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What is your children’s book about?

• My book is about two cats, Chester and Barnaby, and a little girl named Madison who discovers them in her neighborhood. She begins to feed them and hopes to become closer to them just in time for when a big snowstorm is about to occur. Lingering questions remain: Will these cats get along with each other? Will they trust Madison? After all, they are strangers to one another and to her. Finally, will they be left out in the cold, or will they find their furever home this time?

How did you come up with the idea to write this book?

• I have always been a huge animal lover and very passionate about them. So, it all began in 2011 when I discovered two stray cats in my neighborhood within months of each other. I knew that I had to help them the moment I met them. We eventually formed an impactful bond, and I welcomed them into my home. It was actually my first experience owning cats because I had dogs growing up. My incredible cats had many funny interactions with each other that I wanted to share, and their rescue story means so much to me.

Why did you want to write this book?

• My cats came into my life in such a unique way. I knew nothing about their background, and they knew nothing about me, but yet we formed an unbreakable bond. People always smiled after hearing about their story. That really made me desire to write in a heartfelt and educational way for kids.  It was entertaining to look back on the story of both cats and write from their perspectives.  Specifically, I wanted to honor my grey tabby Barnabas (Barnaby in my story), who passed away in September 2019. I began writing my story before he passed, but I knew that I needed to continue writing through the grief after his loss and reinforce to kids how awesome animals are. That is my big "WHY"!

What does this book teach children about? What themes are present?

• Children can learn at an early age that responsibility is rewarding.

Caring for a pet is very selfless. They may be inspired to lend their hand to a paw in need. And they can remember that there is a bright side to every story. Second chances are always present.

Why are the topics discussed in this book important?

• My story deals with cats that are homeless---a very real issue in society.  By opening up the conversation about this ongoing problem, maybe it can lead more families to seek out cat fostering or even better---adoption! I am a huge proponent of that. Children can feel empathy about shelter cats and know that they are adding a permanent, cherished member to their family. And kids can learn what to do if they come across a stray cat where they live. An essential step is a trip to the veterinarian to make sure that they do not have any identification such as a microchip.  Furthermore, this story explains proper vet care so children can understand that their cats need to go routinely to ensure that they are healthy and up to date on shots.

What is your message to parents and to children?

• For parents, my story can help your child understand how to show kindness and respect to animals. Loving an animal is so simple, and you get so much in return. There are numerous benefits to owning an animal, especially a cat. And for children, cats are intelligent creatures and can be extremely loving, friendly, and playful. They are comforting and can be a great source of laughter.

What was your childhood like?

• My childhood was wonderful! From owning dogs and collecting Beanie babies, to having horse- themed birthday parties and visiting the zoo—animals were my biggest love. I had so much fun in elementary school. I enjoyed learning and working on my handwriting as well as being creative with artwork.  And I liked reading in school, particularly if the books were about animals (no surprise there!). I have fond memories of playing with friends and vacationing with my family, especially at the Jersey shore and Upstate New York.

What were your favorite books as a child?

• I definitely loved many Franklin the Turtle books by Paulette Bourgeois, The Good Luck Pony by Elizabeth Koda-Callan, Four Puppies by Anne Heathers, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, and the Corduroy books by Don Freeman.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein was also a classic on my bookshelf.

What are you looking forward to with the release of your book?

• I am so excited to introduce my readers to my trio of characters who are based on my real life. It will be great to read to children at library and school visits. And I have hundreds of adorable photos of the actual Meow Brothers to showcase.

What was the hardest part of your book’s process?

• Researching every aspect of book publishing is very time-consuming. There are many steps involved and lots of moving pieces.  Since I have many memories of my duo that I could have written about, it was a little difficult to condense the story down to 40 pages. But, I am grateful for it to be done and out in the world---it was such a huge goal of mine to craft this book.

Why did you want to self-publish your book?

• My Meow Brothers so greatly enhanced my life, and I wanted to tell their story in my own personal way.   I am very detail-oriented, so I liked making every little decision about my first book. It allowed me to learn all about children’s books and publishing. I shared my vision of what I wanted the art and design to look like by collaborating with the awesome illustrator and book designer that I found. Publishing my book was an experience I wouldn’t have wanted to only be a tiny bit involved in. I wanted to control exactly what I was putting out to children.

What are the future plans for your book and as an author?  

• I want to continue sharing the story of my cats and hopefully create a series of stories about Chester, Barnaby, and Madison. I’ve actually had additional book ideas typed on my laptop for awhile. I aspire to keep reminding kids to embrace connections with animals.