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Joy is a Timeless Companion
I Am NOT That Cat is a delightful, illustrated collection of poems, each one a whimsical ode to the feline mystique. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Like all of my children’s books, happiness, compassion, kindness, and empathy are always in the forefront of my mind when writing children’s literature; each poem a different kitten with a lesson to share. I want children to enjoy my books, yes, but I also believe that beyond the cheerful mood, small, positive, encouraging life lessons should be the underlying tone.
While the book is considered a children’s book, it appeals to cat owners, young and old. Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Creating children’s poems about cats holds a delightful charm that bridges generations, uniting both the young and the young at heart in a shared experience. Cats, with their playful antics and mysterious nature, naturally lend themselves to the imaginative world of poetry. Writing about them in a way that appeals to everyone is like opening a window to a world where age is but a number, and joy is a timeless companion.
For children, a poem about a frolicking feline can spark curiosity and empathy, teaching them about companionship and the simple joys of life through the relatable antics of their furry friends. It’s in these tales they find laughter and lessons, wrapped up in a rhythm that dances in their minds long after the story ends. The whimsical style captures their imagination, inviting them to explore and dream.
For adults, these poems offer a warm nostalgia that reminds them of their own childhood or perhaps the pets they cherished. The playful language can stir a sense of light-heartedness, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s about recapturing that sense of wonder and allowing oneself to pause, smile, and remember that magic exists in everyday moments.
Bridging this gap between young and old, these cat poems become a shared secret, a universal language of affection and joy. They celebrate the silly and profound, anchor us in the present, and remind us of the beauty found in both the simplicity of a child’s perspective and the rich tapestry of life experiences that adults carry. In the world of cats and poems, age fades away, leaving only the joy of a purring heart.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
My favorite poem in I Am NOT That Cat is the true story about the newest member of our household, a once malnourished, tiny abandoned kitten, now called Itty Bitty Kitty. When I first saw her shivering in the rain it was a sight that tugged at my soul. I knew in that moment that I had to help the poor thing who was quite literally howling in desperation.
As I brought her into our house, my thoughts swirled with emotions. I was angry that someone could do such a thing to a helpless creature, but I also felt a mix of compassion empathy and a determination to right this terrible wrong. That’s when the idea struck me: why not capture this experience in a poem? Writing has always been my way of processing the world around me, and this little creature deserved more than just my help; she needed her story told.
Through my poem, I wanted to express the journey we shared—from the initial fear and uncertainty in her eyes to the eventual spark of trust and love. Each stanza became a tribute to her resilience and spirit, a reminder that even in abandonment, hope can bloom.
Ultimately, my poem is a celebration of our bond. It serves as a reminder to others about the importance of kindness and compassion toward all creatures, big and small.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that I am working on, is, no surprise, another rhyming poetry book for children. This will be the third in the That Cat series and is titled Silly Cats. This book, however, is not just about cats as I have introduced a little blue spider called Jack! Like the previous two titles in the series, Silly Cats boasts full-page artwork accompanied by humorous rhyming poems. I plan on releasing this book in late October or early November, this year.
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“Oh our wonderful felines, both regal and wild, in their world of enchantment, we’re forever beguiled. For the love of a cat is a treasure that’s rare, a gift in our lives, beyond compare. From tabby to tuxedo, each one a delight, with whiskers that twitch and hearts pure as light.”
Get ready for a PURRFECTLY delightful bedtime experience that will spark joy and laughter in every household!
I Am NOT That Cat
I Am NOT That Cat by August E. Allen is a delightful, illustrated collection of poems, each one a whimsical ode to the feline mystique. The subject is cats, of course, and Allen introduces readers to an array of distinct personalities: a lunar adventurer, a mischievous trio befriending a St. Bernard through a window, and many more. Despite the book’s emphatic title, each poem paints a vivid picture of exactly that kind of cat we’ve all encountered or wished we had.
