Actor, producer, and author, Lara Clear moved to Topanga in August. As she adapts to her new community, she has two stories to share, one is personal, that speaks to overcoming adversity; the other is the children’s book that arose from heartbreak. “Right at the start of lockdown, on March 16 (after shooting in New Orleans), I came down with COVID-19,� she writes. “I got very sick, tested positive after being at urgent care, and was out for a good few weeks. Quarantine followed and during the lockdown, my downtime and post-COVID haze, I came up with an idea to create a children’s book series.  My two-year-old nephew had died earlier in February, of a rare cancer,� she says. “I really wanted to create something to dedicate to him in his honor. My three-year-old dog, Dakota, and I volunteer as a pet Therapy team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), so it felt like a natural project to combine my hospital therapy work with something creative for children.� The book is dedicated “In Loving Memory of Jaxon James Preston Watts.� That is how Dakota became the adorable subject of “Dakota The Therapy Dog: Goes to the Airport,� the first in a 10-part collection that Clear is self-publishing. The second book in the series, “Dakota The Therapy Dog: Goes to the Dentist� just came out. Perfect for babies-to-5-years, both are available on Amazon ($10.99 at amazon.com/Dakota-Therapy-Dog-Goes-Airport/dp/B08MHZBSHH). I endeavor to donate as many copies as I can on my therapy visits,� Clear says, who began a Goodreads Giveaway campaign to help promote the book. “Thank you for helping me spread the word.� Dakota The Therapy Dog Goes to the Airport� is a story in simple rhyme, of a charming Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix) certified therapy dog named Dakota, who goes on an airplane for her first time. In this series, follow Dakota on her many journeys where children will be inspired by Dakota as she overcomes her fears in doing many of life’s firsts! They learn the courage, bravery and strength they need to conquer many of life’s firsts with Dakota by their side. Dakota Bernedoodle is not only a super-cute puppy but highly relatable and inspiring. The book is aesthetically pleasing and lovely for both adults and children and is beautifully illustrated by Katie Watts and has received five-star reviews A slim volume of about 20 pages, “Dakota The Therapy Dog Goes to the Airport� is the premiere of the Dakota Therapy Dog character. These are perfect stories for holiday and everyday gifts for young babies, toddlers, and children up to five years, to encourage them to be “brave like Dakota� and overcome fears and anxieties.  In addition to selling the book, Clear has a goal that book sales will make possible to reach. She has been approved to donate many copies to children at CHLA and would love to donate to many more associations and children’s hospitals. “I do need to sell some to break even to do so. It’s a great little gift for babies and toddlers for any occasion,� she says. The Goodreads Giveaway for  “Dakota The Therapy Dog: Goes to the Airport,� started on Sunday, December 20, 2020, and continues until 11:59 p.m. PT, on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. She is giving away 50 copies to Goodreads members in U.S. Enter via the Goodreads Website for a chance to win a free copy.  Author Lara Clear and therapy dog, Dakota, are a real Pet Therapy team with Pet Partners whose therapy teams volunteer all over L.A., visiting in-person pre-COVID-19, but volunteering virtually for the duration of the virus until it is safe to visit in person again. What are Goodreads Giveaways? Goodreads Giveaways are a powerful way for authors and publishers to promote their books. Authors can choose between two packages—Standard ($119) and Premium ($599)—to promote authors’ books to readers, building more buzz, driving discovery, and generating early reviews. Authors can choose to give away either print books or Kindle ebooks with each package. Goodreads promotes your giveaway, drives entries, then randomly selects winners once the giveaway ends. Giveaways are featured in the Giveaways section of Goodreads.com, allowing readers to discover new books. For answers to frequently asked questions: https: help.goodreads.com.