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There is Beauty in Being Different
Purrrfect As I Am is the heartwarming tale of three kittens, all with special needs, who prove that there is indeed beauty in being different. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Working in the field with children that are special needs has created a view into this beautiful world that most people don’t try to see. Along with this I am very passionate about animals. Having a different view has enabled me to see things in animals too most people don’t see or even know about. I had landed on different foster organizations for cats with special needs. I have been following these amazing organizations for a few years and that is really what the inspiration was. I realized that there are barely any books about animals with special needs. And there are people that when I would show them the pictures would think they are not cute or adorable like I do but once I explained their story they had a totally different view. Following these fosters showed me the beauty in these special animals. I wanted to share that with the world so that maybe someone out there would not give the animal back but would seek out help. Or that someone would be open to adopting one of these amazing animals. Its about showing the world the beauty in being different, not just for humans, but animals too.
What kind of research was required to make sure you portrayed the kittens’ special needs accurately?
I follow three different amazing foster organizations for special needs cats specifically. What I did was go through their pictures and posts again to ensure I had the correct information for the disorders. Also, for the behaviors the cats could be seen engaging in. Then I found online through searching some pictures that I wanted to use for my characters. I also used an amazing company named Brainstorm Productions to do the illustrations. For the style I asked one specific individual if she would do all twelve for me. I used the first book in Cat Brothers series, Rascal Cat Brothers, to decide on a specific style. With characters that need to be specific and wanting them to be cute and adorable, I took my time in deciding on a style. I got very lucky in that she agreed to do the illustrations for the whole book.
What is one thing you hope young readers take away from Purrrfect As I Am?
Even though an animal is different looking, they can still be silly and funny and adorable lap cats if that is what the family Is looking for. Look beyond the differences on the outside and adopt the cat anyways. They can be just as amazing friends and companions as any other. However, if the cost is too much, to please find a suitable foster organization; please do not surrender them to a shelter they cannot help. Be kind to these beautiful creatures.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is actually a spin off Purrrfect As I am. The three characters are going to use their specialness to solve cute mysteries. The first book is going to be available sometime in 2024. It will have the same illustrator as well.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Purrrfect As I Am
Bones is a loving kitten who enjoys cuddling and playing with both humans and fellow fur buddies. Despite being a special needs cat with hydrocephalus, he doesn’t let it slow him down. Bones shares his journey with readers, explaining how his condition can sometimes make him feel sleepy and affect his ability to walk. However, a special visit to the vet helps him recover fully. His fur friend Beau, who is blind, can chase a ball across the room independently, while Bender, with three legs, can still run incredibly fast. Their disabilities do not hinder these cats from living life to the fullest and experiencing joy, fun, and love.
Purrrfect As I Am is an enchanting and inspirational read that conveys an important lesson to young readers: Treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their appearance or special needs. Author Lisa Jacovsky has crafted a story that encourages love and compassion for all. The beautiful illustrations accompanying the narrative portray the kittens’ physical disabilities in a way that neither frightens nor worries young readers. It’s heartening to see the author depict these kittens as typical feline companions who enjoy the usual activities like playing, eating, and snuggling. I loved that Bones is the narrator of the story, providing valuable insight into the world of special needs animals and teaching us that they are truly extraordinary. This perspective offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the story’s message.
Purrrfect As I Am is a delightful tale that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of special needs animals. It serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and every creature, regardless of their unique challenges, can lead a life brimming with joy and adventure. This book encourages readers to cherish and embrace the differences that make each of us special, echoing the resilience and spirit of these three remarkable kittens.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0C6BQTYXP
Change Is Neither Inherently Good Nor Bad
Queen Molly and Her Friends follows a young GSD puppy who finds her forever family and shares what her life is like living with her amazing humans. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have a summer cottage in PA, the ‘Summer Palace’ in the book. Molly and I spent all last summer there, and much of the time, we had the place to ourselves. I had a lot of time to really get to know how incredibly smart and unique she is. When she first came into our lives as a pup, she had to try to make sense of being taken from her mother and siblings and starting life anew in a whole new place with a whole new cast of characters. I tried to capture that experience and all that followed from her perspective but with a human slant as well.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to show that change is neither inherently good nor bad; our response to change is what matters. Molly chose to accept the changes in her life as positive experiences due to her strong sense of self-confidence. I hoped to show that change is not something to fear but rather something to embrace and grow with.
Also, the characters in the book all have a great deal of respect for each other and care deeply about each other despite being very different from each other. Molly the Mutt is a great example; some people look at mutts as ‘less than,’ but not Molly. She treats Lilly as an equal and a good friend. Despite thinking of herself as a Queen and privileged, she treats everyone in her life with dignity. I think that’s an important lesson for all of us.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samantha Deir?
