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From Rescue Dog to War Hero

New Book, Movie Tell the Story of Unsung Hero Sergeant Stubby


April 23, 2018

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS—The amazing story of Sergeant Stubby, the canine war hero who saved countless lives during World War I, is coming to bookshelves across America this week.

Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go to War?, the second children's book in a new series published by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, tells the story of Stubby, a bedraggled rescue dog who went on to become a highly decorated war hero. From service on the frontlines to foiling a spy, this true story written by Cathy Werling and illustrated by Christina Garcia will inspire both children and adults. The publication of Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go to War? coincides with the April theatrical release of "Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero," the animated feature film by Fun Academy Studios. The Lowell Milken Center is one of the film's educational partners.

"The story of Sergeant Stubby is one which grabs the heart and translates to all people," says Norm Conard, executive director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Adds author Cathy Werling: "The hope is that Stubby's story will help children learn that the hero hiding inside each of us is not determined by our outward appearance."

By championing the stories of Unsung Heroes who have changed the course of history, the Lowell Milken Center's Unsung Hero children's books offer important character examples and support the Center's mission to help students, educators and communities discover their own power to effect positive change in the world. The Unsung Hero children's book series also includes Why Did Grandpa Cry?, which tells the story of civil rights Unsung Hero Ken Reinhardt, who stood up against injustice as a teenager in Little Rock when his high school was integrated. The Unsung Hero children's books are available on Amazon.com, on the Barnes & Noble website, at the Hall of Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, and on lowellmilkencenter.org.

About the author and illustrator

Author Cathy Werling is an award-winning elementary educator from Fort Scott, Kansas. Her passion for helping students develop positive character traits and seek out worthy role models led her to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. By sharing the stories of these humble heroes, Cathy hopes to inspire elementary-age children to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Illustrator Christina Garcia is a graphic artist from Topeka, Kansas. She graduated from Washburn University and uses her love of art, especially in the mediums of painting and photography, to have a positive impact in her community and beyond.

About the Lowell Milken Center: Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of Unsung Heroes who have made a profound and positive difference on the course of history. The nonprofit LMC has engaged over a million students and educators in all 50 states and numerous countries. LMC’s Fort Scott, Kansas headquarters is home to the Hall of Unsung Heroes museum and think tank, attracting visitors from 88 countries.

For more information, visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org or call (310) 570-4772

Connect with the Lowell Milken Center on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowellMilkenCenter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LowellMilkenCtr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowellmilkenctr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LowellMilkenCtr

Media Contacts:

Lynne Russo: (818) 903-6079, lynneerusso@gmail.com
Harley Geffner: (310) 570-4852, hgeffner@niet.org