In a world where empathy often takes a backseat, many kids are taught that strength means getting their way—a lesson that can strain friendships and leave little hearts unsure how to let others in. 
But what if we, as parents and caregivers, taught them that true courage comes from slowing down, honoring their feelings, and opening their hearts with patience and kindness? 
And so, one empathetic equestrian is helping children to understand that true strength isn’t about control or force—it’s about patience, understanding, and letting others walk beside you on life’s journey. 
We cordially invite you and your little ones to join David Newell (who played the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) and our John Masiulionis for Episode #55 of PR From The Heart’s Neighborly Reviews Bookcast as they share E.C. Sherman, PhD’s award-winning Friesans and Friends Series: Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends and Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up (published by Miriam Laundry). 
As part of this special edition of The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast from Point Park University’s Center for Media Innovation in downtown Pittsburgh, Dr. Sherman joins John and David to share her inspiring story—from academia to chartering a new course in life as a caretaker for her beloved Friesian horse, Zeus—Zeus’ courageous journey as an orphaned horse from the Netherlands, the special bond between Zeus and her granddaughter that inspired her Friesians and Friends Series, the importance of groundwork in horsemanship, simple strategies for families new to horseback riding to get started safely—plus much more. 
Join us in supporting Dr. Sherman by grabbing your copies of the Friesian and Friends Series—and enjoy these empowering reads with your little ones:
Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends: https://bit.ly/4poUAxQ
Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up: https://bit.ly/4a01XXM
Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends
Text copyright © 2024 by E.C. Sherman • Illustrations copyright © 2024 by Victor McLindon. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry. All rights reserved.
Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up
Text copyright © 2025 by E.C. Sherman • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Vic McLindon. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry. All rights reserved.
