Pub reopens after a £400K refurbishment and new concept

Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

USA Today

a day ago

USA Today

Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

When most people retire, they take up hobbies, travel the world, or slow down to enjoy a quieter life. Carole Couture did the opposite. After three decades as a financial advisor navigating boardrooms and balance sheets, Couture has re-emerged with a mission that couldn't be further from spreadsheets-protecting endangered species and igniting young minds through literature. Her debut children's book, The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin, is more than an illustrated tale-it's a clarion call against illegal wildlife trafficking and a celebration of empathy, courage, and ecological responsibility. In the book, readers are introduced to Pablo, a soft-spoken yet resilient pangolin whose peaceful life is disrupted by poachers seeking to profit from the illegal animal trade. Alongside his clever companions-Samba the monkey and Martin the bird-Pablo embarks on a heart-racing journey of survival through lush jungles and perilous encounters. While written for children, the narrative resonates deeply with adult themes: community, conservation, and the consequences of human greed. 'I never imagined my second chapter would be in children's publishing,' Couture said in an interview with Evrima Chicago. 'But when you spend enough time reflecting on what the world needs-especially through the eyes of your child-priorities become clear.' A Career Rooted in Numbers, a New Life Rooted in Purpose Couture's pivot is not just remarkable-it's instructive. Having spent 30 years advising high-net-worth clients on financial strategies, the Canadian-born writer stepped away from the corporate world to care full-time for her son Jean-Philippe, who has Down syndrome. That decision became her spiritual reset. The values she once applied to wealth-building-discipline, vision, patience-are now directed toward a cause that can't be measured in stock indices: teaching children to love, protect, and understand the planet. 'Every bedtime story became an opportunity to spark curiosity and values,' she recalls. 'Eventually, the stories started writing themselves.' The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin is just the first of more than 60 manuscripts Couture has penned. Each one tackles important themes such as inclusion, kindness, resilience, and ecological stewardship-all deeply informed by her life as a parent and advocate. Tackling a Global Crisis with Storytelling Pangolins, though lesser known, are among the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world. According to the World Wildlife Fund, over one million pangolins have been illegally poached over the past decade for their scales and meat. Couture chose the pangolin precisely for this reason: 'He's a quiet creature. Timid, even. But his story is urgent-and most kids have never even heard of him. That had to change.' By casting Pablo as the protagonist, Couture makes the abstract issue of biodiversity loss both tangible and emotionally engaging for children. Pablo's innocence and bravery become vehicles for broader lessons: environmental degradation, friendship in adversity, and what it means to care for something smaller and more vulnerable than oneself. A Message Beyond the Page This book's impact goes beyond bedtime stories. Couture is working with educators and environmental NGOs to bring The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin into classrooms as part of conservation literacy programs. Discussions are also underway for a bilingual edition to be distributed in Southeast Asia, where pangolin poaching is most prevalent. Her mission is supported by a growing online following of parents, teachers, and wildlife enthusiasts who see her work as part of a larger shift in children's literature-one where activism and storytelling go hand in hand. 'We live in an age where kids see climate change, animal extinction, and global injustice on TV before they even start school,' Couture notes. 'We can either hide these realities or give them tools-through story, empathy, and action.' What's Next for Pablo-and Carole Couture's follow-up titles are already in development. Without giving too much away, she teases a second installment involving Arctic wildlife and another tackling ocean pollution. 'If kids are going to inherit this planet, they deserve stories that reflect its challenges-and its beauty,' she says. Meanwhile, her personal journey remains at the heart of her work. Jean-Philippe, now a teenager, serves as her 'chief creative officer,' weighing in on character ideas and plot twists. 'His perspective is pure and unfiltered,' she laughs. 'And he has a surprisingly good sense of story structure.' From the financial markets to the forests of Asia, Carole Couture is showing that it's never too late to find your voice-and use it for good. Through Pablo the Pangolin, she's not only opening young minds but also challenging adults to reconsider what retirement-and impact-can look like. About the Author Carole Couture is a Montreal-born children's author and former financial advisor. She lives in upstate New York with her son Jean-Philippe. Her debut book, The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin, is available now at and major retailers. Press Contact Dan Wasserman Editorial & Media Relations – Evrima Chicago PR@ +1 (909) 326-0347 Disclaimer Evrima Chicago takes immense pride in representing emerging voices like Carole Couture. As an independent editorial syndication and technology firm, we believe in championing meaningful content that combines impact, accessibility, and education. The views expressed in this article are the author's and are constructed by the Evrima Chicago editorial team through interviews and cited research. This content is not intended as legal, environmental, or educational advice. The views herein are for informational purposes only and are meant to spotlight important global issues through the lens of storytelling. All third-party data (e.g., trafficking statistics, wildlife references) are cited below. For media inquiries or reprint rights, contact PR@ Sources and Citations Source Link or Citation World Wildlife Fund Pangolin Crisis Fund Author Website SOURCE: Author Carole Couture View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Indianapolis Star

