A Tenrec Named Trey (And other odd lettered animals that like to play) is a 2013 children's book anthology by Kenny Coogan. Coogan, a professional zookeeper since college graduation, always felt passionate about unique and underrepresented animals. Flagship species do not motivate him, exclusive ones do. When the second half of the year came around he would hear teachers commenting on how it was difficult to find something surprising to read to their students and at the same time relatable. He started a Kickstarter pledge and raised the money to hire a professional illustrator, Chris Padovano. His motivation to publish and finish the book was from watching one of Maurice Sendak’s last interviews, which was done by Stephen Colbert. A dedication to the interview can be seen on the title page. A Tenrec named Trey (and other odd lettered animals that like to play), offers a playful look into the lives of some of the amazing animals from the animal kingdom. Written in beautiful poetic lines, A Tenrec named Trey teaches great life lessons to kids of all ages using fun rhyming verse. Featuring fun and unique characters like Velma Quinn the Valley Quail and Wade the Water Dragon, A Tenrec named Trey is sure to delight young readers and encourage them to read these stories over and over.

Kenny Coogan is a Tampa-based writer of children's books. He is fascinated by animals and the natural world. He's a weekly pet columnist for the Greater Niagara Newspapers, and has been published in The Flyer, the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educator’s quarterly newsletter.

Velma Quinn the Valley Quail Being a quail, Velma Quinn, has a large feather sticking out of her head. She doesn’t want to go to school in fear of being made fun of. She goes to school and learns that her uniqueness makes her popular.

Trey the Tenrec In Madagascar there is a small animal that looks like a hedgehog. Trey the Tenrec teaches us to be respectful of wildlife because everything has a grand purpose.

Uberto the Umbrella Cockatoo Uberto and his family are about to go on vacation. Before they can leave Uberto has to clean his room. Dreading the chore, he decides to make it into a game to make the task go quicker.

Ella the Vulture Ella and her friends have little money, so they use their imagination to play and experience new food.

Wade the Water Dragon Wade just learned his five senses in school. His classmates go on exploring, and it surely won’t be boring.

Tish the X-ray Fish Tish is a bully. She lies, calls other fish names and hurts everyone’s feelings. A fellow classmate goes up to her and teaches her how to be polite.

Yago the Yellow Banded Posion Dart Frog Yago the poison dart frog is a conservationist, even though he only lives on a leaf. He composts, reduces and reuses because his actions affect much larger things.

Zach and Zoe the Zebus Zach and Zoe are comfortable with each other and their parents. They are nervous about their first day of school. Over arts and crafts they make friends and before they know it, the school year comes to an end.

"A Tenrec named Trey is as charming as it is educational about the animals that it features. It's definitely a must read for kids!" -Melanie Green, owner of Melanie Green Editorial Services

http://www.chrispadovano.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/CritterCompanions

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2054615816/a-tenrec-named-trey

http://tonawanda-news.com/feature/x733698187/Tonawanda-resident-wins-bird-training-award

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-33322828.html

http://tonawanda-news.com/feature/x254598644/Pet-columnist-tries-new-medium-in-kids-book

http://niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/x1346834499/Wet-and-wild-love-stories-at-the-Aquarium-focus-of-new-event