Spike – “Jasper”
Book Four, Story Five
Since Jasper in Story Five is a naughty cat, I did not want to make him one of my own barn cats. The illustrator of my books, Christina Wald, and I both love animals and we often share photos of our pets with each other (and I share photos of my farm and farm animals) when we are exchanging business emails. She sent me a photo of her cat, Spike, who always “helps her” when she is drawing illustrations…like my house cat, Suri, “helps me” when I am working on my laptop computer! Spike had the “purrrfecct look” for Jasper, so we used him as the “cat model” in Story Five!
What Our Readers Say…
Kim McLain
Camp Hill, PA
‘Wolfie the Most Beautiful Pony in the World’ was my favorite in Adventures At Green Apple Acres because I strive to see the inner beauty in people and other beings. As an example, my favorite dogs have always been mutts — not classically built, with features that can be easily judged, like purebreds at shows — but scruffy, one-of-a-kind companions, with personalities as unique as their outward appearances. And when I was in school, I avoided the cliques of girls who seemed overly concerned with their looks and clothing. Instead, I gravitated toward those who may not have been perfect on the outside, but they had a brain and a sense of humor, which I found much more interesting than a pretty dress or impeccable make-up and hair. So, like the character John, I can appreciate someone for all they have to offer, and see past what meets the eye.
