Two adventurous pooches on the loose

Casey and Bella have gone to New York, Hollywood and Boston, and most recently, "green." Where they go next is up to a child's imagination.

Jane Lovascio (l), author of the Casey and Bella children's book series, and Autumn Varca, winner of the Casey and Bella Writing Contest, visit with children at a book signing in the Barnes & Noble in Freehold on Nov. 12. Casey and Bella is a brand of children's books and accessories based on New Jersey author Jane Lovascio's pet dogs, Casey, a Jack Russell terrier and Bella, a Yorkie.

In the first book of the series, the pooches embark on a trip to the Big Apple, where they meet colorful characters and learn the lesson that they should treat others the way they would like to be treated.

In their next adventure, the furry duo goes to Hollywood, where they walk a red carpet and Sunset and Rodeo drives while learning that they should always be true to themselves and that money can't buy happiness. In other books, the pooches set loose in Boston, a carnival, a farm, school, and an aquarium.

T.J. Sico, 7, his sister Sara, 10, and mother Eleanor pet Casey from the Casey and Bella children's book series at the Barnes & Noble in Freehold on Nov. 12. A portion of the proceeds from each book in the series supports a nonprofit that benefits children. Loving Paws Assistance Dogs in California, the Jubilee Center in Hoboken, and Autism Speaks in New York are some of the organizations Lovascio has supported with her books. She also hosts an annual writing contest, giving children in third, fourth, and fifth grades a chance to have a story idea for Casey and Bella published.

Autumn Varca, 10, of Howell, won last year's contest. She recently joined Lovascio and the real Casey and Bella on "ABC News" with Lauren Glassberg. She also appeared at the Barnes & Noble in Freehold on Nov. 12 to talk about and sign copies of "Casey and Bella Go Green." The popular pups paw-printed copies for kids as well.

Lovascio, a Boston University graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a background in elementary education, believes in inspiring literacy and creativity in children.

"When children see how Autumn became a published author by entering the Casey and Bella Writing Contest, it will inspire more children to write," Lovascio said.

Lovascio said she chose Autumn's story, which teaches lessons about recycling and preserving the earth's natural resources, because it shows children that Casey and Bella don't always have to go somewhere.

"She showed that Casey and Bella could become something," Lovascio said.

Autumn said, "I think going green is pretty important. Just don't throw away things. Use them over. Recycle. Save water. Do things to help our planet."

Lovascio went "green" with Autumn's book in the series and had it printed on 30 percent recycled paper.

The author also liked Autumn's use of her family's pets as characters in the book. The young writer's boxer Rocky, cat Spaz and her uncle's iguana Lenny star with Casey and Bella in the adventure.

Autumn's picture and biography appear inside the book, as does her original story. Lovascio kept the integrity of Autumn's work, but made the lines rhyme and added elements characteristic of Casey and Bella, such as getting caught by Lovascio and her husband, Jeff, in the end.

When asked how it feels to be a published author at the age of 10, Autumn said, "It feels really good. I like that some kids ask me for my autograph. That's pretty special."

Autumn also said she's no stranger to writing and has created a comic called "Confusion" that she would like to market to a newspaper or magazine when she is older. A literacy promoter like Lovascio, Autumn said reading helps kids build their vocabulary, spell better, and understand complicated ideas.

Lovascio provides free literacy assemblies to students in schools across New Jersey. Her books are available at Borders, Ingram Book Co., Baker & Taylor and Barnes & Noble.

Twenty percent of all book sales at the Freehold Barnes & Noble on the day of the book signing went to Millstone Township public schools.

"In each community where there is a Barnes & Noble, Barnes &Noble is trying to work with schools to help in any way we can via fundraisers and book fairs," Dorothy Newmark, community relations manager at the Freehold store, said. "We're glad to help. There's a good spirit here."

Where should Casey and Bella go next? Children can submit their story ideas to CaseyandBella@gmail.com. The deadline is April 15, 2010, and finalists will be notified by May 1, 2010. The grand-prize winner will receive $500.

For more information and official rules, visit www.caseyandbella.com.