Children's Book Author Sondra Perry

San Ramon resident Sondra Perry had no idea that her newly landscaped back yard would soon be the new home for Henry, a great blue heron. Weeks after the Perry family installed two ponds, Henry made regular appearances, feasting on the fish.  After several attempts to rid their back yard habitat of the feathered intruder, Sondra accepted defeat and welcomed Henry as the newest addition to the Perry family.

Seven years later, Henry and his wild antics have become the subject of Sondra Perry's book,  The Most Unusual Pet Ever, Henry our Great Blue Heron and his Adventures.

Sondra lives in San Ramon with her husband, Lance, and is the step-mother of three children.  She is the previous owner and chef of a catering company.  After selling her catering business she turned her talents to writing. She had begun accumulating stories that she had written for her daughter regarding simple life lessons when Henry made his first appearance. His daily visits inspired Sondra to write about the majestic bird. She began to document her unique relationship with Henry in her new children's book, beautifully illustrated by Janice Byer.

Sondra has been a regular volunteer in the child-care center at Shepherd's Gate Women and Children's Shelter in Livermore, a nonprofit organization that meets the practical, spiritual and emotional needs of battered and homeless women and children. Because of her passion and devotion to this organization, a portion of every book sold is donated toward building the Life Center at the shelter.

In addition, Sondra has donated a copy of her book to every San Ramon elementary school and several local libraries.  She has begun holding speaking engagements to tell children about Henry and how he inspired her to write. Her hope is to spread the joy that Henry has brought her and her family to children. Henry's backyard home has become certified as an official wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  His community of animal friends includes two ducks, three chickens, frogs, squirrels, blue jays and numerous bugs.

Henry has been rumored to make unannounced appearances at Blackhawk Plaza, where he enjoys the fish stocked in the stream.His wild adventures are not done yet.  Sondra is working on a two-part series titled Baby Carrots and Crunchy Carrots, in which Henry will play the character of the Wise Old Heron. As the oldest resident of the backyard world, he will assist his neighbors, Mr Duck, Squirrel and the three chickens -- Mother, Raven and Braveheart -- in learning simple life lessons.

The Most Unusual Pet Ever, Henry our Great Blue Heron is available at most local libraries.  Sondra's book also is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or directly from her website.