Former Houghton Mifflin Harcourt executive David P. Kavanaugh releases debut children’s book, Dinky Donkey Doo: A Brave Boy, His Loyal Protector, and a Journey of Hope, based on the true story his son Jack — a hockey player, animal lover and leukemia survivor. This captivating story gives young readers a delicate glimpse into a young boy’s cancer journey — bringing about an inspirational message of how kindness and friendship teaches us to stay strong.

While undergoing treatment, Jack was invited to be a featured guest during the national anthem at a Hockey Fights Cancer game hosted by the East Coast Hockey League’s Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. Moved by Jack’s story, one of the players gave Jack his jersey and told him, “I want you to know that I will always be part of your fight against cancer.” Jack held onto that jersey as a symbol of hope that one day he would beat his cancer. This experience in Dinky Donkey Doo speaks to the encouragement and inspiration that professional hockey players and the Hockey Fights Cancer program offer to young patients like Jack. Through his earnest, emotionally driven narration, Kavanaugh further imparts an important message to young readers: “Never forget the strength that lies within you and your ability to achieve anything. You make a positive impact on the world every day simply by being who you are.”

“A great book with a powerful message. Jack is a hockey legend!” —Marcus Foligno, Alternate Captain for the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and Co-Founder of the Janis Foligno Foundation

“Kavanaugh’s journey provides insight into charity within the world of hockey, healing through community, and the gift of realizing how precious and beautiful life is.” —Kyle Quincey, Former NHL Defensemen and Founder of the Team Ax Foundation

David P. Kavanaugh owns a management consulting company that provides advisory services to education publishers and education technology companies serving K–12 education. With 13 years in the K–12 education division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, most recently as Sr. Vice President of Enterprise Change Management, Kavanaugh has been responsible for managing the company’s strategic and performance-improvement initiatives, and leading company-wide teams in supporting the back-to-school experience for students and teachers in school districts across the country.

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