Winner of the 2008 Moonbeam
Children’s Book Award

Claude and Medea: The Hellburn Dogs

(Lantern Books, 2007)

The first in a series of children’s novels (ages 9 & up) promoting humane values through an exciting mystery. Claude and Medea are two very different Manhattan 7th graders who become clandestine activists seeking out opportunities to right wrongs and do good in the world. In The Hellburn Dogs, the duo and a group of friends team up to solve the mystery of a rash of dog thefts.

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 Praise for Claude and Medea:
“Youthful idealism, initiative, and humane sensitivity come together seamlessly in this animal-themed mystery caper, which is sure to have riveting appeal for young readers.”
~ Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO, The Humane Society of the United States

“In Claude and Medea we are introduced to two incredible characters whose very different lives are intertwined by their shared willingness to open their hearts and minds and see past prejudice. This charming story reminds us of the passion that welled inside of all of us when we learned of the injustices that take place in the world. Weil’s engaging book helps us appreciate the creativity of children and the desire that we all have to make a positive difference in the world—no matter our age. I look forward to reading more about the adventures of Claude and Medea.”
~ lauren Ornelas, Founder, Food Empowerment Project

“Zoe Weil is among the most influential humane educators in the world and her books are always incredibly educational and inspiring. I just love Claude and Medea – it’s a wonderful story, a true page-turner and riveting. It provides a perfect role model for kids, what they need most in an often complicated and frustrating world.”
~ Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder

“Zoe Weil is a genius and has boiled down her wisdom into this delightful read for children to enjoy and learn from. Claude and Medea is a great tool for parents in raising thoughtful, compassionate and socially responsible children! If you have kids I recommend you get it today!”
~ Jen, KidLove

“Author Zoe Weil has created an enjoyable, progressive, truly family-friendly children’s book.”
~ Kelly Garbato, Easy Vegan – Read the complete review.

“This was [Zoe Weil's] first attempt at fiction and it’s really quite accomplished.  She gets right to the core of the characters, understanding how middle schoolers think and act.  If you have contact with any middle schoolers you might want to buy them a copy of this book.  It might even encourage you to think about how you’re living and how heroic you can be.”
~ Matt Langdon, The Hero Workshop - Read the complete review.

“In a world where society seems so self-centered, kids today need positive influences that instill good character and show why it is important to care about what happens to others. They also need books that teach as well as entertain. In Claude and Medea: The Hellburn Dogs, author Zoe Weil accomplishes all of the above.”
~ AV Magazine, Summer 2007 – Read the complete review.

“I read Claude and Medea in a sitting; I was depressed for all sorts of reasons, but probably most of all from being a grownup. I sat down to have a quick flick through, thinking myself too depressed to actually read it, and found myself whisked away to brisk September Manhattan morning, with 12-year-old Claude stepping onto a Madison Avenue bus on his way to school. Claude doesn’t know it yet but something is about to happen that will change his life forever. This exciting novel by animal activist Zoe Weil, who is president of the Institute for Humane Education, tells the story of what ensues after Claude meets Medea. It all begins with a mysterious substitute teached called Ms. Rattlebee, who wakens in the children feelings of compassion and empathy. Medea has been vegetarian since reading Charlotte’s Web, and after Ms. Rattlebee’s very strange first class, Claude decides to go veggie, too. Soon Claude and Medea are so inspired that they find themselves chasing dangerous criminals around New York, all to help the underdog, as it were. My only complaint is that the wonderful Ms. Rattlebee isn’t in the story long enough. Perhaps Zoe Weil could see her way to writing a sequel to this book, with Ms. Rattlebee playing an even bigger role. And I do think a fantastic movie could be made of Claude and Medea. The book is suitable for ages 9-12. I wish I could send a copy to every primary school kid on the planet.“
~ Vegan Voice, June-August 2007