Rhyme is the engine that drives these poems. Allen’s rhythmic precision gives the text a musical lilt that practically demands to be read aloud. The verses are buoyant, clever, and meticulously crafted, never faltering or falling flat. At moments, the style evokes the playful genius of Dr. Seuss, particularly in lines like, “NO WAY I’ll wear that hat! I am NOT that sort of cat!” It’s humorous, yes, but also sharply observed.
Ideal for children, the book offers both entertainment and gentle wisdom. Allen occasionally steps out of the verse to deliver messages of kindness and compassion: “Treat animals with kindness, It’s the right thing to do.” Yet, it’s far from juvenile. Adults especially those familiar with the capricious charm of cats will recognize the species’ signature behaviors: the aloofness, the flair for drama, the unapologetic chaos. One poem, featuring a cat nudging a vase to its inevitable doom, captures this perfectly.
While the poetry is undoubtedly engaging, it’s the illustrations that elevate the book into something truly special. Each cat is rendered with precision, personality, and an unmistakable feline attitude. They’re not just drawings; they’re portraits. Expressive, dynamic, and visually captivating, the illustrations would hold their own as standalone art.
I Am NOT That Cat is a charming, beautifully illustrated gem that delights on every level. Whether shared with a child or enjoyed solo, it’s a small book with a big heart and a purr to match. The only downside is that it leaves you wanting more, more pages, more poems, more cats. It’s a testament to how enjoyable the book is that you’ll find yourself wishing it didn’t end so soon.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DXFTBHPL
Where Is Charlotte? Or Where Is _?: A Personal Story-Song Book
Mark Gorkin, affectionately known as “The Stress Doc,” has crafted a truly unique and heartwarming children’s book, Where Is Charlotte? Or Where Is ___?, that seamlessly intertwines creativity and inclusivity. Drawing inspiration from the classic melody of “Frère Jacques,” this book transforms the familiar tune into a delightful game of hide-and-seek, following Charlotte as she playfully disappears into various hiding spots. From climbing trees and riding the breeze to nestling under cozy blankets or sneaking into closets, Charlotte’s adventures unfold with a lively rhythm that keeps readers guessing where she might be hiding next.
One of the most innovative features of this story is its invitation to personalize the experience by substituting your child’s name for Charlotte’s. This thoughtful touch turns the book into a treasured keepsake, making every child feel like the star of their own adventure. What child wouldn’t delight in seeing their name featured as the main character, cleverly finding hiding places with each turn of the page? Gorkin also impressively showcases inclusivity throughout the story. Charlotte is portrayed across a spectrum of ages and skin tones, ensuring that children of all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the narrative. This thoughtful representation is a refreshing standout, breaking barriers of gender, age, and race while celebrating diversity in a subtle yet powerful way. The book doesn’t stop at engaging young readers; it also fosters meaningful connections between adults and children. A special section at the end provides prompts and questions for caregivers, encouraging interactive discussions that deepen the reading experience. This feature transforms the story into not just a tale, but an opportunity for bonding and creative exploration. Adding to the charm are the book’s vibrant, eye-catching illustrations. Each page bursts with color, bringing Charlotte’s adventures to life and capturing the imagination of young readers. The progressive changes in Charlotte’s age and appearance are masterfully depicted, reinforcing the book’s inclusive message while keeping the visuals dynamic and engaging.
Where Is Charlotte? Or Where Is ___? is a shining example of how children’s literature can be both entertaining and meaningful. Its personalization options, inclusive storytelling, and interactive elements make it a must-have for parents, guardians, and librarians. Young readers will return to this book time and time again, reveling in the joy of a story that’s truly their own. This delightful book comes highly recommended as a special addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0D7ZH3GJ8
Bones and Friends: The Case Of The Missing Mice
Bones and Friends: The Case of the Missing Mice by Lisa Jacovsky is a heartwarming children’s mystery that delights readers with its adorable trio of cats. Beau, Bender, and Bones—each with their own special needs—set out to solve the mystery of their missing mouse toys. Together, they show that no challenge is too big when you have teamwork, resilience, and a bit of creativity on your side.
