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Sara Deen Kimball

Home Featured Authors & Panelists Featured Participant Lineup 2026 Sara Deen Kimball

Sara Deen Kimball grew up in Atlanta, Louisiana, and is a volunteer with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). She started the Ralph’s Responders program to teach children about responsible pet ownership, which led to her writing Rowen and the Animal Shelter. The R.A.L.P.H. (Ready and Living Prepared Heroes) program is free to download and share online at LSART.org. Kimball also volunteers with her adopted border collie, Finn, as a therapy team and to teach responsible pet ownership.

 

Schedule

9:30 am to 10:00 am
Children’s Author Tent 3
Rowen and the Animal Shelter
(Ages 5 to 10)

10:15 am to 11:00 am
Cavalier House Books Tent
Book Signing

Rowen and the Animal Shelter

Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Children’s Books

Discover how one boy turned compassion into action!

When Rowen and his mom discover a stray dog in their yard, he’s not sure what to do. After animal control safely brings the pup to the local shelter, Rowen is full of questions—what is an animal shelter, and what happens to the animals there?

After Rowen learns how shelters care for lost or abandoned animals, he’s inspired to help. He starts by donating toys and treats, but soon his small acts of kindness spark a big movement—his classmates join in to support the shelter!

Rowen and the Animal Shelter is a heartwarming story that introduces children to the important role of animal shelters and the joy of community service. Perfect for families and educators, this book encourages empathy, responsibility, and compassion for animals in need.