Meet Tina Newman, the visionary behind the Vivi the Supervegan series, a unique set of children’s books that teach empathy, sustainability, and animal rights. With a mission to educate and inspire the next generation, Tina shares how her own journey towards veganism, along with her creative expertise, has shaped this heartwarming series. From tackling pressing environmental issues to spreading the message of kindness, her work is set to make a meaningful impact. Here’s a look into the world of Vivi the Supervegan.

VegClub (VC): What inspired you to create the Vivi the Supervegan series, and what message do you hope to convey through these stories?

Tina Newman (TN): My children were the initial inspiration. Vivi the Supervegan came to life from my desire to find children's books that would resonate with my daughters after we went vegan in 2017. I wanted to find stories that would empower them and reflect our lifestyle without scaring or burdening them. I struggled to find what I was looking for, so I decided to create it myself. Through Vivi’s adventures, I aim to inspire young minds to connect with animals, the planet, and each other in a compassionate and loving way. My hope is to foster curiosity, kindness, and the understanding that even small actions can have a huge impact on the world.

VC: Your books are endorsed by the Vegan Trader and Vegan Founded networks, and you’ve received prestigious awards like the Vegan Choice Award and Global Vegan Award. How have these achievements influenced your work and expanded your reach?

TN: I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition my books have received. It’s always wonderful to be acknowledged for your work, but these awards and endorsements also provide a platform for me to spread the message of kindness, sustainability, and animal rights to even more people. They fuel my passion and serve as a constant reminder of why it's so important to continue pushing forward and fighting for animals and future generations.

VC: Each of your books tackles a specific theme, like protecting animals and the environment. How do you decide which issues to address in the series, and what kind of research goes into the process?

TN: There are so many aspects of veganism and activism that I feel need to be addressed, and children need to be educated on these issues. Each story features a topic I’m passionate about, whether it’s animal rights, climate change, plastic pollution, or the protection of our oceans. I want to ensure that the message is both meaningful and child-friendly, empowering young readers. Since becoming vegan, I’ve done extensive research into these various topics and continue to learn from the incredible activists, scientists, and educators shaping our world. It’s crucial to find a balance between fun, adventure, and powerful education when writing my stories.

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VC: You’ve contributed to The Vegan Society Educational Network and helped develop educational resources for schools. How important is it for children to learn about veganism from a young age, and how do your books support this goal?

Tina Newman

TN: I believe it’s vital for children to learn about veganism early on. Kids are naturally empathetic, and the earlier they understand how their choices impact animals and the planet, the more likely they are to carry those values into adulthood. Our society and culture often suppress our innate compassion, making us believe that some animals are pets and others are food. I’m passionate about providing children with stories that speak the truth, plant seeds, and spark important conversations. I’ve designed the books to be relatable, fun, and approachable so even young readers can grasp the power they have to make a positive difference.

VC: With a background in media production and experience working with the BBC and Pinewood Studios, how has your media expertise shaped your approach to storytelling and brand building?

TN: My background has taught me the importance of storytelling and how compelling narratives can entertain, educate, and inspire action. The skills I’ve gained from working with fellow creatives in the media industry have broadened my understanding of the creative process, allowing me to bring Vivi’s world to life in ways that resonate deeply with audiences—whether through books, social media, or future projects. It’s all about creating an immersive, vibrant experience!

VC: As an ambassador for the Animal Justice Project, how do your activism and advocacy work influence your writing and engagement with readers?

TN: Being an ambassador for the Animal Justice Project and a passionate advocate for animal rights significantly influences the heart of Vivi’s mission. It fuels my commitment to stand up for animals, fight for justice, and inspire others. It keeps me grounded in the realities of activism, which I weave into Vivi’s adventures to make the stories feel real, urgent, and impactful.

"I believe it’s vital for children to learn about veganism early on. Kids are naturally empathetic, and the earlier they understand how their choices impact animals and the planet, the more likely they are to carry those values into adulthood." about kids becoming vegan

VC: What can readers expect next from the Vivi the Supervegan series? Are there plans for more books, merchandise, or even multimedia adaptations?

TN: Oh yes, I’m thrilled about what’s coming next! I’ve been working with an amazing producer to explore ways to bring Vivi and her friends to life in new formats, including eco-friendly merchandise, an animated TV series, and an app. These projects will help introduce Vivi’s adventures to a wider audience. We have a talented production team and a vegan cast lined up, and the concept is ready to go. Now, we’re working on securing the funding to make it happen. I can’t wait to bring Vivi to life and offer children around the world more ethical and vegan-friendly content.

VC: What personal experiences or values from your own life have shaped your passion for veganism and influenced the creation of Vivi the Supervegan?

I was a vegetarian for 21 years before I became vegan. I adopted a vegetarian diet at 11 because I loved animals and hated animal cruelty, and had I known what I know now, I would have gone vegan as a child! When I finally learned the truth about animal agriculture, my world was turned upside down, and veganism and animal rights became central to my life. Vivi’s creation reflects my own journey, with the main characters loosely based on my daughters. It’s a blend of passion, empathy, and a belief that we can all live more kindly and sustainably. Creating these books is my way of giving back to animals and trying to leave a positive impact on the world.

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