BeaLu Books successfully launched Bright and Beautiful: The Story of the Mercy Full Project at the Best Friends National Conference. Held from July 11th to 13th in Orlando, the event served as a means for the Florida-based independent children’s book publisher to spread its mission of positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities through literature.
The Best Friends National Conference is an annual celebration hosted and organized by Best Friends, a nonprofit organization in Kanab, Utah. It’s one of the company’s initiatives to turn its ultimate goal of making the United States a no-kill nation by 2025 into reality. It aims to equip attendees with innovative techniques and up-to-date strategies, from community cat lifesaving and shelter medicine to strategic communications and supporter engagement, to save the lives of more animals.
The conference took place in Florida this year to contribute to the state’s efforts in prioritizing animal welfare. Rescue centers and local shelters were invited, as they could obtain the necessary information and tools to develop their own strategies to accomplish their respective organizational goals.
BeaLu Books debuted Bright and Beautiful at the Best Friends National Conference as the book’s call to action deeply resonates with the event’s vision. Author Precious McKenzie introduces readers to Yeyi, a compassionate young girl with an immense love for animals. Her seemingly small acts of kindness started a movement in her town where many animals—all lost and lonely—roam.
Heydi Acuna, founder of The Mercy Full Project, inspired McKenzie to pen Bright and Beautiful. Called Yeyi by those dear to her, Acuna is known for her dedication to shaping the initiatives of her organization, which is committed to rescuing animals and doing community outreach in Tampa, Florida. It’s worth mentioning that The Mercy Full Project stands as a pivotal member of a global web of animal rescue organizations. It’s especially known for rescuing dogs and cats and delivering the medical care they need to prepare them for their loving furrever homes.
The organization’s volunteers partake in challenging, emotionally taxing work, acknowledging they can’t rescue all animals that need to be saved. Still, they made it their mission to provide them a chance to live a happy life. The entire team’s dedication mirrors Yeyi’s, who has always been close to animals. After leaving her work at a veterinary clinic in Bogota, Colombia, where she was born and raised, she immigrated to Tampa as a refugee and later established The Mercy Full Project with her husband. What started as a humble initiative evolved into a full-scale facility. Its growth is all thanks to individuals and organizations who share the same vision.
Rallying behind the nonprofit’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating animals, BeaLu announced that with every purchase of Bright and Beautiful, readers will be able to support The Mercy Full Project’s initiatives. Doing so allows the publishing company to extend its impact, encouraging individuals to transform lives starting from their communities.
“We were honored to launch Bright and Beautiful at the Best Friends National Conference. The event gave us an opportunity to spread the book’s message, and seeing attendees feel inspired by Yeyi’s story touched our hearts,” says Luana Mitten, founder of BeaLu Books.
Bruce R. Coston, a well-known author, shares an honest review: “Bright and Beautiful is indeed a fitting title. It exudes humanity’s hopeful view and the beautiful message of compassion. The illustrations are also striking, drawing readers more into the story. I believe it succeeds in urging children to retain the love they have for animals and carry that same passion as they become adults.”
BeaLu Books, committed to curating resonating titles, also released Nest, which is also written by McKenzie. It’s a book that celebrates home, love, and family, spreading a significant message about how these elements can give strength during tribulations.
Dylan M. Mills’ I Am Inspired: A Day of Children’s Affirmations is also included in the publisher’s curation. Written to guide children in practicing positive self-talk, it teaches lessons about how children can support their friends with encouraging, uplifting words.
What Makes Me Feel: A Refugee Story by Devendra Veda
Another striking book in BeaLu Books’ catalog is What Makes Me Feel: A Refugee Story by Devendra Veda. It offers a glimpse into the lives of three children who had to navigate their daily lives full of conflict. Inspired by real-life narratives, this book opens the eyes of young readers to global issues. “We hope that through this book, refugee children can feel they’re not alone,” Mitten states.
All these releases attest to BeaLu Book’s commitment to fulfilling its mission of entertaining, educating, and inspiring young minds. It looks forward to extending its impact through events like the Best Friends National Conference, where works from passionate authors can gain significant traction.
