TAMPA, Fla. — Brudders the bear is small, lonely and ready to conquer the world.
"The whole lesson of this book is that everybody is not the same, we're all different, but that's okay," says illustrator Derek Roberts.
"He's like a little child on his own," says author K.A. Leigh.
The Tampa couple just self-published a beautiful hardcover book called "Brudders Learns How to Make Friends," a charming, richly colored first installment in the bear's adventures.
Although he's a cuddly lil' bear, Brudders is actually inspired by Derek's family dog. When K.A. first saw Derek's sketch of the character a few years ago, inspiration struck.
The couple has been promoting the new book through community outreach and donations, including a batch of free books shipped to 10 foster families.
K.A. and Derek would like to donate 100 books this holiday season to various nonprofits, hospitals and more.
Upcoming author appearances & signings include:
12/5 Epperson Lagoon
12/13 Corey Ave St. Pete Beach market
12/16 iStroll Carrolwood storytime
12/19 & 20 Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park (Derek will be painting)
For more on Brudders, click here.
