Every rescue dog has a story, but Easton’s journey from a Pennsylvania shelter to becoming the star of a heartwarming children’s book series is nothing short of extraordinary.
Elizabeth Retter, who can be described as the heart – and the pen – behind the Tales of Easton the Rescue Pet, brings his story to the world through a charming series of children’s books.
Based on the real-life antics of Easton, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet series combines humor, adventure, and an important message: every animal deserves a second chance.
A retired elementary school teacher with over 25 years of experience, Elizabeth Retter has spent her life shaping young minds and encouraging a love of reading. But it was Easton, a rescue dog adopted from Pennsylvania, who inspired her to take her storytelling in an unexpected direction. Now living in Toronto with her family, Retter has created a series of books destined to delight children while instilling empathy and a sense of responsibility toward animals.
Easton’s journey from a Pennsylvania shelter to Retter’s Canadian home is the heart of this growing series. His goofy charm and boundless energy turned him into the perfect muse. Easton is more than a pet; he’s a character, as the author has pointed out in the past. She has spoken of how his curious, mischievous personality is the key to the stories, joking that they write themselves.
The series kicked off with The Dog in the Deli, a whimsical tale inspired by a real-life pandemic-era adventure. In the story, Easton takes it upon himself to help with a meat shortage by venturing into the local deli, creating a whirlwind of excitement. The book’s humor and relatable themes quickly made it a hit with children, parents, and educators.
Retter’s books go beyond entertainment. As a lifelong advocate for literacy and a passionate supporter of animal rescue, she seamlessly blends these causes into her stories. “I want children to develop a love of reading early on,” she explains, “but I also hope to plant the seeds of compassion for rescue animals.”
Her motto, “Don’t buy new, RESCUE,” is woven into every tale, reminding readers of the many animals waiting for loving homes. With each book, Retter highlights the joys and challenges of adopting a rescue pet, encouraging families to consider giving a second chance to an animal in need.
Elizabeth Retter’s impact doesn’t end on the page. Through author visits to schools and libraries, she brings Easton’s world to life for young readers. Interactive read-aloud sessions, complete with songs and storytelling, have become a favorite part of her work. She has spoken of how seeing kids light up when they realize Easton is real is magical. Children often leave these sessions inspired not only to read but also to consider adopting a rescue pet themselves. For Retter, this is the ultimate reward.
Retter’s background in theater and voice lends a melodic quality to her writing, making her books ideal for read-aloud. Her experiences as an educator have also shaped her storytelling approach, ensuring her books resonate with children while fostering important conversations about kindness, empathy, and responsibility.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Retter has a simple piece of advice: “Everyone has a story to tell. Just start. It’s never too late to try something new.”
Elizabeth Retter’s The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet series is more than just a collection of charming children’s books—it’s a call to action. Through the lovable antics of Easton, she is raising awareness about the importance of animal rescue while fostering a love of reading.
Elizabeth Retter’s passion for storytelling and advocacy is evident in every page she writes. With Easton by her side, she’s creating a legacy of compassion, literacy, and love that will resonate with children and adults alike for years to come.
To learn more about Easton’s adventures or to bring these stories into your home, visit Elizabeth Retter’s website or find her books on Amazon and other retailers. Follow her on social media to stay updated on upcoming releases and events, and join the growing community inspired by Easton’s heartwarming journey.
Find all the books in the series at https://elizabethretter.com/about-the-book/ or on Amazon, or at your favourite online bookseller.
Published by Tom W.
