Coco and Kitty by Starr Commonwealth

Coco and Kitty

Coco and

Kitty After an unexpected storm and move, acceptance of differences build an unexpected friendship.

Written by Caroline H. Sheppard, MSW Illustrated by Bethany Phipps

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. Permission is granted for coloring pages (26 through 31) only for classroom or individual use only and not to be used for resale purposes. For information regarding permission, contact the publisher, Starr Commonwealth.

Albion, Michigan 800-837-5591 • www.starr.org

Acknowledgments Many thanks to Derek Allen and Caelan Soma for believing in my story, providing the opportunity to reach children in need. My sincere thanks to Bethany Phipps, for her amazing ability to bring my and Karen’s photographs to life through her talents. I so appreciate our collaborative connection that came with ease, humor and ended in a great friendship. And, thank you to, Cathy, for introducing me to Bethany. Thank you to, Karen, who said to me, “You should write another book like, “Brave Bart,” about Coco and Kitty! Thank you to my family “focus group”, including my two nephews and their families, who listened to the rough story and gave me helpful feedback.

Dedications I dedicate this book to all children, who don’t know where or how they fit in, or are struggling with who they are, a new school, family, home, or any social experience where they feel different, fearful or unaccepted. And lastly, I dedicate this to all adults, educators and parents, who try through any way they know how, to help their children or those for whom they care, to better cope with social issues, relationships, acceptance and respect. - Caroline H. Sheppard, MSW I dedicate this book to my sons, Isaac and Nathan, who are my perennial sources of laughter and sunshine. Your love, acceptance and courage through life’s challenges are encouraging not only to me but to those around you.

- Bethany Phipps

A horse named, Coco, had to leave the farm where he lived

because of a bad storm. Nobody was hurt, but the barn and fences needed to be fixed so that Coco could be safe. Luckily, Coco was invited to come stay at another farm where he would be taken care of until repairs and cleanup of his farm could be done.

The storm came unexpectedly and so did Cocoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move.

Yes, he had moved before but never because of a storm. This move was different for Coco! And, he did not want to leave the farm he knew and loved. Because of the storm a lot of changes happened. Some changes were very hard for Coco, but others were very good.

It was nighttime and dark outside when Coco was picked

up by truck and trailer to move to his new farm. The move in the middle of the night felt very lonely for Coco. He worried about so many things on the way to the new farm.

Coco felt especially sad about leaving his friends and those who took care of him. So many new things were happening to Coco, it was normal for him to have lots of different feelings.