November 25th, 2020

// Legendary Actress Writes New Book to Help Kids Cope During Pandemic

Legendary Actress Writes New Book to Help Kids Cope During Pandemic

New York City, NY, November 24, 2020 — When Donna Fae Mogul, a.k.a. actress Lisa Carroll, heard her NYC neighbor’s daughter cry from the fears of COVID-19, she thought there had to be a way to use her well-versed communication and survival skills from her movie, TV and Broadway career in a way to offer comfort in the eyes of her little neighbor—and beyond. That’s why Lisa teamed up with award-winning illustrator G.F. Newland to create The Big, Bad Coronavirus! And How We Can Beat It (Pixel Mouse House), written by Lisa Carroll, illustrations by G.F. Newland.  

The Big, Bad Coronavirus! And How We Can Beat It tells the story of little Lisa as she struggles to face the realities of COVID-19. Little Lisa can't comprehend why she has to wear a facemask, why she has barriers around her school desk or why she’s confined to virtual learning from home. It all doesn’t add up. Because little Lisa longs for the life she once had, she imagines the virus as a giant, scary dragon. Fortunately, her mother comes to her side and comforts her, teaching her everything she needs to know to deal with this pandemic from a kid’s perspective. Lisa becomes a stronger and braver girl who inspires her classmates to live without fear.

Lisa’s journey to writing this book is extraordinary. Having appeared in such films as Otto Preminger’s “River of No Return,” starring Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum; “Battlecry,” starring Van Johnson; “The Shrike,” starring June Allyson and Jose Ferrer; “Diane,” starring Lana Turner; and “One Desire,” opposite Rock Hudson, Lisa is no stranger to hitting tremendous highs and overcoming incomprehensible lows to survive.

In the late 1950s, at 16, while driving from Hollywood to New York City with her mother for a Metropolitan Opera audition, Lisa survived a deadly car crash, which killed six. Lisa was told she would never walk or talk again. While in rehabilitation (for six years!) and listening to the radio, Lisa learned the art of rapping—paving the way for her mega-hit children’s hip-hop album for Capitol Records, “Rappin’ Up Christmas: Homeys 4 the Holidays.” This inspired her to make her first huggable toy, Hip Hop Randy Bear for the Gund company, part of a group of 10 plush toys, including Hip Hop Hamilton, inspired by the outstanding statesman Alexander Hamilton. In the ’60s, Lisa turned to the stage to appear as Carol Channing’s stand-by in “Hello Dolly!,” as well as toured in the national company of “Applause,” among others. She also appeared on the ABC TV national children’s show “Toybox” in which she featured 10 of her toys called “Furry Friends.” She was also in numerous other episodic TV roles, including “General Hospital.” In addition, Lisa hosted the BBC’s “Night Ride,” had a UK recording contract with CBS Records and starred as a cabaret artist in her own one-woman show at the Savoy in London, the Hilton in Hong Kong, plus stints in California and Vegas. With all this experience on TV, stage, screen, cabaret and even in the toy business, Lisa Carroll feels comfortable writing this gentle book on a big subject that many—young and old—can find comfort in.  

Author Lisa Carroll captures the perspective of this moment that will resonate with children having a difficult time, while emotionally processing the coronavirus. Drawing from Lisa Carroll’s real-life survival “joie de vivre,” parents and educators alike can use the book to help children cope with COVID-19.  

The Big, Bad Coronavirus! And How We Can Beat It

Publisher: Pixel Mouse House

Written by: Lisa Carroll

Illustrations by: G.F. Newland

ISBN: 978-1-939322-36-4

Available from Amazon.com

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