Media Kit Pet Pundit Publishing P.O. Box 91733 Austin, Texas 78709-1733 512-358-4515 Info@petpundit.com www.petpunditpublishing.com
About Pet Pundit Publishing Pet Pundit Publishing is a small independent publishing company with a penchant for pets. Our desire is to share stories and provide resources that promote the appreciation of the animals in our lives. We believe the best way to engage children about animals is through storytelling and simple language that they can apply to their own pets or the pets they see every day in their neighborhoods. The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs will resonate with parents, grandparents, animal shelter staff and humane educators – anyone who wants to teach children how to better understand and care for their pets. The Happy Tale of Two Cats will be published in Fall 2012.
From The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs Written by Cathy M. Rosenthal Illustrated by Jessica Warrick
We hope our stories will help children and their families bond with the pets in their lives. Every dog and cat should be lucky and loved.
Pet Pundit Publishing P.O. Box 91733 Austin, Texas 78709-1733 512-358-4515
Info@petpundit.com www.petpunditpublishing.com
The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs
About the Author Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years experience in the animal welfare field, working for local humane societies and national animal welfare agencies in public relations, marketing, and humane education. She is a freelance writer for newspapers and pet magazines, focusing solely on animal issues. She writes Animals Matter, a pet column and blog for the San Antonio Express News in San Antonio, Texas., and another blog called The Pet Pundit. Cathy is also a public speaker, giving workshops at state and national conferences for animal welfare professionals as well as humane education programs for kids and a pets and baby class for expectant parents. She is available for interviews on pet issues. Cathy shares her Texas home with three dogs and one cat. This is her first book..
About the illustrator Jessica Warrick is a full-time illustrator and cartoonist who creates digital art for websites, e-books, and traditional picture books. She has illustrated more than 30 titles. Jessica began her career as an editorial and comic strip cartoonist for various publications throughout the Northwest. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
Press Release and Reviews for
The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs
Ages 4 - 8, Pet Pundit Publishing, 2012 ISBN 978-0-9853752-0-1
Do You Know a Lucky Dog? Texas author and pet columnist Cathy M. Rosenthal delivers a heartwarming tale to show young readers how to love and care for their pets What does a dog need to be happy and healthy?
The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs
“Dogs need much more than food and an occasional pat on the head,” says Cathy M. Rosenthal, author of The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs. “They need to belong to a family that loves and cares about their entire well-being.”
Written by Cathy M. Rosenthal Illustrated by Jessica Warrick
In the very same town, on the very same street, in two different houses. One dog is lucky.
In The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs The other dog is unlucky. (ages 4-8, Pet Pundit Publishing) Rosenthal traces the lives of two To view a book trailer, visit www.petpunditpublishing.com dogs who happen to live “in the ISBN 978-0-9853752-0-1 very same town, on the very same street, in two different houses, ” but who share very different lives with their respective families. The lucky dog has lots of daily interaction with his family, from spending time and playing together to taking daily walks around the neighborhood. Sadly, the unlucky dog spends most of his time alone in the backyard “rarely hearing a friendly voice.” In just a few pages, it’s easy to see which dog has the better life – and how animal shelters strive every day to help unlucky pets find the families and love they deserve. “Every child knows that fairy tales have to have a happy ending and in this case, young readers all too clearly can see that when it comes to the destiny of companion animals, it is in their power to be super heroes and to make sure that all dogs everywhere end up lucky and loved,” says Michael E. Kaufmann, Director, Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center in Brewster, New York. ### Cathy M. Rosenthal has worked in the animal welfare field for 25 years and has been the pet columnist for the San Antonio Express News since 2003. She is available for interviews on the book and other pet issues. For more information, call 512-358-4515 or info@petpundit.com. __________________________________________________________________________ Pet Pundit Publishing / P.O. Box 91733 / Austin, Texas, 78709-1733 / 512-358-4515 / www.petpunditpublishing.com
Reviews for The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs “Finally, a book that describes a neglected dog’s life and what every animal lover wants to see happen every time -- a happy ending! Every time I read this book, I realize how this truly represents the lives of many of the dogs in our care. San Antonio Humane Society loves this book!” – Cathy McCoy, Director of Communication, San Antonio Humane Society “Cathy Rosenthal has an old-fashioned gift…telling a story with a moral. In The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs, she gently educates young readers so they can be empathetic to the real needs of dogs. We learn the valuable lesson that dogs are afraid when they’re on the streets and that the shelter is a safe and happy place for lost pets. Most importantly, the story demonstrates what many of us already know – that the animal shelter is a wonderful place to adopt a friend.” – Adele Douglass, Founder and CEO, Humane Farm Animal Care “Some are born lucky; some achieve luck, and some have luckiness thrust upon them. So Shakespeare might have said, and so it is with these dogs: the one having attained luck before the story opens, and the second never suspecting that he might one day be called “Lucky,” too. Without stirring the pity pot, Cathy Rosenthal spins a clear contrast between lucky and unlucky pets and gives hope for dogs who have not yet had luck thrust upon them. What child would not want to be a part of this story!” – Mary Grace Ketner, San Antonio Storyteller “Who can resist changing the luck of a deserving dog, when it is laid out so beautifully in Cathy Rosenthal’s The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs. This engaging children’s book is a perfect introduction to what dogs need and the critical role families and animal shelters play in turning a dog’s luck around.” – Joyce Briggs, President, Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs
