NISKAYUNA, NY – Local author Karen Lombardo debuts “Silly Lily Saves Miss Tillie,” a heartwarming children’s book that arrives just in time for holiday gift-giving. Published by Troy Book Makers, this first installment in a planned series helps young readers build confidence and overcome their fears through the adventures of a lovable English bulldog.
The book’s creation stems from a deeply personal mission. Following the loss of her husband, Anthony “Chip” Lombardo Jr., in 2021, Karen found inspiration in their family’s English bulldog, Miss Tillie, who became a source of comfort and joy. This experience shaped her vision for a series of children’s books that would help young readers face life’s challenges with courage and optimism.
“The book’s purpose is to show children that everyone is afraid of something, and most of the time, you just need a buddy to get you through it,” says Lombardo, who founded Chip and Tillie Books LLC to bring these stories to life. “I’ve learned this firsthand – during the hardest days after losing Chip, it was the unwavering support of my friends and the unconditional love of Miss Tillie that gave me strength. Sometimes, the simplest friendship can make all the difference.” The Capital Region-based author combines her professional writing background with her personal experiences to create engaging stories that resonate with both children and parents.
This first book launches a series of four planned titles, each focusing on helping children embrace their uniqueness while tackling different life challenges. In keeping with the spirit of giving back to the community, a portion of the proceeds supports the Anthony “Chip” Lombardo Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, providing college scholarships and essential human services.
“Silly Lily Saves Miss Tillie” is available now through Amazon and Troy Book Makers. For more information about the book and upcoming releases, visit chipandtilliebooks.com.
About the Author:
Karen Lombardo is a Capital Region-based professional copywriter and founder of The Virtual Copywriter LLC and Chip and Tillie Books LLC. “Silly Lily Saves Miss Tillie” marks her debut as a children’s book author. She lives in Niskayuna with her children and their inspiring English bulldog, Miss Tillie. Karen can be contacted directly at 518-469-8545 or karen@thevirtualcopywriter.com
