Patriot & Rowan's Journey Through Grief

ABOUT THIS BOOK

“Patriot and Rowan: Journey from Grief” is a book is about the relationship between Patriot, a miniature horse with dwarfism, and a little boy named Rowan, who’s recently experienced the loss of someone close to him. When the two of them set out on an adventure to bring him back, they discover that although he’s no longer with them, the things that made him special, will never go away. As the story unfolds, Patriot and Rowan get advice from the various farm animals and woodland creatures they meet along the way. 

The animals are real and the story captures their unique traits and personalities. Rowan is a fictional character, but his personality is representative of the curiosity and wonder of all children.

Patriot and Rowan’s journey is a vividly illustrated adventure with laughs, heart warming moments and universal lessons about life and loss. It’s a story that will capture the attention of readers young and old, but what makes this book so important is that it’s more than just a story. As Patriot and Rowan’s adventure unfolds, it provides readers with tools to navigate grief and come to a place of peace, warmth and serenity. 

This book was inspired by creator Amanda Held’s own experience with grief and her observations of Patriot’s work with children. Shortly after the idea for this book began forming in her mind, she was introduced to illustrator Kristen Woods and author Sara Kandel and the three of them put their heads together to create this beautifully delivered and meaningful book.

And, that’s just the start. With Held’s guidance the trio plans for “Patriot and Rowan: Journey from Grief” to be the first in a 12-book series, each of which include invaluable life lessons imparted to the reader through stories about the naïve-yet-wise Patriot and his many adventures.

Patriot Tales is in line to be the next time-honored children’s book series to take the world by storm. Think along the lines of “Winnie the Pooh”, “The Berenstain Bears” and “The Tales of Peter Rabbit.” When you pre-order today, you’ll not only get a beautiful book with an engaging story, but you’ll also be helping to bring something truly special to life, something that will reverberate in the public conscious for many years to come.

Funding Levels

Level 3: $50

Get personal with a signed first-edition of the hard cover and a personalized message to you or the intended recipient from your choice of Amanda, Kristen or Sara.

 Level 4: $150

Make it a one-of-a-kind gift for the special child in your life with this package, which includes the signed first edition hard cover copy of the book with a personalized message and a limited edition Patriot plush doll.

Level 5: $250

Level 6: $500

Level 7: $750

Level 8: $1,000

Get the whole cake and eat it too, plus own an original work of art with an exclusive level-eight sponsorship. For $1,000 you’ll an original, signed and numbered drawing by illustrator Kristen Woods plus: a signed first-edition hard cover copy of the book with a personalized message from Amanda, Kristen or Sara; the limited edition plush Patriot doll; a caricature of your little one with Patriot by illustrator Kristen Woods; and four tickets to spend a day at the farm, where you can meet Patriot, Sarge, Hemi, Montana, Hamlet, Charlotte and all the other animals from the beloved story book.

Meet the People Behind the Book

Amanda Held, Creator

Amanda Held is an equine specialist, human & animal behaviorist, lifelong equestrian, Air Force Veteran & Founder of Not for Profit H.O.O.V.E.S (Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services. She is the author of “The Little Book of Questions for Massive Transformation” and creator of the Equine Wisdom Institute. Her passion is to travel and teach the process she personally used to fully heal from PTSD. Amanda resides at the HOOVES Retreat Center in Swanton, Ohio with her husband Justin, son Trenton daughter Joelle and farm full of 4-legged co-facilitators. 

Kristen Woods, Illustrator

Kristen Woods is excited to introduce herself as a children’s book illustrator. As a kid she would draw all the time. When she wasn’t drawing, Kristen was reading books with incredible artwork. Books that designed new worlds, and overflowed with creativity. Ever since then, she knew she wanted to illustrate books that inspired others. Kristen has been working professionally as an artist since she graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design in 2017.

Sara Kandel, Author

Sara Kandel is the author of “DIY Art Projects for the Un-Artist” and the co-author of “Six Leadership: Public Management.” She has a background in news media and local government and currently serves as the Communications and Outreach Director for the non-partisan, non-profit organization Taxpayers for Michigan Constitutional Government. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Oakland University and has had numerous articles published in print and online publications.