New Book by Cape Authors Inspires Kids to Give Back: Max and Charlie Help a Hero

Through clever illustrations by Giorgia Florena Shaban, Charlie and his adopted dog Max are seen engaging in heroic endeavors in notable places throughout the region. Shaban’s charming characters are integrated into actual photographs, creating an additional learning aspect for young readers and an excellent keepsake from a vacation by the sea.

Max and Charlie’s adventures tie back to a true story of a group of children on Nantucket who decided last summer to raise money to have a service dog trained for a veteran. The kids organized a successful dog walk to raise the funds. They will have the honor of naming the astute canine and will then move their service to the next stage: selling Max and Charlie Help a Hero on Nantucket as a benefit for veterans there.

With its real-life stories designed to help kids recognize and esteem heroism, Max and Charlie Help a Hero is a fitting find for kids and their parents on Memorial Day weekend and year-round. The shared passion of the book’s creators—and the mantra that integrates their book— is the idea that one is never too young to give back. According to Dr. Matthew Pressman, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Seton Hall University, Max and Charlie Help a Hero teaches kids important life lessons in a fun and memorable way—with creative illustrations and a touching story.”

Gold Star Father Dept Chief Xiarhos, K9 Nick and Curtis Frye III

Max and Charlie’s connection with veterans will not end on Memorial Day. In the coming months, Roderiques and Ginter will be encouraging kids to submit their own “make a difference” photos and stories. The most inspirational submissions will receive a copy of the book and a “Help a Hero” T-shirt. The authors will also donate a portion of the proceeds from their book to two local veterans’ organizations, Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund and Nantucket Holidays for Heroes, and to the Cape Cod MSPCA.

This new book by Kim Roderiques and Karen Ginter is bound to delight children with its intrepid band of characters, stunning photographs of scenic landmarks on Cape Cod and Nantucket, and a powerful message about patriotism and service to others. Max and Charlie Help a Hero is ideal for kids 6-12 (and younger if read to).

Meet the authors: Yellow Umbrella Bookstore in Chatham will host a book signing for Max and Charlie Help a Hero Saturday, May 27, from 2-5 pm and Sunday, May 28, from 1-3 pm

 

A little about the authors:

Kim Roderiques, a long-time Chatham resident, is the author of Dogs on Cape Cod, a coffee table book featuring an extensive collection of dogs and scenic views from Provincetown to Sandwich. Her photographs have been exhibited in the New England region and published in national magazines. A new book featuring her photography, I Am of Cape Cod, will focus on a cross section of people from different walks of life on Cape Cod.

 

Karen Ginter spends the summers on Cape Cod. A dog-lover and committed volunteer, she has served such organizations as the Cape Cod Companion Animal Program and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She believes that, no matter what one’s circumstances are in life, one is always able to give back and help others, even at a young age.

Giorgia Florena Shaban is from an artistic family and has spent her summer vacations in Chatham since childhood. Primarily self-taught, the inspiration for her work comes from her family and pets, especially her dog, Oscar, who comes to the studio with her every day. Giorgia’s art conveys the sweetness, love and humor animals give us. For the last 25 years, she has been working with her mother and one of her sisters at Tatutina studio in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, designing happy art and children’s products.

About Cat Wilson

Cat Wilson is "That Girl" on Cape Country 104 – a Cape Cod native and longtime Cape radio personality. She is a passionate supporter of Military and Veteran causes on the Cape and also hosts local music spotlight program, “The Cheap Seats” on Ocean 104.7.



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