Canine “Hero” Comes to the Rescue After Katrina

Claire Boudreaux Bateman is on a mission to write books that inspire children of all ages. Her most recent book, Call Me Hero, is based on true stories of heroism and service that she witnessed firsthand in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is a story about service written for tomorrow’s heroes. A fictitious mutt called “Hero,” who is rescued from Hurricane Katrina’s flood waters and given a chance for a new life, narrates Call Me Hero. Little Hero has lost his home, his family, and, worst of all, his name. As he searches for his owner, he discovers the true meaning of “hero.”

Claire Boudreaux Bateman is on a mission to write books that inspire children of all ages. Her most recent book, Call Me Hero, is based on true stories of heroism and service that she witnessed firsthand in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is a story about service written for tomorrow’s heroes.

A fictitious mutt called “Hero,” who is rescued from Hurricane Katrina’s flood waters and given a chance for a new life, narrates Call Me Hero. Little Hero has lost his home, his family, and, worst of all, his name. As he searches for his owner, he discovers the true meaning of “hero.” The dog assists in rescue efforts in many ways and ultimately learns through these touching adventures that “hero” is much more than just his name.

Vivid color illustrations by Kym W. Garraway bring Hero’s experiences to life for children ages 6 and older. The dog’s story takes readers from the drowned city of New Orleans and the rescue shelters of Baton Rouge, to the devastation in Cameron Parish on the western coast of Louisiana, and touches on the rescue efforts along the Mississippi and Texas coasts. The book is a noble memorial to the animals and people who became everyday heroes by helping their neighbors during this disaster. Most importantly, the mischievous mutt encourages readers to discover their own ability to serve others. In the back of the book, there is a page for the child to write about his or her own personal heroes, making the book a great family keepsake.

Bateman’s inspiration came from watching her beloved Baton Rouge community become an epicenter of service and compassion. Her husband, David, joined hundreds of men who brought boats to New Orleans to aid in the rescue efforts. Her neighbors opened their homes and hearts to survivors, and area schools took displaced students into their already crowded classrooms. These were only a handful of the everyday heroes from across the nation who performed selfless, brave acts.

“This story is for them,” Bateman says. “I have friends throughout the Gulf Coast who, five years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, still don’t know who secured their property or saved their cherished pets. The rescuers didn’t take credit for their sacrifices, so my friends will likely never know their names or be able to thank them. I’m hoping these unknown heroes will go online and tell their stories.” Bateman encourages readers to share their experiences at www.callmehero.com, where they can post rescue stories and photos.

Published by Shell Beach Publishing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Call Me Hero is sold as a gift set with an adorable plush dog toy for $32.95 retail. Ten percent of the cost of each book is donated to nonprofits involved in disaster relief.

To add this inspiring tale to your store library, visit www.clairebatemanbooks.com