The Little Red Puppy with a Big Idea

Stella, the cutest little puppy anyone has ever seen, lives in a pet shop and is anxious to find her human parents. One day, the pet shop has a special sale, and Stella meets Alexis and James. Immediately, Stella decides that they are her perfect match, but she is quickly saddened when they leave without her. Alone and confused, Stella listens to the advice of her friend as she struggles to understand what happened. When Alexis and James return for her the next day, Stella is thrilled. However, she soon discovers that finding human parents is not her only problem. Join Stella as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery with two very unlikely allies as they all learn what truly matters in their lives.

Corey Burnett-Hanssen grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where creating things and exploring the city on his skateboard or bicycle were the biggest joys of his youth. As a self-taught artist he has contributed to the local scene there through many group art exhibitions, donated work for benefit/charity events, designed and painted murals around town. In 2013, he married his love Kimberly and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where they share a home with their cats and dog. To this day, Corey continues to create art for himself and others and still makes time to hop on a skateboard for old times’ sake.Mandy Corliss is an inquisitive, lifelong learner; always looking to support a friend, family member, or colleague who wants to learn from and find opportunities in life’s situations. Mandy loves animals and as a child longed for one of her own. The Little Red Puppy speaks not only to the realization of that dream, but also how every situation gives us opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow. Mandy is a native of Yonkers, New York, and currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa.

Linda Belkin’s childhood dream was to become a teacher. She realized that dream by becoming a high school English teacher at a small private school in Miami, Florida. Several years later, she became an elementary school teacher for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and eventually moved to the middle school level where she taught language arts and reading. A former Teacher of the Year, Linda holds a Master’s Degree from Florida International University and a Doctoral Degree from Nova Southeastern University. She and her husband are currently retired and living outside of Miami where she continues her love of education as a school volunteer and reading tutor.