Man’s best friend has inspired a new children’s book imprint. Milli Brown, founder and CEO of Brown Books Publishing Group, is at the helm of RADO (Rescue Animals Deserve Our Support)’s Press, which will debut next spring with the release of JoJo the Tornado Dog: A Tale of Rescue, Courage, and Adventure (Apr. 7). All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Operation Kindness, a Texas-based nonprofit animal shelter that provides medical care, transportation, and placements for homeless cats and dogs.
Pet Project
A lifelong animal lover, Brown’s idea for the imprint was years in the making. “I have always contributed to various animal charities, but I felt it was never enough to make a real difference,” she told PW. “I am more interested in helping animals than I am in enhancing my brand.” Her desire to provide financial assistance to independent animal rescue groups prompted the creation of RADO’s (Rescue Animals Deserve Our Support) Press.
RADO’s inaugural title is written by Michael Sampson, whose own line of picture and middle grade books has been part of the Brown Books portfolio since 2023. JoJo represents a departure from his previous collaborations with the late Bill Martin Jr.; this marks the author’s first solo venture and a different format, a chapter book based on a true story of Sampson’s Australian cattle dog. “I loved telling this story, and I especially love that all proceeds go to animal shelters and will help save the lives of dogs—just as JoJo was saved and became the delight of my family,” Sampson said.
Also in the works is Brown’s own story of her rescue dog, Rado, which she adopted from an animal shelter in Alvarado, Tex., giving further significance to the imprint’s moniker. The as-yet-untitled book will feature touching anecdotes of their relationship. “I always enjoyed taking him anywhere and everywhere I could,” she said. “When my country club told me that Rado wasn’t welcome out on the patio with me, I turned him into a service dog.” Brown’s tribute to Rado is slated for a fall 2026 release.
Future plans for a catalog of picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle grade titles are on the agenda for RADO’s Press. Brown is also eyeing the possibility of adult books “with positive, uplifting, and heartwarming messages that will make animal rescue stories teachable moments.” She is in the process of soliciting animal rescue stories featuring all kinds of creatures and encourages authors and artists willing to donate their work to reach out. While acknowledging an already established presence of animal stories in the marketplace, she believes that all proceeds going to fund animals in need is an industry first. “I am envisioning a Publishers Clearing House moment when I can present Operation Kindness with that oversized check for a million dollars,” Brown said.
