Sister of Providence illustrates book on “Alpacas and Bullying”

“Alpacas and Bullying” is the title of a new magazine-size paperback book illustrated by Sister Ruth Johnson, a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, and written by Sarah Torbeck, a former intern at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.

The book opens with a young boy facing a dilemma on what to do about a potential bullying situation at his school. He is not involved, but he wonders about what he can do to prevent it from happening. As he learns how to take care of a herd of alpacas, he witnesses a spat between alpacas and discovers some options to help him with the bullying situation at school.

This is the second book illustrated by Sister Ruth. Her first was “An Alpaca Adventure.” Sister Ruth is well known for her alpaca illustrations and felted artwork from fleece.

Sister Ruth is a native of Cambridge, Mass. She is a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and has a master’s degree from Duke. She is a career teacher, and also has served as a volunteer at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.

Sarah had a year-long internship during which she spent time assisting with the daily care of the herd of alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, as well as working in the organic gardens. She also has worked on farms in England and Scotland. She is a native of Bloomington-Normal, Ill.

Copies of the book are $5 each and are available at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. For more information call 812-535-2930 or e-mail WVC@spsmw.org.