An award-winning broadcast journalist, garnering six Emmy awards, 14 Emmy nominations, and a Golden Mike award for her work featuring the man of 1000 voices, Mel Blanc, Janet Zappala is co-author of the award-winning Guapo's Tales children's picture book series. Guapo's Giant Heart is the recipient of the 2022 Moonbeam Silver Medal and Story Monsters Approved Picture Books awards. Her newest release, Guapo's Great Rescue, was recently honored with the 2024 Family Choice and Publisher's Choice book awards.
Writing about Guapo's Tales has allowed Janet to meet countless families and discuss the important life messages that Guapo teaches--many of which she taught her own child, now a successful attorney and her pride and joy, along with her beautiful daughter-in-law and grandchild.
"I love sharing Guapo's stories with children and seeing the wonder in their eyes as they learn about animal rescue through the lives of Guapo and his friends. Their cognitive and language skills are sharpened, their imaginations stirred, and valuable qualities such as empathy and kindness reinforced that will aid in their personal growth, social development, and overall well-being.
I'm also grateful to my co-author, Wendy Perkins, a staff writer for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who has written more than two dozen nonfiction children's books, and to Lara Calleja, who captured the spirit of Guapo and his friends with her beautiful illustrations."
A great passion of Janet's is caring for animals, especially rescues. She is an active volunteer and avid supporter of Coachella Valley Horse Rescue (CA), Comeback Animal Sanctuary (AZ), and Guapo & Friends Rescue Ranch (WY). A portion of the proceeds from Guapo's book sales goes to animal rescue organizations.
