The Lipoffs from Maryland are a remarkable American family that fell in love with Aruba a long time ago. The Red Anchor in San Nicolas is where the book ‘Super Coco; “Will You Be My Friend” was born. An idea that sprouted out of an encounter between a black rooster and a pigeon. “This is a book about making friendships, diversity, acceptance, animals and the habitat. All with a backdrop of our beloved Aruba,” says Jay M. Lipoff.
Jay and Julie are back in Aruba to promote their book and at the same time support the local community. They paid a visit to the Nine Lives Aruba Foundation, a group of animal lovers who joined forces volunteering themselves to help animals in their free time. The Lipoffs wrote on their Facebook: “Bringing some kitten food and cat and dog toys to support some of the Aruban nonprofits helping animals, as part of our giving back portion from the proceeds of the book. It is heart-breaking but incredibly comforting to know that Geraldine Toro Vera Kock, her husband John and all of the volunteers at Nine Lives Aruba Foundation are doing everything they can to help care for, protect and find homes for cats and dogs.” Seeing them so happy with their new toys was so rewarding, the authors say. “There are amazing animals, filled with love, everywhere. Open up your heart and let them in.”
The story behind the book
Jay: “I have been visiting Aruba since 1998. It’s a wonderful place, and now with my family, we head out every couple of years.” One time they were here they came across a black rooster and a pigeon hanging out together day after day near Seroe Colorado, on the way to Baby Beach. “We chuckled and started to make up a story. We named the rooster Coco because he was near a vendor’s ice chest with Super Coco written on the side of it.” The story went from there and eventually resulted in a colorful book with amazing illustrations showing Aruba’s animals in their natural habitat. The book not only has a deeper message that is important to children, but it also shows the island’s typical flora and fauna. In a playful way children learn that it is okay to have a friend that looks very different from themselves.
For more information: Facebook Super Coco.