a day ago

Indianapolis Star

Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

When most people retire, they take up hobbies, travel the world, or slow down to enjoy a quieter life. Carole Couture did the opposite. After three decades as a financial advisor navigating boardrooms and balance sheets, Couture has re-emerged with a mission that couldn't be further from spreadsheets-protecting endangered species and igniting young minds through literature. Her debut children's book, The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin, is more than an illustrated tale-it's a clarion call against illegal wildlife trafficking and a celebration of empathy, courage, and ecological responsibility. In the book, readers are introduced to Pablo, a soft-spoken yet resilient pangolin whose peaceful life is disrupted by poachers seeking to profit from the illegal animal trade. Alongside his clever companions-Samba the monkey and Martin the bird-Pablo embarks on a heart-racing journey of survival through lush jungles and perilous encounters. While written for children, the narrative resonates deeply with adult themes: community, conservation, and the consequences of human greed. 'I never imagined my second chapter would be in children's publishing,' Couture said in an interview with Evrima Chicago. 'But when you spend enough time reflecting on what the world needs-especially through the eyes of your child-priorities become clear.' A Career Rooted in Numbers, a New Life Rooted in Purpose Couture's pivot is not just remarkable-it's instructive. Having spent 30 years advising high-net-worth clients on financial strategies, the Canadian-born writer stepped away from the corporate world to care full-time for her son Jean-Philippe, who has Down syndrome. That decision became her spiritual reset. The values she once applied to wealth-building-discipline, vision, patience-are now directed toward a cause that can't be measured in stock indices: teaching children to love, protect, and understand the planet. 'Every bedtime story became an opportunity to spark curiosity and values,' she recalls. 'Eventually, the stories started writing themselves.' The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin is just the first of more than 60 manuscripts Couture has penned. Each one tackles important themes such as inclusion, kindness, resilience, and ecological stewardship-all deeply informed by her life as a parent and advocate. Tackling a Global Crisis with Storytelling Pangolins, though lesser known, are among the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world. According to the World Wildlife Fund, over one million pangolins have been illegally poached over the past decade for their scales and meat. Couture chose the pangolin precisely for this reason: 'He's a quiet creature. Timid, even. But his story is urgent-and most kids have never even heard of him. That had to change.' By casting Pablo as the protagonist, Couture makes the abstract issue of biodiversity loss both tangible and emotionally engaging for children. Pablo's innocence and bravery become vehicles for broader lessons: environmental degradation, friendship in adversity, and what it means to care for something smaller and more vulnerable than oneself. A Message Beyond the Page This book's impact goes beyond bedtime stories. Couture is working with educators and environmental NGOs to bring The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin into classrooms as part of conservation literacy programs. Discussions are also underway for a bilingual edition to be distributed in Southeast Asia, where pangolin poaching is most prevalent. Her mission is supported by a growing online following of parents, teachers, and wildlife enthusiasts who see her work as part of a larger shift in children's literature-one where activism and storytelling go hand in hand. 'We live in an age where kids see climate change, animal extinction, and global injustice on TV before they even start school,' Couture notes. 'We can either hide these realities or give them tools-through story, empathy, and action.' What's Next for Pablo-and Carole Couture's follow-up titles are already in development. Without giving too much away, she teases a second installment involving Arctic wildlife and another tackling ocean pollution. 'If kids are going to inherit this planet, they deserve stories that reflect its challenges-and its beauty,' she says. Meanwhile, her personal journey remains at the heart of her work. Jean-Philippe, now a teenager, serves as her 'chief creative officer,' weighing in on character ideas and plot twists. 'His perspective is pure and unfiltered,' she laughs. 'And he has a surprisingly good sense of story structure.' From the financial markets to the forests of Asia, Carole Couture is showing that it's never too late to find your voice-and use it for good. Through Pablo the Pangolin, she's not only opening young minds but also challenging adults to reconsider what retirement-and impact-can look like. About the Author Carole Couture is a Montreal-born children's author and former financial advisor. She lives in upstate New York with her son Jean-Philippe. Her debut book, The Adventures of Pablo the Pangolin, is available now at and major retailers. Press Contact Dan Wasserman Editorial & Media Relations – Evrima Chicago PR@ +1 (909) 326-0347 Disclaimer Evrima Chicago takes immense pride in representing emerging voices like Carole Couture. As an independent editorial syndication and technology firm, we believe in championing meaningful content that combines impact, accessibility, and education. The views expressed in this article are the author's and are constructed by the Evrima Chicago editorial team through interviews and cited research. This content is not intended as legal, environmental, or educational advice. The views herein are for informational purposes only and are meant to spotlight important global issues through the lens of storytelling. All third-party data (e.g., trafficking statistics, wildlife references) are cited below. For media inquiries or reprint rights, contact PR@