Beau, who was born without eyes, relies on his sharp senses of smell and hearing. Bender, despite having only three legs, is an exceptional climber. Tiny Bones, living with hydrocephalus, uses his small size to explore hard-to-reach places. Each cat brings something unique to the adventure, and watching them turn their differences into strengths is both inspiring and endearing. Their mission to find the missing toys is not only a fun mystery but also a touching reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The illustrations add another layer of charm to the story. They are colorful and engaging, drawing readers into the whimsical world of these courageous felines. The conclusion of the tale leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction, yet eager to follow the trio on more adventures. One of the most touching aspects of Bones and Friends is how it showcases animals with special needs in the spotlight. The way the characters’ differences are celebrated and turned into strengths resonates deeply, especially for readers who may have or know animals with similar challenges. As someone with a pet chicken who has no feet but still gets around faster than I do, this story truly struck a chord.
Bones and Friends is an adorable and uplifting read that’s perfect for storytime with young children. It’s a great pick for any cat lover or for group readings, where its themes of friendship and teamwork will surely shine. Whether at bedtime or during a quiet afternoon, this heartwarming tale of three cat brothers working together is a purr-fect choice for readers of all ages.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0CYLVX53K
Let’s Work Smarter
In Let’s Work Smarter, by Katharine Mitropoulos, the delightful setting of Harmony Lane comes alive as a group of industrious animals gather at the farmer’s market. Each animal sells their goods to raise funds for renovating their worn-down playground. Mole’s delicious apple pies fill the air with a sweet aroma, Bunny offers fresh, crisp carrots, and Mouse’s stand features a variety of tiny treats, each vendor contributing to the collective goal. As the day comes to a close, the town meeting brings thrilling news from Mayor Zebra: the fundraising goal has been achieved, and playground renovations can commence immediately. The animals are ecstatic, eager to start their much-anticipated project. Plans include planting a vibrant flower garden, painting the fence, and adding new toys to the sandbox. However, they soon realize the task is more daunting than expected. Despite their hard work, progress is slow and challenging.
Mouse suggests a different approach, proposing, “Instead of working harder, let’s try working smarter.” This sparks a collaborative effort where the animals brainstorm innovative solutions to streamline their work and complete their projects more efficiently. The narrative leaves readers wondering if Mouse’s advice will lead them to success in revitalizing their playground.
I found this story utterly charming. It beautifully illustrates the power of community and teamwork, showing young readers that by working together towards a common goal, great things can be accomplished. The diverse roles the animals take on offer relatable examples for children, reinforcing the message that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The story also serves as an excellent model for inspiring children to become active, responsible citizens in their communities. The animals’ dedication to improving their playground encourages young readers to think about ways they can participate in community service and collective efforts.
Laura Watson’s illustrations are a vibrant and delightful complement to the narrative. Her colorful, whimsical artwork captures the essence of each animal character, making the book visually engaging for both children and adults. Watson’s talent extends beyond children’s books; she also creates charming textiles, stationery, toys, and puzzles, adding an interesting layer to her creative profile.
Let’s Work Smarter is a thoroughly enjoyable read that imparts valuable lessons on citizenship, teamwork, and problem-solving. It’s a wonderful addition to any child’s library, destined to be read and cherished repeatedly.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CW19SJVP
The Trouble With Bubble Gum
In The Trouble with Bubble Gum, author Shari Schwert crafts a charming tale that playfully addresses the timeless theme of a child’s adventurous disobedience. This story centers around a young boy, fixated on his delightful but excessive bubble gum chewing habit, despite his mother’s repeated warnings about its potential consequences.
