The most important friendship a child will ever make may not begin on the playground, inside a classroom, or through a chance encounter with someone new. It begins within—when children learn to trust their own voice, treat themselves with kindness, and recognize that they are worthy of standing in their own corner.
That relationship becomes a steady source of strength through disappointment, uncertainty, and change. It gives children the resilience to rise when life knocks them down and the confidence to welcome others into their lives without losing sight of who they are. Most importantly, it reminds them that even in moments of loneliness, they can always find a faithful friend within themselves.
And so, one former full professor whose heart belongs to horses is now taking the reins to help young readers recognize that the best friend they may ever make is the one they find within—and that learning to stand firmly by themselves can open the gate to deeper trust, stronger relationships, and the reassuring realization that they are never truly alone.
Award-Winning Children’s Author, Dr. Eileen Sherman, joins our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest on Episode #278 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series to share the third installment in her Friesian & Friends Series, Zeus and Ziggy: First Ride, her journey from being a professor and behavioral scientist to children’s author, how her granddaughter’s move to Germany inspired the series, the power of learning to communicate without words, the value of “grounding” before acting, the art of writing a book series, practical steps in teaching kids about patience, boundaries, and respect, her excitement about stepping into the spotlight herself at the upcoming Building a Culture of Reading in Your Classroom 2026—plus much more.
We encourage you to support Dr. Sherman’s work by purchasing the books in the Friesian and Friends Series and enjoying these empowering reads with your little ones: https://bit.ly/4yuCnUC. 
For our friends and neighbors in Portland: Meet Dr. Sherman in person and have your copies of Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends, Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up, and Zeus and Ziggy: First Ride personally signed. Reserve your seats for Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026, taking place Saturday, August 8th, at Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center. Seats are limited—and once they’re gone, they’re gone: https://bit.ly/4vyqTOv. 
Zeus and Ziggy: First Friends
Text copyright © 2024 by E.C. Sherman, PhD • Illustrations copyright © 2024 by Vic McLindon. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry Publishing. All rights reserved.
Zeus and Ziggy: From the Ground Up
Text copyright © 2025 by E.C. Sherman, PhD • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Vic McLindon. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry Publishing. All rights reserved.
Zeus and Ziggy: First Ride
Text copyright © 2026 by E.C. Sherman, PhD • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Vic McLindon. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry Publishing. All rights reserved.
