Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf, Award-winning Children's Author

Award-winning Author of Children's Books For Humane Education

I began writing at an early age. While in elementary school, I was the recipient of two Young Author Awards (1994, 1997). In high school, I became the only freshman member of the yearbook staff where I took my own photographs and wrote stories about the happenings at Freeburg High. I went on to receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications – Journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While there, I earned the Outstanding Student in Journalism Award in 2006. I am the former Editor of The Fairview Heights Tribune as well as the Clinton County News in Mascoutah, Illinois. I have written numerous articles and feature stories that have been included in the above-mentioned papers as well as The Freeburg Tribune and the Mass Communicator magazine for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

In 2015, I created my own publishing company called Theuerkauf’s Tails, LLC. I am also an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA), the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), the Cat Writers Association (CWA), and the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA). I also contribute to and edit articles for the Pets for Patriots Wet Nose blog as well as DOGTV’s Everything Dogs Blog.

Additionally, I am a member of the Animal Rescue Professionals Association and am a Certified Rescue Animal Transporter. I currently volunteer at the APA of Missouri with my three-legged dog, Penny. I assist in teaching the humane education class to birthday parties as well as Boy and Girl Scout groups. I greatly enjoy educating youth about the importance of humane treatment of all animals. I also love to interact with the groups to make the learning experience fun and memorable.

In 2016, I published a children’s book about Penny and her adoption journey entitled Priceless Penny. Penny and I visit area schools where we give presentations on the importance of adopting differently-abled animals. I also speak at community events as well as at local club and organizational meetings.

The most important thing the author wants readers to gain from her book:

The most important idea that I am sharing in Priceless Penny is that differently-abled animals’ capabilities are not limited by their looks. They are able to adapt and live full and satisfying lives and should not miss out on a second chance at life because they don’t look like most other animals.

Why the author is an authority on the subject of her book:

I have over fifteen years of animal handling experience, which includes caring for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. Additionally, I also have experience working with special needs animals that include blind, deaf and tripod animals. As a former foster home for Partners 4 Pets, I learned how to rehabilitate animals that were abused and abandoned and prepare them for their loving forever homes. I am also a member of Therapy Dogs International (T.D.I.). My Chihuahua, Adriel, and I have been providing touch therapy to schools, nursing homes, kids’ clubs, hospice patients, etc. for over six years. Additionally, I am a member of All American Dachshund Rescue. I assist with transporting rescued Dachshunds to their foster/forever homes. Furthermore, I also manage the rescue’s Instagram account, which features adoptable Dachshunds. I currently volunteer at the APA of Missouri with my three-legged dog, Penny. I assist in teaching the humane education class to birthday parties as well as Boy and Girl Scout groups. I greatly enjoy educating youth about the importance of humane treatment of all animals. I also volunteer at Stray Rescue St. Louis where Penny and I work with at-risk children who are already in the criminal justice system. I also love to interact with the groups to make the learning experience fun and memorable.

Awards

Story Monsters Approved! book designation

Finalist in the 2016 Best Book Awards for Best Children’s Picture Book Softcover Non-Fiction

Readers Favorite Five Star Review Award

Literary Classics Seal of Approval Award

The 2016 Gittle List Winner for Best Indie Children’s Picture Books

2016 New Apple Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing Official Selection

2016 International Publisher Award for Best Book in the Animal/Pets category

2016 Independent Book Publisher Award Nominee

2018 Author Academy Awards Top Ten Finalist in the Children’s Book category

Website:

www.theuerkaufstails.com

Social Media:

Facebook

School Presentations:

My school visits and speaking engagements are an interactive experience. I love to encourage children's love of reading and writing and inspire young adult students to look for inspiration in the world around them. Penny, my tripawd dog and the inspiration for my children's book, always accompanies me to my school visits/speaking engagements. Children and adults alike love to meet the real Penny. Together, we are hoping to shed light on the importance of adopting differently-abled animals as well as spread the positive message that being different is beautiful.