[KHTS] – Ellie Laks, the founder of the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country, has recently come out with a new book: memoirs describing her childhood and why she was inspired to found a shelter for abused farm animals.

Released on March 25, “My Gentle Barn” tells the story of Laks’ troubled childhood and the animals that she said gave her solace.

“…when I went on to start the Gentle Barn–rescuing, rehabilitating, and offering sanctuary to abused animals–many people misunderstood what it was all about,” she writes in the prologue to her book. “…With time there were many people who saw it differently and thanked me for rescuing all these animals–viewing my work as an act of selfless devotion. To all of those people, I wanted to say, ‘You don’t understand. I’m not saving the animals; they’re saving me.’”

The shelter exists not only for the animals that Laks rescues. They also offer therapy for at-risk and special needs children.

“We work with children from the inner-city, group homes, mental health care facilities, foster homes, and schools to teach them that even though we are all different on the outside, on the inside we are all the same and are deserving of the same rights, respects and freedom,” according to their website.

For residents interested in reading “My Gentle Barn” or hearing from Laks about her experiences, there will be several local book signings.

The Barnes and Noble in Burbank is hosting a book signing at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, Laks will be back at the Gentle Barn for a book signing during their normal public hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Barnes and Noble on Valencia Boulevard will host another book signing on Saturday, April 5 at 1 p.m.

To learn more or to read reviews and excerpts from Laks’ book, click here. It is also available on Amazon.com, here.