James Leonard, MD, president and CEO of Urbana, Ill.-based Carle Health, has written a new children’s book for his grandson and is sharing it publicly.
“The Giraffe in the Backyard” is about a young boy, Finn, who finds a giraffe in his backyard and works with his cousin to find the giraffe’s owner and safely return the giraffe home, according to a May 14 health system news release.
Dr. Leonard wrote the book for his second grandson, Finn, for his second birthday.
He said in the release that he wants to remind children about the importance of community and kindness toward each other and animals, and pass along his love of reading. Tom Lintern, a New York City-based illustrator, provided the book’s black-and-white drawings for children to color.
“Reading unlocks a lot of doors. It’s about education and curiosity. When you can read, you can dream and the possibilities are endless,” Dr. Leonard said.
The book will be available onsite for $3.95 at various Carle Health gift shops. Proceeds will go to Carle auxiliaries and service leagues that support the organization.
“The Giraffe in the Backyard” is Dr. Leonard’s second children’s book. He wrote “Argus” in 2018, also illustrated by Mr. Lintern.
Both books also are available on the Carle Health gift shop website.
