André, the main character of Angel in a Poodle Suit, is an adopted poodle who behaves more like an angel than a dog--- spreading love and joy wherever he goes. André teaches children the importance of being aware of others, and truly caring about them.

André is very proud to announce that CHARACTER COUNTS! - the nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian character-education framework that teaches the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, has recommended André, Angel in a Poodle Suit on their website as a work that supports the "caring" pillar of the CHARACTER COUNTS! program.

The CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition includes thousands of schools, communities and nonprofit organizations . Teachers, librarians, administrators -- everyone can check out the CHARACTER COUNTS! program at www.charactercounts.org.

André feels very strongly about helping children care for one another – he would like to see a kinder, gentler world for everyone to enjoy. That's why he makes good character the focus of his school presentations. He challenges children to do something nice for someone each and every day.

André is also very fond of his good friends in the Arizona Department of Education's Character Education Department. The fine folks there have been instrumental in helping André make a difference at schools around the state.

André's message is getting even more nationwide attention -- he jumped with joy when he learned that the school libraries of the Lodi School District in New Jersey will feature his story when they celebrate Character Education. Students from each of the schools perform a skit or a scene from the book to highlight Character Education. What a great honor! André has a special love for New Jersey since his cousin Abby, the apricot poodle lives there. André is hoping to visit there soon!

André has been very busy getting settled in his new home in Utah. He's been making new friends all over Ogden Valley and has been introduced to lots of new and exciting opportunities. He'll be hosting an Easter Egg hunt and story hour on April 15 at the Yukon Grill in downtown Huntsville.

See pictures in André's Scrapbook!

André was interviewed by the Arizona Republic – click here to view the full story.

Teachers can find André's book at Gardner's Book Service, 16461 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, or through their local Follett Library Resources representative. Public libraries can purchase André -- Angel In a Poodle Suit through BWI, Inc.