“A Giraffe Afraid of Heights” is the first of several books in a children’s book series titled the “Coping Crew.” The second book, “A Bee Afraid of Needles” is currently available for pre-orders online and a new book in the series is set to be released every two weeks thereafter.

“Creating these books and seeing these characters come to life now after so many years has been like a dream come true,” said Lantagne.

The target age for these books are children ages 3- to 8-years-old The stories all follow a simple rhyming scheme with colorful illustrations by Chelsey Lillge the Italic illustrator. Each story focuses on a main animal character that struggles because of a specific fear, phobia or anxiety. Throughout each book with the help of friends, techniques and inner self confidence the characters work to begin overcoming these issues.

The books were edited by E.R. Donaldson and published by Mythic North Press.

Lantagne and her husband also own an art studio, Crafters on Central, at 733 Central Ave. in Florence. Copies are available in the small retail space.

The studio will host an event today to help promote and kick off the launch of this first book. Children are invited to paint a ceramic giraffe, hear a reading and get signed autographs. There will also be a special guest visit from Lantagne’s registered pet therapy dog, Thor.

Lantagne and her English mastiff have been doing pet therapy for nearly five years. They have visited numerous libraries where children enjoy reading books to them as a team. They have also made visits to local nursing homes, schools and attended an event for the local Boy Scouts. Readers are invited to register for this event by viewing the class calendar at www.craftersoncentral.com

Lantagne has several visits lined up to include a fun day at a local library and a few within various elementary classrooms. She has a fun and engaging presentation planned and will discuss some fears, phobias and anxieties that she has personally struggled with. She will share tips, tricks and techniques that have worked for her and hopes that kids can begin to have earlier discussions about the importance of mental health awareness.

“I feel passionate about the need to reach out to children at a young age to let them know that they are never alone,” said Lantagne. “I hope that through these books and in sharing my own experiences that I can help to inspire them to ask for help, be brave and that they are perfect exactly how they are.”

Lantagne has created a Facebook page “Stacey Lantagne, author” and encourages readers to follow it for additional release dates, videos, tips, tricks and more.

Lantagne is working to create a non-profit organization that will reflect her passions of art, therapy and children in the near future.

Volunteering and giving back are important to Lantagne and currently serves as the county chamber of commerce treasurer. She can also be found helping to referee womens flat track roller derby locally and is a member of the 100+ Women group.

Lantagne can offer retailers access to an online portal to order books at wholesale pricing. If you are interested in selling these books, make an appearance or perhaps in sponsoring or endorsing her books call Stacey Lantagne at 715-889-3099, or email craftersoncentral@gmail.com.