Rev. Deborah Loomis LaFond (’96) authors children’s book, “The Laughing Giraffe”
Reverend Deborah Loomis LaFond (’96) authored the 2024 children’s book titled The Laughing Giraffe.
The book description reads:
“The Laughing Giraffe is a story about 
Thulani, a gentle and quiet giraffe living in the savanna of Southern Africa. With his long, thick lashes, Thulani captivates everyone around him. Join Thulani on an adventure filled with surprise when his friends attempt to make him laugh. Written by Deborah L. Lafond and illustrated by Amanda Leighton, this book will bring joy to readers of any age. Teachers, parents, and grandparents will find this story illustrating critical concepts for living and working together. Thulani’s friends show empathy, a willingness to help their friends, and an acceptance of differences. The book contains a list of characters with Zulu names and meanings, a drawing, the animal species, and a description of each. The illustrations are realistic and whimsical, making it perfect for early primary grades.”