EAST HADDAM, Conn. (WTNH) — A local farm is helping kids affected by the Los Angeles fires by providing them with an inspiring book about a donkey who found a new home after a loss.“The story I’m going to read to you today is The Wonderful Mr. Beans,” author Jerry Markham said last July, as he introduced us to a children’s book about a donkey who is moved from a farm when his owners get too old to care for him.“Ray of Light Farm became Mr. Beans home,” Markham said.The book helps...
EAST HADDAM, Conn. (WTNH) — A local farm is helping kids affected by the Los Angeles fires by providing them with an inspiring book about a donkey who found a new home after a loss.
“The story I’m going to read to you today is The Wonderful Mr. Beans,” author Jerry Markham said last July, as he introduced us to a children’s book about a donkey who is moved from a farm when his owners get too old to care for him.
“Ray of Light Farm became Mr. Beans home,” Markham said.
The book helps raise funds for Ray of Light Farm, an East Haddam non-profit, home to 120 rescued animals including the actual Mr. Beans.
Now, its reach is expanding.
“Our publisher actually reached out and said let’s give something to the children,” farm founder Bonnie Buongiorne explained referring to kids in Los Angeles who lost their homes in the recent, devastating fires.
Folks can purchase the book on the farm’s website. It will then be sent out west where Buongiorne is sure the message will resonate.
“Particularly because his story is about hope. It’s about losing your home and being fine in the end in spite of that,” she said.
Mr. Beans is known in the area as a symbol of resilience. He often visits with people who need a boost.
“We’ll take his book, we’ll read the book to him. He reads as much as he can and we try to send messages of healing,” Buongiorne said.
The farm offers programs for veterans and kids with autism.
“We partner the horses with them. The horses teach them how to relax, we don’t do much, the animals do,” she said.
Children across the country will benefit from the sweet donkey’s message: that you can still thrive during uncertain times and loss is always eased through kindness.
“It fits and we’re happy to do it,” Buongiorne said.
The paperback books cost twenty dollars apiece and are signed by Mr. Beans himself.
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