True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves

Chicago Tribune

6 days ago

Chicago Tribune

True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves

On a recent Saturday, Sketchbook Brewing Company's Evanston taproom was filled to standing-room capacity by an enthusiastic crowd that clapped and danced along to performances of music by Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Lady Gaga and more. The artists who garnered such a warm response are collectively known as True Colors, a local drag troupe featuring individuals with a range of developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. Coinciding with the first weekend of Pride Month, this show marked True Colors' fourth appearance at Sketchbook Brewing. Founded last year, the group continues to expand both its roster and fan base. True Colors' summer schedule includes performances at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade on July 26. Drag artist Chrysanthemum, a founding member of True Colors who goes by their drag name, has loved performing since childhood. 'I am the performer of my family,' they said, adding that their interest in drag was sparked when they won an Ariana Grande lip-sync battle in college. About two years ago, Karen Forester began working as their personal caregiver, and Chrysanthemum introduced Forester to the art form of drag. Eager for Chrysanthemum to have more opportunities to perform, the two decided to form a new troupe. True Colors was inspired by Drag Syndrome, a U.K.-based drag collective made up of artists with Down syndrome, but Chrysanthemum and Forester found this approach somewhat limiting. 'We decided it could be for anybody who was interested and wanted to participate and learn more about it,' Forester told the Tribune. After recruiting more artists through flyers, Facebook and word of mouth, True Colors performed its first shows in 2024. With the addition of a new member last month, the troupe now includes five regular performers: Amanduh Frost, Chrome Snatchica, Chrysanthemum, George David and ZiZi D-Lite. Forester serves as the troupe's manager. Chrysanthemum said their mom and a family friend helped them brainstorm the name True Colors, which gets at the question, 'What does it mean to show your color, to show who you are as a person?' The troupe's inclusive ethos is also conveyed through its tagline, 'Drag for All!' In a joint interview, four members of True Colors shared their positive experiences with the group, emphasizing the sense of freedom, self-expression and community that they feel when performing in drag. Zachary Wandel, who performs as ZiZi D-Lite, has been with True Colors since their first show, which featured just ZiZi and Chrysanthemum. Wandel said of that performance, 'It felt so amazing to be on stage, to perform in front of people, because it makes me alive.' Chrome Snatchica (who is also identified only by their drag name) began performing in drag while studying dance at Columbia College Chicago, where they graduated last month. 'It makes me feel inspired, and it makes me feel really joyful about performing,' Chrome Snatchica said of drag. 'Expressing myself is just a gift.' Audiences have been welcoming and supportive of True Colors from the start. 'I think a lot of people in the community are seeing that this is important, this is meaningful,' said Forester. 'This is a group of people who deserve to be seen and heard.' Each artist has developed a unique drag persona and takes a personalized approach to their performances. Several lip-sync to their choice of music, while ZiZi D-Lite sings live. Bradley Westmaas, who performs as George David, has hearing loss and uses sign language for his performances. When asked to describe George David, Westmaas said, 'If Boy George, George Michael and David Bowie all had a child, I would be that child.' At the May show, he gave a spirited rendition of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' for the first of his two numbers. 'You don't see drag queens who are deaf that often,' said Westmaas. 'The drag community itself is kind of small, so the deaf drag community is smaller.' Chrome Snatchica, who is also deaf, added, 'It's awesome to inspire other deaf drag queens.' Wandel reflected on what it's like to be an artist with a disability, sharing that he has experienced bullying in his life but finds performing in drag to be empowering. '(ZiZi) does not care for (what) the other people (are) saying about her, because she sings live, she knows (how) to perform very well, and she's a strong person,' Wandel said of his drag persona. 'I am a strong person, too, and I think ZiZi D-Lite wants to show the world that she can do this.' Chrysanthemum was also bullied as a kid and wishes those bullies could see them now. 'They should come to our shows and see that we have become stronger because of them,' said Chrysanthemum. As a member of True Colors, 'You are supported and loved by so many other people who just (expletive) love you for exactly who you are meant to be. I'm so glad to be part of a group that is so kind, that is so welcoming and so freaking nice.' 'There are so many people out there who don't know who we are as people,' Chrysanthemum added. 'Don't judge people who have disabilities because once you get to know them, they're kind. They're loving. They're supportive.' 'Drag is an art form that brings people together, brings the community together, and I think that's a wonderful thing,' said Chrome Snatchica. 'The audience is definitely growing, and I think it has inspired people to be their true selves, because that's what True Colors is all about.'

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Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves

Pub reopens after a £400K refurbishment and new concept

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Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

Wall Street to Wildlife: New Children's Book Aims to Save Endangered Species, One Page at a Time

True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves

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