While on an Alaskan cruise I fell in love with the wild beauty of Alaska. As I learned all about the wildlife and took in the beauty, it seemed that the books almost began to write themselves. I knew that Alaska would be a fun, educational and adventurous setting for a children’s book series.

In Three Paws’ New Family, Boots befriends a black bear named Sockeye and her Mexican brother, Pepe, the iguana. A lonely bear cub and a lost iguana become a “family” relying on each other for companionship, friendship, and survival skills. This story shows how the definition of family can mean many things and looks different for everyone. There are lots of different ways to become family; by birth, by adoption, by the blending of family members from remarriage, or choosing to become an informal family united by common beliefs, compassion, and love. What is most important is knowing that we are loved and supported throughout the trials and tribulations of life, and “family” will provide love and protection when we need them most.

My own blended family! I remarried in 2016 and now have a larger, more diverse family of my own, and I absolutely love it. My daughter, Rachel, was an only child. Now she has two extraordinary stepsiblings, Danni and Evan, whom she loves and respects. Because remarriage involves adjustments in living situations, the blending of personalities and new stepparents, my husband and I decided to wait six years before marrying and blending our two families. From my perspective, our “new family” was an easy process without drama and full of love. Each of us offer valuable gifts to our family. We encourage and comfort one another, we offer advice, and we aim to make each family member feel important.

First, I hope they are encouraged to never lose sight of their dreams. Never give up! But also, follow the golden rule and treat others with kindness and compassion along the way. I hope kids will see that we all have differences, but just because you are different does not mean you are less valuable. I hope all the Three Paws books inspire kids to find what makes them special and celebrate it.

Yes! The third book in the series, Three Paws and the Secret Cave, will be out in late 2020, and will focus on the “celebration of life” as Cappy, the elderly mountain goat, comes to the end of his physical journey. Death is a natural part of the human experience. Three Paws and the Secret Cave will hopefully stimulate conversation in preparing young people, and adults alike, in dealing with a “timely” or anticipated death following a chronic illness. Cappy’s granddaughter, Scarlet, along with Boots and friends, show Cappy how much he is loved by celebrating his life while he is still alive. Named after the constellation, Capricornus (half goat-half fish), Cappy reassures Scarlet that he will be waving to her as the stars twinkle above. His spirit lives on in her heart. This is an important sentiment for children to understand when dealing with the loss of a pet, grandparent or even an untimely death. Memories of our loved ones become our treasure, our peace, and our comfort.