By MATT LINDSEY

PARISHVILLE -- Author Glenn S. Guiles of Parishville has published a series of books based on Harriet, a miniature donkey, promoting positive messages for young readers.

As an educator for over 30 years, Guiles has seen the importance of reading in children and he says he wants his series to touch many lives.

Now with the release of his second book in the series, "Harriet’s Big Adventure," Guiles is hoping that parents will find the positive messages and illustrations exciting for the young eyes that they monitor.

“The editor I worked with and I aimed for a 3 to 8-year old audience…from being read to up to being able to read the book themselves,” he said.

“The world and news are so full of scary events and stories. This book is specifically designed to provide a quality reading experience with positive themes that will introduce children to new animals and their world,” Guiles said.

In "Harriet’s Big Adventure," Harriet’s owner leaves for work and she decides to make an adventure out of the day. She visits new places, makes new friends, and sees things she has never seen before.

Guiles lives on a 60-acre farm with four miniature donkeys, five goats, seven dogs, and three cats. Based on his farm and real animals, this tale will encourage children to step away from their daily routine and to be reminded that life is an adventure waiting to happen.

“Harriet’s Big Adventure is a book that will leave children smiling,” he said “From the fascinating illustrations to the lighthearted storyline, parents of young children will enjoy following Harriet in all of the events that she encounters.”

This book, “Harriet’s Big Adventure,” is the second in a series about Harriet the Miniature Donkey. The first book, “A Hug for Harriet,” was published in 2013. Both books are published by Xlibris of Bloomington, Indiana and are available through any local bookstore or online through Amazon.com, Xlibris.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Guiles said his inspiration behind Harriet and the messages in the books is that miniature donkeys are gentle and curious animals that love to be near people.

“If you walk over to the fence they (miniature donkeys) all immediately come over to say hello. Harriet is one of the four miniature donkeys in our menagerie. She was originally part of a herd in Cranberry Lake and came to live here in 2004. She was the youngest and smallest animal in the herd and wasn’t able to get to the front of the group to get any attention until she moved to her new home,” he said.

The books are available in a softcover, prices vary according to sales and promotions, but the list price for “A Hug for Harriet” is $17.49 and $21.99 for “Harriet’s Big Adventure” or $3.99 in e-book format.

There are currently five books planned in the series. The third book, “Harriet Saves the Day!”, is written but not yet illustrated.

Guiles is a retired educator, professional oboist and accomplished pianist. Originally from Johnson City, near the Binghamton area, Guiles earned degrees from Ithaca College, Yale University and Stony Brook University before retiring from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music after 23 years.

In his free time, Guiles enjoys taking care of his animals, playing music, and completing the five book series of Harriet’s life.