Quinnipiac Instructor Publishes First Novel

Quinnipiac University instructor of interactive media and design explores animal welfare and climate change in first novel, ‘Ricky the Time Traveling Trash Panda’

HAMDEN, CT - Kent Golden, of Woodbridge, senior instructor of interactive media and design at Quinnipiac University, recently published his first novel, “Ricky the Time Traveling Trash Panda."

The story follows Ricky the raccoon working through his mission of saving the planet from the impending climate disaster that is brewing with the help of another raccoon, Monique, and a young human girl named Emma.

“On the surface this might seem like just a fun adventure book about a bunch of animals, but it’s actually very deep in terms of the moral messages related to animals and the future of our planet,” explained Golden. “My hope is that when someone reads this story, apart from simply enjoying a fun adventure, it helps them to question their own choices in daily life that impact both animals and the planet.”

Over the years, Golden said he has been considering various techniques to show people different ways of thinking about these issues, and eventually decided to write a book to convey the message of kindness and compassion.

“Habits and societal norms are difficult to break, so simply telling people a bunch of facts about animal welfare, environmental impact and human health is rarely effective,” Golden said. “People don’t like change. But a compelling story can sometimes make a difference to get people thinking differently. My hope is that by experiencing a different viewpoint in the story through the characters and their experiences, readers can see what the alternatives are in their own lives.”

Many of the characters in the books were inspired by actual animals in Golden’s life. Ricky and Monique were raccoons that he and his wife cared for over many years. Their cat, Minka, even makes an appearance.

“Ricky arrived one year at our house and we saw him limping on an injured leg,” recalled Golden. “We thought maybe he was hit by a car, so we took him to the vet to get him checked out. It was actually easier to take Ricky to the vet than it was to take our own cats. He was totally fine with it. Fortunately, he just had stiff joints and needed some physical therapy.”

“Ricky the Time Traveling Trash Panda” is available at major booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.