Author Caryn Eve Murray Debuts New Book “Philomena's Homecoming” in Farmingdale

Caryn Eve Murray read and signed copies of her book, Philomena's Homecoming: The  Mostly True Story of a New York Prairie Dog's Search for a Family, during children's story hour at in Airport Plaza on Dec. 11. A large crowd of Murray's supporters and Farmingdale residents attended the event.

Murray, a Huntington resident, freelance writer and editor at Newsday, based her children's book off a true event that occurred in 2003 when a prairie dog named Philomena was abandoned at Jones Beach.

As a wildlife rehabilitator, Murray was part of the crew that helped rescue the prairie dog. The proper care of animals is Murray's main ideal when it comes to making an impression on her book's young audience.

"If the book can help people be a little kinder in their dealings with animals, then it is a mark of success. I love the opportunity to talk to people about animals. The best discovery is finding other animal lovers out there. I go away feeling better that there are more out there," Murray said.

Along with reading her book at Borders, Murray also showed the books illustrations which were the work of Long Island based graphic designer and her partner of 30 years, Rod Eyer.

"He is my right hand in most things I do with animals," Murray said.

Eyer was pleased with the crowd at the event."I'm very impressed with the turnout. There is lots of enthusiasm and the kids are great," Eyer said.

Farmingdale resident and mother, Kate Renna was also impressed by the appearance.

"The event was excellent. I usually stop by and Border's employees are reading the books. I didn't realize how cool it was going to be," Renna said.

Philomena's Homecoming is available for purchase at Borders in Airport Plaza and at Borders.com.