I realized that illustrations would be integral to the story, and I researched professional illustrators online. I was getting frustrated and shared that with my daughter, and she suggested that I reach out to her friend, Samantha. Samantha is a very talented tattoo artist but had never illustrated a book. She was looking to step out of her comfort zone, which I respect tremendously, so we decided to test some ideas out. I sent her photos of Molly, Lillly, the ‘palace grounds,’ etc., and explained where I thought they would fit with the text. She sent some sketches, which I absolutely loved. I fell in love with the cover illustration immediately and decided she was the perfect person to bring the book to life. She added some illustrations from scratch, no pics to work from, and added the crown and cape on her own. I fell in love with the cover illustration right away, of course. The process took a while since her tattoo business is very successful, and she is quite busy, but to me, it was well worth the wait. Interestingly, we have never met in person. It’s been a text and email-only collaboration.
Do you have more books planned featuring Molly and her friends? If so, when will it be available?
I have two more Molly books in mind. One will focus exclusively on her life at the Summer Palace. The other will focus on a huge change whereby Meghan has a baby, and her boyfriend, his dog Cooper and baby Ellie come to live at 300 Elm Street for a while, then move to their own ‘palace’, leaving Molly alone with me. I am writing the Summer Palace book now, but as for timing, that will depend on Samantha’s availability. I like her work so much that I want to keep our team together.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook
Queen Molly and Her Friends
Our pets rule our homes–let’s face it. Author Gary John and illustrator Samantha Deir know this well. They know it so well, in fact, that they have created a main character who is the queen of her home and well aware that she is in charge of her humans’ every move. Molly’s thoughts are communicated to young readers from the time she is a very young puppy leaving her home to late adulthood after living a full life of running the household. Molly’s antics keep both her owners and young readers on their toes as they follow her from one setting to the next.
Queen Molly and Her Friends, written by Gary John and illustrated by Samantha Deir, is a children’s picture book written from the perspective of a young German Shepherd who is learning, growing, and adjusting to life in a new home. What makes John’s book so special is its focus on Molly’s thoughts. Our typical reactions to our pets’ misbehavior are interpreted in a humorous way by the main character. Young readers will enjoy going along with Molly and her friend Lilly as they grow together. Deir’s illustrations are simple, colorful, and draw readers directly into the storyline.
As a pet owner myself, I appreciated the progression from puppy to adult portrayed in Molly’s story. While Molly’s story is sweet and strikes a chord with children who own pets, I feel that it lacks dialogue and is a bit heavy on narrative for young readers. The author has done an amazing job of showing young readers how a dog grows from an overactive puppy to an adult who is protective of her family and loyal to the very end.
Children and adults alike will enjoy John’s story and Deir’s sweet illustrations. The children’s book Queen Molly and Her Friends is an excellent resource for parents who are considering bringing a pet into the family.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0C63YD9B6
The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats
There are times humans make bad choices, and abandoning a family pet is one of those times. Flynn is confused about why his family has left him in the middle of nowhere; he is afraid, hungry, and scared. So he is suspicious when a strange cat shows up and offers to sit with him. Next, a sweet girl cat shows up and offers him a snack. Soon he follows them back to the feral colony. Here he learns the fable of the Pete the Paisley Cat is real. Cats that have been abandoned by humans and abused turn a majestic paisley pattern, and Flynn realizes his coat is changing as well. He realizes his family has left him and starts to accept those around him, especially Daisy. The following day something magical happens. Will the cats be rescued and find a home?
Author Phyllis Smith has written and whimsical children’s book, The Legend of Paisley Pete: A Magical Story About Abandoned Cats. This heartwarming story is based on her real-life experiences of rescuing a feral cat colony. I loved that the story is told from the perspective of the cats. While Smith says this is because the cat’s view is more interesting, I feel it also adds a dimension to the story of humanizing their feelings. Animals have feelings just like people, and this story highlights that.
The illustrations also done by Smith are amazing. They are vibrant and colorful. Each cat is unique and seeing the different patterns and colors that match their personality bring the story to life. Each page will keep children engaged, looking at the designs and seeing how each cat is different.
The Legend of Paisley Pete is a well-written children’s book from which children can learn compassion. Written for elementary-age children, this would be an excellent book for classrooms and a home library. However, anyone that loves animals, especially cats, will find this book works its way into their hearts and will want to read it more than once.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0B1D6CLWZ
LITERARY TITAN 