An award-winning broadcast journalist, garnering six Emmy awards, 14 Emmy nominations, and a Golden Mike award for her work featuring the man of 1000 voices, Mel Blanc, Janet Zappala is co-author of the award-winning Guapo's Tales children's picture book series. Guapo's Giant Heart is the recipient of the 2022 Moonbeam Silver Medal and Story Monsters Approved Picture Books awards. Her newest release, Guapo's Great Rescue, was recently honored with the 2024 Family Choice and Publisher's Choice book awards.
Writing about Guapo's Tales has allowed Janet to meet countless families and discuss the important life messages that Guapo teaches—many of which she taught her own child, now a successful attorney and her pride and joy, along with her beautiful daughter-in-law and grandchild.
"I love sharing Guapo's stories with children and seeing the wonder in their eyes as they learn about animal rescue through the lives of Guapo and his friends. Their cognitive and language skills are sharpened, their imaginations stirred, and valuable qualities such as empathy and kindness reinforced that will aid in their personal growth, social development, and overall well-being.
I’m also grateful to my co-author, Wendy Perkins, a staff writer for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who has written more than two dozen nonfiction children’s books, and to Lara Calleja, who captured the spirit of Guapo and his friends with her beautiful illustrations."
A great passion of Janet's is caring for animals, especially rescues. She is an active volunteer and avid supporter of Coachella Valley Horse Rescue (CA), Comeback Animal Sanctuary (AZ), and Guapo & Friends Rescue Ranch (WY). A portion of the proceeds from Guapo's book sales goes to animal rescue organizations.
Wendy Perkins adores stories—reading, watching, listening to, and conjuring them. Animals, plants, and nature are her favorite things to write about, and children are her most-beloved audience. Wendy has written more than two dozen nonfiction children's books, created science and nature-themed curriculum, crafted content for kids' websites, and more. As a staff writer for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, she shared stories that sparked understanding and appreciation of wildlife, and she hopes Guapo's story will do the same.
Wendy began her writing career by researching and writing exhibit labels and educational signs for zoos and aquariums. When she's not at her keyboard, you'll find her in her San Diego garden, where she grows vegetables, fruit, herbs, and a bounty of flowers that provide shelter and sustenance for urban wildlife.
