans and animals, reflected in the positive messages woven throughout the series.
The second installment in the series, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet: Homeward Bound, picks up where the first book left off, continuing Easton’s journey with even more heartwarming adventures. In this story, Easton faces new challenges and learns important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and his place in the world. The book reinforces themes of rescue adoption, showing how the love between an adopted pet and their family can be transformative for both parties.
The third book in the series, Puppy School Pandemonium, is on its way, continuing Easton’s adventures. In this story, Easton heads to puppy school, where he navigates the challenges of learning new skills while bringing his usual dose of mischief and humor. Young readers, especially those who love dogs, will enjoy following Easton’s journey.
Retter has been delighted by the response to her books throughout her author visits to schools and libraries. Children have been mainly engaged during interactive read-aloud sessions, where they sing along to Easton’s catchy theme song and participate in the story’s unfolding. Retter has said it is rewarding to see how excited the kids get when they meet a real author and learn that Easton is a real-life character in these books. Hearing children say they’re inspired to adopt a rescue dog after reading the stories is incredibly touching.
As Easton continues to inspire children and adults, Elizabeth Retter’s vision of promoting literacy and encouraging animal adoption remains at the forefront of her work. Her books create a lasting legacy of kindness, empathy, and a love for reading. Retter hopes that The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet will entertain and spark essential conversations about animal welfare and the joy of rescuing needy pets.
The series is growing in popularity, and Retter is excited to share more of Easton’s adventures. Alongside her author visits, she is exploring additional ways to support literacy and raise awareness about animal rescue, combining her passions for storytelling and helping animals.
To discover more about the Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet series and to join Easton on his many adventures, visit Elizabeth Retter’s website or find the books on Amazon and other online booksellers.
For more information on the books, upcoming releases, and author visits, visit ElizabethRetter.com.
Published by Tom W.