Patricia Paradiso (Author of Iggy’s Second Chance)
905-917-1302
Patricia Paradiso along with her daughter, Laura DeAngelis, recently released a children’s book entitled, Iggy’s Second Chance. The book was written to teach children the benefit of pet adoption and the importance of donating to shelters. “The story is based on her dog, Iggy, and all of the challenges he faced before getting into his forever home. So many rescues go through traumatic experiences and yet they are extremely loving,” said Paradiso. “I also wanted children to learn that when they are faced with their own challenges they should reach out to a friend for support.”
The governor’s wife, Tammy Murphy, recently read the book on her Facebook page and fully endorsed it, as she has a rescue too. Patricia was also featured on 98.3 with Debbie Mazzella who is also very active with rescues. Iggy’s Second Chance has also garnished several awards since being released in April, including the Mom’s Choice Award-Gold Level, Family Choice Award, The Golden Wizard Prize, The Readers Favorite Award Winner, and the Literary Titan Book award.
Patricia, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, is currently a substitute school nurse throughout Somerset County. Through her many years as a nurse, she has seen children going through life-changing events, whether a severe illness or a traumatic event. She observed children often look for other children going through similar experiences and would often seek out support from them, as Iggy found support in Rocky. (Iggy’s friend referenced in the book)
Her daughter, Laura, a child cancer survivor herself, also helped write the book as she incorporated her own life experiences. Laura is currently studying in Berlin, Germany for a Masters in photography. She adopted her dog, Elaine, 3 years ago, and she has been a tremendous support to Laura. Her other hobbies include dance, yoga, filmmaking, and photography.
Patricia partnered with mascot books to write the story and that’s where she picked artist, Jeffrey Mora, to do the illustrations. As Patricia said,” He captured the heart of the story.”
Patricia will be working with St. Hubert’s to promote the book. She donated books to the shelter and will be reading the book at their summer camp. Iggy will most likely make an appearance. She has also read the story to various Girl Scout organizations and will be reading the book to the Girl Scouts and senior citizens to raise money and donations for the Plainfield Humane Society. She recently had a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Bridgewater and sold out all of the books.
Patricia has been living in Warren, N.J. for 25 years. She’s married to Vincent DeAngelis and has 2 other daughters, Michelle and Terry. She would like to thank her family for all their support as they often collaborated on many facets of the book to make the story come alive.
Ultimately, Patricia hopes Iggy’s Second Chance will raise awareness of pet adoption and hopefully give many rescues a second chance at life.
Iggy’s Second Chance can be purchased at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon.