This World Kindness Day episode of Big Blend Radio introduces Guapo, a real rescue steer who weighs more than 3,000 pounds, stands six and a half feet tall, and stretches nearly twelve feet long. His heart is every bit as big as he is. Six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Janet Zappala joins us to talk about her Guapo children's book series and her brand new third book, Guapo and the Mystery of Goodness Grove.

After 45 years in television news, Janet now writes picture books that show children how to be kind. Her stories are built around real animal rescues, and a portion of every book sold helps rescue animals.

Watch the Big Blend Radio episode with author Janet Zappala below, or listen to / download the audio version on Podbean:

Guapo and the Mystery of Goodness Grove (Mascot Books, November 10, 2026) is the third book in the series. In a playful mystery, Guapo and his friends discover that even the smallest acts of compassion can create ripples far beyond what they can see. Each good deed brings them closer to solving the mystery, and young readers learn that kindness can transform both individuals and entire communities. Janet says this one ends with a cliffhanger.

Guapo's Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing is the award-winning first book, about a baby calf with no place to live until a kind human gives him a loving home. As Guapo keeps growing, he teaches the animals he meets that being different is something to celebrate.

Guapo's Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home follows a scared and shy quarter horse named Clay, who arrives at his new home, and the gentle giant who patiently helps him feel welcome. Each book stands on its own, so they can be read in any order. All three are picture books for ages three to eight, and they share real photos of the animals at the end.

Guapo's name is also an acronym for goodness, unity, acceptance, patience, and open-mindedness. The books are illustrated by Lara Calleja.

Janet was volunteering at a rescue when she was shown a picture of baby Guapo cuddling with Mabel, a pot-bellied pig. Two different species getting along became a lesson she wanted to share with children everywhere: we don't all have to look alike to get along.

Guapo doesn't just tell kids to be kind. He shows them how, and Janet reminds us that children are watching the adults around them even when we don't realize it.

Janet hopes her books teach children to notice others, because noticing grows empathy, and empathy leads to helping. She shares why kindness should be an everyday thing, and why no act of kindness is too small.

After Janet read to a classroom in Miami, a TV news reporter asked the children what they learned. Their answers were simple and wise: that bullying is not good, that kindness is really important, and that being friendly to others is good.

Part of the proceeds from Janet's books go to support two animal rescues, one in Southern California and one in Arizona, helping animals that have been abused or neglected find a loving home.

Janet talks about leaving a 45-year career in television news, learning how to write for kids with help from a children's writer, and why there can be many chapters in our lives. Her advice: if you have the passion, jump in with both feet.

From reading to her grandbabies to bedtime books with her granddaughter, Janet shares how reading together builds bonds, imagination, and a love of learning, and why children's books need to be authentic.

All three books stand on their own, so they make a lovely set for the families and grandparents on your list.

Learn more about Janet Zappala and the Guapo books at GuaposTales.com

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