Notice in this vignette, the perfectly cozy ingredients to a holiday afternoon. Snuggled together, but not too close, are my great niece and nephew enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with peppermint stick stirrers, a warm blanket and fleece hoodies, reading a great storybook written by yours truly, Dr. Sheila Graham Smith and illustrated by my friend, Szilvia Mandzac Kovacs.
This book chronicles the story of the friendship between my two adopted cats, Brownie and Casper. Sadly however, Brownie, the protaganist and main character, has gone to kitty heaven since publication. Brownie, a stray, and Casper, a shelter cat navigate together the search for belonging, a need we all share. Their adventures depict the famous psychologist’s, Maslow, hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
Customers who have bought this book say:
“The illustrations are amazing and the story is heartwarming. The story movingly captures the cats’ endearing life moments. It is a delightful read for both young and old. In addition, it sparks developmentally meaningful conversations.”
“This book has it all, a fabulous adventure story along with captivating pictures that make the characters and their surroundings come alive!”
“This gentle story about a kitten searching for a home is an absolute gem for young readers, yet it is filled with warmth and emotion for listeners of all ages. The illustrations perfectly match the story, bringing the kitten’s escapades beautifully to life. What makes this book truly special is the way it shows children that persistence, hope, patience, and most of all love can turn ‘lost’ into ‘found’.”
“I’m a 75 year-old grandmother. When I first read ‘Can I Belong to You?’ and later listened to my 12 year-old granddaughter read it out loud to her 10 year-old brother, I had flashbacks to my own two sons in the 80s interacting with Richard Scarry books.”
“The story brought smiles to my face and even a few tears. The beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, adding depth and emotion.”
“The author brings not only the kitty to life with her self-talk, but also creates a beautiful visual of the gardens that she wanders through. Grandma, Paw Paw, and Kendall are relatable characters in this book and remind us of our own family members who have surrounded us with love. The illustrations are exquisite. Your child will be blessed with the message in this book.”
What more do you need to hear to convince you that this is the book your grandchildren, nieces, and nephews need to enjoy a holiday afternoon of reading or being read to, and inspire meaningful conversations with their adults?
The story is appropriate to use in the classroom, counselor’s office, and/or adoption programs, as well as for pure pleasure. Difficult subjects are talked about through encounters in the magical backyard of Grandma amd Paw Paw, including run-ins with the many creatures living there. Children will be able to easily talk about their own feelings as they relate to the non-threatening, loveable, backyard community in the forever-wished-for-home.
Many of you already have, but for those who have not, please support me by purchasing this new book of mine!
Can I Belong to You?: A children’s book about our hierarchy of needs
What do your grands like to read?
At this moment, I’m confidently, absolutely sure of what my place is in my new home. I’m to be Paw Paw’s guardian, comforter, and best friend. I cuddle a little closer, close my eyes with a loud purr, and settle down for the night knowing what a special kitty I am! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you for my forever home!