“In the spirit of the most effective children’s books, The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs teaches life lessons with subtlety and guides the young reader to ethical and moral conclusions in a story of two dogs. Children do not like to be lectured, they like to observe, to have choices, to be able to decide what course of action is best, based on their inner voices and own unique moral compass – and like the best examples of this genre, this youth-oriented tale of two dogs provides a deft touch and serves as an effective guide. It is at its best in the early pages when contrasting the life of a lucky and an unlucky canine - and with eloquent simplicity transmits what life should look like for every dog. In its colorfully illustrated pages, The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs tets children learn about the adoption process of pets, about the importance of veterinary visits and why training a dog is important. The moral of the story is clear: dogs have feelings, they require care, love, and attention. They are living beings who depend on us. We have to do right by them in order for them to be all that they can be for us. It is a fair bargain with most of the responsibility resting on us. Animal shelter staff everywhere will rejoice at this little book that easily erases decades of horrible dog catcher stereotypes - accurately reflecting the genuine concern, passion and compassion modeled by these front line animal care workers who so often encounter unlucky dogs (and cats) in our very communities and then turn around those lives in profound ways. But it is really the children exposed to this book who may be luckiest of all. Every child knows that fairy tales have to have a happy ending and in this case, young readers all too clearly can see that when it comes to the destiny of companion animals - it is in their power to be super heroes and to make sure that all dogs everywhere end up lucky and loved.” – Michael E. Kaufmann, Director, Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center “Lucky. That’s what I call the kids who read Cathy Rosenthal’s new book. Before I read it, I expected a book about responsible pet ownership. Do this. Do that. Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Instead, I found an engaging story that shows how anybody can have a lucky dog.” – Megan Hicks, Retired Children’s Librarian
__________________________________________________________________________ Pet Pundit Publishing / P.O. Box 91733 / Austin, Texas, 78709-1733 / 512-358-4515 / www.petpunditpublishing.com
More reviews for The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs “The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs shares with the reader the sad story of an unlucky dog who is thankfully befriended by those who can turn his life around. This tale touched my heart and the hearts of my children. The wonderful illustrations add to this feel good storyline. Thankfully, this book shows the varied ways we can help those that can not help themselves. – James Bias, President & CEO, SPCA of Texas
“I just read The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs and I LOVE IT! It actually brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful way to get the message across to children about how to care for their pets. My wish is that every kid gets to read it and all their dogs are as "lucky." – Cathie Myers, Animal Welfare Event Specialist/ Conference Coordinator
“I truly LOVE this book! The illustrations are enchanting and the story portrays the humane message of our mission! It is definitely a great addition to our Children's Library at the CAP shelter and a special gift of our Meow-Bow-Wow Buddies Club members. Children can learn compassion for neglected animals, and as a result, many pets will have the second chance they so deserve.” – Kappy Muenzer, Executive Director, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP)
“When I read The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs, I was extremely moved because the story resonates so much with what rescuers and animal welfare advocates see every day. From the unlucky dog’s sad and lonely life in someone’s backyard to his escape, rescue from the streets, and adoption to a wonderful family, this book delivers the happy ending we wish for all dogs. My hope is that this book will educate the next generation to become more compassionate and responsible with their pets. – Deanna Lee, Founder of ASAP, Advocates for SA Pets
“The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs is a touching children’s story that shows the love and care every dog deserves. Additionally, the story addresses adoption from animal shelters as a wonderful way of giving animals a chance to receive that love and care. The story is a cute and fun way of teaching our responsibilities for our domesticated companion animals and providing each of them a loving home.” – James R. Weedon, DVM, MPH, Executive Director, Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc. (SNAP) “The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs is an insightful and easy-to-read story depicting the plight of neglected and forgotten dogs. It should be a must read for children K-3 grades and anyone adopting from a shelter. Thank you, Cathy, for presenting this story with a happy ending. That should be the case for all animals.” – Patt Nordyke, Executive Director, Texas Federation of Animal Care Societies “There are many lessons in this book, but they are subtle and allow for a readable and entertaining story. As someone who has spent the past 27 years in animal welfare, I very much appreciate the depiction of the shelter workers as kind, caring and offering opportunity to the dog and to the family. In short, The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs is a terrific book for children (and animal shelters).” – Nicholas Gilman, President, Humane Logic
“The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs is an inspiring story that helps kids better understand why and how to care for their pets. By comparing the lucky dog's affectionate, caring family and the unlucky dog's apparent neglect, readers of all ages will be touched by this story and maybe even motivated to adopt a pet from an animal shelter or better care for their pet at home. This book is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and humane educators wanting to teach compassion to kids. – Shannon Ruiz, Humane Education Coordinator, San Antonio Humane Society “I found The Lucky Tale of Two Dogs to be heartwarming and educational. We need to start teaching children at a very young age and this book is an excellent tool for parents and teachers to discuss pet care and the need dogs have to be loved.” – Sherry Ferguson, Executive Director, Houston Humane Society
“In a gentle, but direct manner, this book educates young readers about responsible pet ownership. Animal shelters can use this book to not only inform children, but their parents, of the proper way to care for a dog.” – Janice Darling, Executive Director, Animal Defense League
__________________________________________________________________________ Pet Pundit Publishing / P.O. Box 91733 / Austin, Texas, 78709-1733 / 512-358-4515 / www.petpunditpublishing.com
Coming Fall 2012
The Happy Tale of Two Cats
Ages 4 - 8, Pet Pundit Publishing, 2012 ISBN 978-0-985-3752-1-8