The Magic Collar follows a confident tuxedo cat who, after landing in a loving home with a kid named Mav, gets a shiny red collar with magical abilities that takes him and Mav on exciting adventures. Why did you choose a cat’s point of view to tell this story?

Telling Pitty the Kitty through Pitty’s point of view was important because it immediately invites children into a world of wonder, curiosity, and heart — without adult filters.

When the story is seen through Pitty’s eyes, everything feels bigger, more magical, and more emotionally honest. Cats observe quietly. They notice small details. They sense feelings. That perspective allows the story to highlight moments children instinctively understand — nervous excitement, loyalty, mischief, bravery — in a playful, accessible way.

Pitty’s point of view also does something powerful:

1. It lowers defenses.
Children often open up more easily to animals than to adult narrators. A cat’s voice feels safe, friendly, and nonjudgmental.

2. It keeps the tone light and adventurous.
Even when something feels uncertain, Pitty can approach it with curiosity instead of fear. That keeps the emotional tone hopeful.

3. It models empathy.
Because Pitty observes the people around him, readers learn to notice feelings, too. Seeing Mav through Pitty’s caring eyes reinforces compassion.

4. It centers loyalty and friendship.
Animals symbolize unconditional love. By narrating the story, Pitty embodies steadfast support rather than control or authority.

5. It makes magic believable.
Adventure feels even more delightful when filtered through the imagination of a curious cat. The whimsy feels natural, not forced.

Most importantly, telling the story from Pitty’s perspective aligns with the deeper heartbeat running through the books — that courage, kindness, and adventure can be found in everyday moments.

The relationship between Pitty and Mav is at the heart of the book. Why was that bond so central?

The bond between Mav and Pitty is central to the Pitty the Kitty books because their relationship is the emotional anchor of every adventure.

The magic may come from the red collar. The journeys may take them to unexpected places. But the reason the adventures matter is their connection.

Here’s why that bond is so important:

1. It Models Unconditional Loyalty

Pitty doesn’t leave when things get uncertain. Mav doesn’t outgrow Pitty. They are a team. Their connection shows children what steady companionship looks like — supportive, trusting, constant.

2. It Makes Courage Safer

Big adventures feel less frightening when you aren’t alone. Mav can take risks because Pitty is beside him. Pitty can leap into the unknown because he trusts Mav. Their bond shows that bravery grows in relationship. Finding the treasure on Swag Island is a perfect example.

3. It Centers Emotional Security

Before magic, before quests, before lessons — there is belonging. That sense of “I’ve got you” gives the story warmth and stability. Children reading the books feel that safety too.

4. It Turns Magic Into Meaning

Without their friendship, the red collar would just be a device. Because of their bond, the magic becomes shared discovery. Every adventure strengthens their connection instead of distracting from it.

5. It Reflects Childhood at Its Purest

Many children experience their first deep loyalty through a pet. That relationship feels sacred — a confidant, a playmate, a comforter. By centering Mav and Pitty’s bond, the books honor that formative kind of love.

At its heart, the series isn’t just about magical travel — it’s about growing up with someone who believes in you. The adventures change, but their

relationship remains steady. That constancy and a little absurdity is what makes readers want to return again and again

The illustrations add a lot of personality, especially to Pitty’s expressions. How did you envision the visual tone?

The illustrators’ work enhances the story, particularly Pitty’s personality, a little brash, overly confident but devoted to Mav. The illustrations translate the emotional heartbeat into color, movement, and expression. Subtle closeness between characters — a glance, shared laughter, standing side by side — visually reinforces loyalty and inclusion. Even without dialogue, readers see connection.  Subtle closeness between characters — a glance, shared laughter, standing side by side — visually reinforces loyalty and inclusion. Even without dialogue, readers see connection.

Do you see more adventures ahead for Pitty and Mav? 

There are many more adventures ahead for Mav and Pitty! 

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