Mink photo by Carol Hamilton / Getty Images
Nadja Lubiw-Hazard, an Ontario-based veterinarian and author, has created a heartwarming story in her children’s chapter book, Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love a Mink.
The book recently earned her an Arts Scholarship from The Fur-Bearers, recognizing its progressive narrative and thoughtful advocacy for fur-bearing animals. Its release is especially timely, coinciding with The Fur-Bearers’ recent launch of our national campaign to end fur farming.
The protagonist, 7-year-old Georgia, is a lively and relatable second grader who lives with her two moms, one of whom is vegan. Georgia loves playing hockey and shares a deep bond with her dog. This relationship subtly highlights a central theme of the book: speciesism—the tendency to treat some animals with love and care, like pets, while viewing other animals as resources to be used and commodified, despite all animals sharing the capacity to suffer.
Image provided by Red Deer Press
The story takes a poignant turn when Georgia’s friend arrives at school wearing a real fur-trimmed coat, causing tension between the two girls. Through an emotionally charged and ultimately uplifting journey, they learn about the origins of real fur (trapping and fur farming) and come to a compassionate resolution by cutting off the fur trim and replacing it with knitted fabric with the help of the friend’s aunt. This small act inspires Georgia and her friend to start an “Animal Kind Club” at their school, sparking activism and empathy among their peers.
In addition to addressing the fur issue, the book also explores broader social, animal, and environmental topics, from LGBTQ+ families to feral cats and the impact of palm oil production on orangutans, offering young readers a thoughtful reflection of what it means to have a sensitive and heart in a modern world. One of the most powerful lessons from the book comes in the form of this quote: “Small stones create ripples.”
Georgia’s actions, while modest, demonstrate how individual efforts can create far-reaching change. In this instance, Georgia reimagined a better world and used connection and creativity, like her art, to inspire others.
Tizzy and Me is a warm, engaging read with a strong moral centre. This book is a wonderful holiday gift for the young animal lover in your life, but it’s also worth purchasing to donate to your local school or library. While intended for a younger audience, the book’s message of kindness will resonate with readers of all ages.
We would also like to thank Dr. Lubiw-Hazard for recognizing and referencing our work throughout this endeavour.
Tizzy and Me can be found at your local book retailer, direct from Red Deer Press (click here), as well as Indigo (click here) or Amazon (click here).
