The Heart of a Lion: and the Body of a Cat follows a lion cub that just wants to play even though he knows he will get sick again. This is a personal story for you, why was this an important book to write?

Very personal. It was important to write this story to give hope and uplift children dealing with chronic health issues. I originally wrote the book to deliver to hospitals to inspire kids not feeling well during the holiday season, but it turned into so much more. It turned into a story of inclusion and awareness, something I’d always wanted for my daughter.

The art in this book is fantastic. How was it working with your husband on this project?

It has been a joy to work with my husband over the years to bring to life our projects. It’s an incredible connection to have, and I treasure it. He inspires me to believe in the impossible. I ask for something, and he goes beyond what I could imagine. It has been awesome.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

I want the takeaway to be the ability to think outside the box and overcome challenges. But, above all else, I want readers to take away what I’ve instilled in my daughter – to persevere in the face of challenges and never give up on their dreams.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

My next book is called Shani and The FireFly. It is inspired by the things around me and it touches on overcoming challenges. It’s due out late this summer.

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