“75 KG LUCK”THE FRENCH EDITION OF THE CARTOON IS FINISHED, WHICH HELPS HOCKEYERS AND RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS IN THE WILDLIFE. THE FOREWORD IS WRITTEN BY THE LEGENDARY BRIGITTE BARDOT
The Italian edition, released in November, is already close to its first reprint
The comic 75 kg of happiness becomes the protagonist of a new edition in French, with an exceptional foreword signed by Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress who made the defense of animals her life’s mission. This project was set up to raise money to build the first hedgehog hospital in Europe, a cause supported by anyone who wants to contribute to the well-being of these small mammals.
A comic strip about hedgehogs and nature
Published in Italy in November 2024, “75 kg of happiness” tells the story of Ninna, a little hedgehog who changed the life of Piedmontese veterinarian Massimo Vacchetta. Unlike the author’s previous book, “25 grams of happiness”, Published eight years earlier, the comic is told from the point of view of Ninna, a sweet, curly-haired girl who weighs only 25 grams, a change of perspective that adds depth and originality to the plot. Thanks to the illustrations by Roberta Morucci, the book “75 kg of happiness. How a Great Vet Can Save Your Life” has already had great success, with more than 1,500 copies distributed to those who supported the project with a donation.
The Italian edition also received support from Brian Meithe legendary guitarist of Queen, great lover of curls and founder of The amazing gracea hedgehog sanctuary in England. May added a special assignment to the book, as an ambassador for the cause.
The important contribution of Brigitte Bardot
An important moment for the project was the meeting between a volunteer from the La Ninna Ricci Recovery Center, Florence Marchal and Brigitte Bardot. After Marchal sent her a copy of the comic, she received an unexpected response from the actress who, in addition to complimenting the book, offered her contribution by writing the foreword. Bardot’s passion for animals is well known, so much so that she herself decided to give up her career prematurely to devote herself to them.
In a handwritten letter, Bardot expressed her affection for Ninna’s story, announcing her desire to write the foreword herself, given her passion for hedgehogs, and also include a small drawing.
«Just give me time to catch my breath and write my text. I’m overwhelmed with so much work, but Ninna is a priority» confirms the actress.
An ambitious project to help and support hedgehogs
The La Ninna Hedgehog Recovery Center was founded in 2014 with the aim of protecting and caring for hedgehogs affected by human activities and climate change. Every year the center welcomes more than four hundred hedgehogs, who are treated for various types of diseases and trauma, many of which are caused by humans. On average, about two hundred hedgehogs stay in the center, most of which are temporarily in hospital, others in rehabilitation and some disabled people in permanent shelter in the external enclosures because they are no longer suitable for living in nature.
Doctor Massimo Vacchetta, veterinarian and founder of the center, recently launched a campaign to expand the facility and create Europe’s first hospital for hedgehogs.
The project, financed thanks to donations, includes four main initiatives: expanding the specialized staff, increasing the number of volunteers through the purchase of accommodation near the center, renovating a small house to convert it into an emergency room and building new accommodations to accommodate more people. hedgehogs in recovery.
To raise money, Dr. worked. Vacchetta collaborated with Roberta Morucci, who created a humorous comic strip based on her story ’25 Grams of Happiness’. The book is available to anyone who makes a donation of at least 25 euros and can be reserved directly via the Center’s website or on its Facebook page.
A book to inform and increase awareness
’75 kg of happiness’ is not only an exciting story, but also an important educational tool. The story addresses issues such as animal care, the importance of species conservation and the challenges associated with climate change. The book, aimed at readers of all ages, also offers an information section on how to help hedgehogs, making it a useful text for schools and families.
The project was made possible thanks to the collaboration with designer Bruno Bozzetto, who created an exciting illustration for the foreword, and the support of Dino Aloi, founder of Il Pennino publishing house. But it is also thanks to the support of legendary figures such as Brigitte Bardot and Brian May that the project continues to grow and enjoy success.
It is also thanks to them that Massimo Vacchetta’s dream comes true.