Don Corrigan will join Diane Key-Biggs and Shelley Dietrichs, the creators of A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle, at a special book event at the Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves on Monday, Dec. 6, from 7-8 p.m. The event will include presentations on favorite animals and favorite animal lovers in St. Louis and book signings.
A Friend to All: Charlie Hoessle is a children’s book that takes a look at the life and times of the beloved former Saint Louis Zoo Director. Corrigan will give a presentation on his new book, American Roadkill: The Animal Victims of Our Busy Highways. Corrigan will give an up-beat update on all the animal lovers and groups who are working to reduce roadkill carnage on the nation’s thoroughfares. There is much progress to report!
By Don Corrigan
A familiar image of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Charlie Hoessle graces the cover of a new children’ book. Its title notes that he is a friend “to all.” The “all” includes giraffes, lions, penguins, snakes, elephants and more.
That’s as it should be, according to Shrewsbury writer Diane Key-Biggs and Kirkwood illustrator Shelley Dietrichs. Hoessle’s best friends have always been furry, scaly, hairy or even a bit slimy.
The story book notes that from an early age, Charlie cultivated the kind of friends that you can keep in your pocket, like a toad, turtle, or frog. He found it hard to make friends at school, but not in the great outdoors.
“Charlie never had trouble making friends with the animals. He loved them from an early age,” said Key-Biggs. “I think young readers will find that reassuring.
“Here is a man who never had to worry about being lonely,” said Key-Biggs. “With his love for animals, he has been a real gift for St. Louis. They broke the mold when they made Charlie.”
Environmental Echo 