Kids & Family
Local Authors Pen Message of Hope and Acceptance for Children
Local authors Sheree K. Nielsen and Pat Wahler share the story behind their picture book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
It all started when Sheree K. Nielsen had a dream about a one-eyed cat with a feather in her hat.
Inspired by Sheree's cat, Midnight, the story took shape after Sheree penned a poem about her dream and contacted writer friend Pat Wahler, to discuss the idea of expanding her poem into a book. The result is Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
The tale conveys important messages for children about friendship, self-assurance and facing one's fears. Together, Sheree and Pat's hope is that every child comes to realize that with a little love and courage, you can conquer all of life's problems. "The main message of the book is that children are okay just the way they are, no matter their differences. Every child is beautiful and unique."
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Because she is different, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat is bullied by other cats. Heartbroken, she runs home in tears. Her most unlikely friend, Starlight, a three-legged rat, and his bird buddies come up with a plan to help Midnight regain her spirit.
Sheree and Pat are hosting storytime/booksignings for Midnight the One-Eyed Cat from late September through early December in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren, and Franklin Counties. A book launch event is planned at Main Street Books in St. Charles during Legend and Lanterns weekend on October 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone who purchases the book will be entered into a drawing for prizes.
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Sheree K. Nielsen is author/photographer of 2015 Da Vinci Eye Award Winner, Folly Beach Dances, a ‘healing’ coffee table book inspired by the sea and her lymphoma journey, and Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits – An Emerson-Inspired Essay Collection on Travel, Nature, Family and Pets, releasing September 25, 2018. She freelances for many travel publications.
Pat Wahler is a contributor to 15 Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and is author of I am Mrs. Jesse James, a historical novel about the wife of the notorious outlaw. Her holiday-themed collection of short stories, essays, and poetry, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, releases October 2, 2018.