Schwert’s narrative style is engaging and builds a subtle sense of anticipation. As the boy continues to disregard his mother’s advice, readers, led by the author’s hints, sense the looming trouble. This effective storytelling approach resonates particularly well in a children’s book, as it gently instills the value of heeding parental guidance. The boy’s journey to an inevitable sticky predicament serves as a light-hearted yet meaningful lesson about the importance of listening to one’s parents.
The visual appeal of the book is significantly enhanced by Mari Sebastian’s vivid illustrations. These colorful and lively images complement Schwert’s storytelling, bringing the narrative to life in a manner that is both entertaining and immersive. The artwork not only supports the story but enriches it, providing a visual delight that aligns seamlessly with the unfolding events.
My experience of reading The Trouble with Bubble Gum was one of amusement and delight. Schwert debuts in children’s literature with a tale that strikes a balance between fun and educational content. The book, with its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, is likely to captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression about the value of parental advice. This story comes highly recommended for its enjoyable narrative and the important message it conveys in an accessible and entertaining way.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-1637556948
Every Contribution Has Value
The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon follows an unlikely quartet who embark on a quest that, in addition to being a great adventure, teaches them about self-acceptance and friendship. What inspired the setup of your story?
I’m disabled and, in a sense, I’ve given each adventurer a small “disability.” Some strange talent they had to find a resourceful way to use. The only question I asked myself was, “How far can silly go?” That worked wonders in creating the adventurers. After that, I challenged each to show their best selves. “How much can you achieve?”
The unlikely friendship that this group finds is inspirational for children to read. What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
Even though each is very unique, they still have something of importance to contribute. Every contribution has value. I wanted to show children that even when we are feeling like the odd man out, we all have a gift that we can give to others.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to show kids that a little hard work can improve life and life skills. Everyone has a talent, yet it is unlikely that personal talents extend as far as we’d like them to. I also wanted to show that no matter where strength lies (even weird strengths) they will become useful, sometimes even mandatory when solving problems. Everyone has a place and it is of importance.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, the second in the series is entitled, Quest For the Pig-wizard. The quest at the beginning is to find the wizard who accidentally vanishes himself. Then feeling invisible, sets out to find himself. But the adventurers, as usual, find a higher calling along the way. In the next book, the heroes must stop a war. (Which is sometimes hard to do when armed with pot roast.)
Disclaimer: No pork chops were harmed in the writing of this interview.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Will they slay the dragon? Will they find a way to stop an oncoming war? Will they save the Five Kingdoms Over the Wilds? Or will they turn into bacon? It’s anyone’s guess, in the book, The Knight, the Pig-wizard And The Dragon.
The Knight, The Pig-wizard and The Dragon
Angel Dunworth’s The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon presents a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery. The story centers around Buttrumple, a would-be knight hindered by the ridicule his name incites. Despite this, his unshakeable bond with Steve, a magician with the peculiar ability to only transform objects into pigs and pork products, anchors him. Dunworth cleverly constructs a narrative where Buttrumple, at Steve’s behest, embarks on a daring rescue mission to thwart a dragon menacing local villages.
Joining Buttrumple and Steve are Mandolin, a shape-shifter limited to morphing into geometric shapes, and Glyth, a strong but impatient dwarf. This unlikely quartet sets off on a journey marked by both valor and unpredictability. The dynamics among the characters, particularly Buttrumple’s evolving relationship with his team, are deftly portrayed. Dunworth excels in illustrating how their differences become strengths, navigating challenges with both brawn and brains. Dunworth’s storytelling shines in its ability to captivate young readers through varied settings and underlying positive themes. The narrative serves as a reminder to look beyond first impressions and celebrates the uniqueness of each character. The book’s dynamic, humorous tone keeps the pace brisk and engaging, offering an original plot that is compelling and instructive. Dunworth has crafted a whimsical, magical world where the true essence of desire and the value of friendship are profoundly explored.
The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon not only sparks imagination and creativity in its young readers but also teaches self-acceptance and respect for others’ individuality. It’s an enchanting journey through a unique fantasy world that resounds long after turning the final page.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CQRL3DG3
