Book Launch - Come Meet the Stars of the Story – LIVE Tortoises!

You're invited to celebrate the release of the newly published children’s book, Comfortable In Her Shell — a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated story filled with powerful messages of self-love, body positivity, self-acceptance, and inclusion.

Follow our sweet tortoise protagonist on her journey to embracing exactly who she is — shell and all!

Bring the family, great photo ops!

Event Details:

Location: Barrington White House, August 17, 2025

Time: 3:00-6:00 pm

Age: Ideal for ages 6-15, but all ages are welcome.

Fee: FREE event. Tell a friend too!

Please note: RSVP is required for this event by August 15! Register TODAY!

Event:

• Author book reading by LOCAL AUTHOR, Artist, Clinical Psychologist: Lisa M. Petrongelli, PsyD, MSN, APRN-BC, CCTS, C-AAIS
• Motivational talk on the importance of self-love, confidence, and body positivity
• Author book signing
• Book sales - hardcover/softcover signed copies available for purchase
• Guided interactions and feedings with JUMBO sulcata tortoises
• Educational and FUN FACTS about tortoises
• Photos with the tortoises
• Tortoise tattoos
• Snacks and tortoise-themed treats

PLEASE NOTE: RSVP confirms agreement to event rules, policies, and release of liability. By attending the event, you/your child may be photographed or videoed and may be used on Therapy House - Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation website or social media. Guests will also be responsible for their child the entire time. For hygenic safety precations, children 5 years and younger will be unable to have direct contact with the tortoises or their enclosure area.

Your support means so much—each book sold helps us rescue animals and bring comfort to individuals through therapy and companionship.

Rules and Regulations for Event:

It is important to remember that tortoises are living creatures and respecting their well-being is essential. Below are safe practice rules and regulations, based on the well-being for both humans and the tortoises.

Respecting the Animals

• No unauthorized touching: Our authorized personnel will be supervising engagement, touch and feeding of the tortoises. When appropriate, petting or touching of the tortoises will be allowed with guidance and must be slow and gentle. We require that visitors use a "2 Finger Pet Approach" when interacting with all our animals, particularly reptiles, as this approach offers a controlled, respectful and a reduced chance of transferring bacteria when touching animals.
• Keeping distance: Maintain a safe distance from the enclosures and respect any barriers in place. Do not attempt to cross fences or barriers.
• Respect their boundaries: If the tortoise shows signs of stress or discomfort, we will end the interaction to alleviate further distress to the animal.
• No loud voices or sounds: Avoid making loud voices, noises or banging on objects to get the tortoises' attention. This can stress the animals and disrupt their natural behaviors.
• Don't feed them: Our authorized personnel will be supervising and providing appropriate food for tortoise feedings to ensure proper nutrition and prevent the ingestion of harmful substances. The tortoises may refuse food offerings due to traveling to a new environment. They can get stressed just like humans.

Health and Hygiene

Wash your hands: Always wash your hands and arms thoroughly after visiting animal areas, especially if you have had any interaction with the tortoises or their environment. All reptiles, tortoises included, can carry bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans. Handwashing is a crucial step to prevent the spread of these bacteria. As an extra precaution, we will also have sand sanitizer for immediately following interactions.

Consent and Acknowledgment

I hereby acknowledge, agree, and understand that Therapy House - Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation's, Book Launch, will involve activities that may include risks such as, but not limited to, falls, choking hazards, crashes, effects of weather, traffic and conditions of the road. In consideration of being allowed to attend and participate in this event, I hereby expressly assume all risks for myself (or my child if they are in attendance), including personal injury and death, arising in any way out of my attendance, participation and related activities.I am solely responsible for my own (and my child’s if applicable) health and safety. I agree, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, to not sue and to release, indemnify and hold harmless, Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation - Therapy House, its affiliates, officers, directors, volunteers and employees, and all sponsoring businesses and organizations and their agents and employees, from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of my (or my child if they are in attendance) participation in events and related activities - whether it results from the negligence of any of the above or from any other cause.

This release and indemnification agreement shall be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the State of Illinois in which the event is conducted. If any portion of it is held invalid, the balance shall continue full force and effect. I have read, understand and agree to the terms of this Agreement. If the Participant is a minor, the parent or guardian must agree to the below: I am the legal guardian of the Participant, and I hereby consent to his/her participation.

Interacting with animals, even those considered domesticated or trained, carries inherent risks, including bites, scratches, allergic reactions, and the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases. Animals may react unpredictably due to various factors such as noises, sudden movements, or other animals.

Release of Liability

In consideration of participation in these activities, Therapy House - Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents are released, waived, and forever discharged from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any injury, illness, loss, or damage that may be sustained by the child or parent/guardian as a result of participation in these activities. Full responsibility for any and all risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, that may arise from participation in these animal interaction activities is assumed.

Emergency Information

In an emergency, in consideration of participation in these activities, Therapy House - Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents are released, waived, and forever discharged from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any injury, illness, loss, or damage that may be sustained by the child or parent/guardian as a result of participation in these activities, whether or not caused by the negligence of or its representatives.The parent/guardian is responsible for any medical expenses incurred. Advise designated staff of any allergies, medical conditions, or medications the adult or child is currently taking that may be relevant to animal interaction.

RSVP and Event Agreement

RSVP confirms acknowledgment and agreement for this event and that this entire document has been read and understood, and its terms and conditions are voluntarily consented to. I understand that this document is written to be broad and inclusive as legally permitted by the State of Illinois. I agree that if any portion is held invalid or unenforceable, I will continue to be bound by the remaining terms. I have read the foregoing release and indemnification agreement, and I hereby agree on behalf of myself (and minor participants) to its terms.

We look foward to seeing everyone on August 17!

Let's Shell-ebrate!

Come meet Squishy and Piccalilly—the beloved Stars of the Story!These jumbo Sulcata tortoises are full of personality and love nothing more than interacting and connecting with everyone they meet.

We require that visitors use a "2 Finger Pet Approach" when interacting with our tortoises as this approach offers a controlled, respectful, and reduced chance of transmitting bacteria when touching animals.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner: fresh grass, lettuces, succulents, berries, and bananas are some of our favorite foods to eat!

Dr. Lisa Marie Petrongelli with her shelled sidekicks, Squishy and Piccalilly—the unforgettable Stars of the Story!

Come Pet the Gentle Giants! Our Tortoises Love to Strut – Come Meet the Glamorous Girls!

Host or Publisher Therapy House- Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation