It’s hard to resist the enticing smell of pizza but the truth is that it’s not good for everyone — especially if you happen to be a bunny.
That’s the premise of, “Miss McCuddles Wants Pizza!” the enchanting new children’s picture book by Evanston author Jen Katz.
“I’ve always loved writing. I’ve always been an avid reader,” Katz said. Having extra time during the pandemic gave her the opportunity to explore a topic she had been thinking about.
“It’s an idea I had because I’ve had my own experiences with my own rabbit,” Katz explained.
That would be Chubbles, who appears to approve of the book based on the fact that there’s a photo of the rabbit apparently reading “Miss McCuddles” on Katz’s Facebook page. In her case, it would be a cautionary tale.
Although the author doesn’t use Chubbles’ name in the story, the illustrator created the image of Miss McCuddles from a photo of Chubbles. So perhaps the bunny was actually admiring her likeness.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tronc/YNTRLDUN2NATNJN6L4Z5SIPLEE.jpg)
In the book, Miss McCuddles has a happy life in an apartment with her devoted “mom” Penelope Swiffleberger. She gets lots of attention and affection, and ample portions of delicious greens. But it’s hard for her to resist the aroma of pizza. One day when Penelope leaves her pizza unattended momentarily, Miss McCuddles hops on the table and takes a few bites.
We won’t spoil the story for you but suffice it to say that it’s a real page-turner. Kids are sure to love the story and maybe learn a lesson from it.
Lana Lee’s adorable illustrations enhance the tale. The collaborators worked remotely because the illustrator lives in Pittsburgh.
“Whatever I had imagined, they were better,” Katz said of Lee’s drawings.
Katz began writing the book in the summer of 2020.
“I would bring a notepad down to the lakefront and I started writing it there,” Katz said.
She had to put it aside for a while as she navigated the process for working remotely at her job as a speech language pathologist for Hawthorn School District 73 in Vernon Hills.
Katz finished the book in 2021 with hopes of publication.
“I sent it to publishers to try to get it published traditionally. Some publishers told me it would take a year for them to read it,” she recalled. “A friend encouraged me to go to self-publishing.”
After some hesitation, Katz decided to go that route. It has turned out to be the right move.
“The last time I checked, the book was number one in its category on Amazon,” she revealed.
Although Katz’s two daughters, who are 17 and 19, are well beyond the picture book reading stage, the author said that they are excited about her accomplishment. She thinks there’s somewhat of a lesson for them in the publication and reception of this book.
“I think it’s a good example for them,” Kat said. “Females are not always given the message by society that we can do things. They’ve seen me go through some rough times with my divorce and I think it’s good for them to see me having some success.”
Katz will read “Miss McCuddles Wants Pizza!” at 2 p.m. on April 15 at Wilmette Pet Center, 625 Green Bay Road, Wilmette. Several other readings are in the planning stages.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
"about" - Google News
March 29, 2023 at 02:01AM
https://ift.tt/X4tcJ25
Evanston author debuts new children's picture book about a pizza loving bunny - Chicago Tribune
"about" - Google News
https://ift.tt/pMP1Ba2
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Evanston author debuts new children's picture book about a pizza loving bunny - Chicago Tribune"
Post a Comment