The National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights is pleased to announce its partnership with author/illustrator K.D. Keenan, who has published a bilingual children’s book about a boy who trades places with a bear cub, teaching both characters valuable lessons about home, family ritual, connection and mutual understanding. All profits raised from the sales of this book through online publishing company lulu.com, will directly support NNIRR’s programs for immigrant and refugee rights. 

Ms. Keenan is a published author of adult science fiction/fantasy whose “Gods of the New World” trilogy is published by Diversion Books of New York City. Her artwork has appeared in galleries throughout the North and Central Coast of California. She wrote and illustrated the playful children’s story “I Am Not a Bear” initially as a whimsical gift for her grandchildren and close friends, but found her readers had great interest in the book’s story and beautiful illustrations. Having the book translated with side-by-side Spanish and English text, Ms. Keenan self-published “I Am Not a Bear | Yo no soy oso” as a bilingual children’s book on lulu.com as a fundraiser for a non-profit that defends immigrant families and human rights, and addresses the humanitarian crisis for families seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“I have been deeply distressed by the plight of immigrants at our southern border, especially by the children who have been wrenched away from their families. I am grateful to NNIRR for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the relief of immigrant families. And I hope “I Am Not a Bear | Yo no soy oso” will entertain and delight many young children.” – K.D. Keenan

NNIRR is honored to work together with Ms. Keenan to promote a bilingual children’s book that speaks to the values of friendship and understanding and that, through this generous collaboration, supports the broader goals of human rights and dignity for families of all backgrounds and origins.

For more information about the author, K.D. Keenan, go to: theobsidianmirror.net/k-d-keenan-bio/

Read the author’s blog-post about the inspirtation for this book here.

* All profits from the sale of this book will directly support NNIRR programs.