Bella

1. I hear you have your dog Bella in your upcoming book, Bella’s Nose Knows.

Bella is our pandemic dog. She was adopted at the local shelter from a batch of 7 pups. We suspect a breeder of American Staffordshire Terriers didn’t want the pups because when we had her DNA assessed we found out that she is half Staffordshire terrier back at least 3 generations. The shelter told us she was a Lab, but there was no Lab in her genes. There was some German Shepherd but mostly she’s All-American!

2. Why did you add Bella to this book?

I love observing her on our daily walks, and I thought her power of smell would make an educational story for kids. There will be lots of facts for kids who like to find out about animals.

Inky

Then last summer, Inky the cat adopted us. She was so tiny and bony when she showed up on our deck, I just had to feed her some of Bella’s bites. And she stayed. The vet said she was about 3 months old. We brought her in the house, and she mostly slept on my lap for days.

Bella and Inky

Bella was curious at first, and Inky didn’t seem to notice her for a while. Slowly she gained weight and became part of the family. Now they act like sisters, teasing each other, laying by each other occasionally, mostly playing until one or the other has enough and runs off.

And since Inky arrived just as the book was getting going, she has to be in Bella’s Nose Knows, too.

We have adopted a number of dogs and cats over the years, but these two are the best so far. When Inky jumps on a lap for a treat, Bella has to come over and get one, too.

3. What other books have you written?

Bella is also in my first book, Winnie Acts Up. In that book, Winnie wants to audition for a part in her first play, but she’s a bit shy. The book follows her as she learns theater vocabulary like downstage and backstage and costumes. But she also has to learn her part, and this is where Bella helps; Bella is a good listener as Winnie rehearses.

Winnie Acts Up Blurb:

Winnie Acts Up introduces the art of theater and encourages oral presentation to primary grade students. Winnie is a shy child in an unfamiliar environment who gains confidence as she meets new friends in a children’s theater camp setting. Colorful illustrations enhance Winnie’s challenge to learn lines, while a repetitive phrase, “You will remember on Friday,” holds kids’ interest and contributes to a satisfying ending. Unique theater vocabulary is highlighted throughout. Ages 6-10.

Where to buy Winnie Acts Up:

You can see Winnie Acts Up on my website: www.patjwheeler.com and order there if you want a bargain price. Winnie is also at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0CH2D2FVV

4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.

I found out that Winnie Acts Up won a 2024 Firebird Award for Arts and Entertainment. It also has some great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It came out just before I found out that I needed to have my shoulder replaced…probably part of all the writing time and computer use. So I had to rest for a couple months. Now I plan to launch both of the books at a double launch in June.

NOTE from Marcia: Here are examples of several of the book’s reviews…

“Parents and teachers wanting to introduce children to the art of theater need to look no further. WINNIE ACTS UP is a delightful story about overcoming stage fright (or shyness, in general). It can double as an educational resource for beginning thespians, as well. I enjoyed the contemporary and fun dialog of the compassionate children that attend theater camp with Winnie. Pat Wheeler has decades of experience with children’s community theater. Her expertise is apparent on each skillfully paced page turn. I have only high praise for the illustrations in WINNIE ACTS UP. Marlon at Get Your Book Illustrations captures the full essence of this story’s import and action. The book takes the reader on stage.” – by DK

5.0 out of 5 stars Great children’s book: “This book teaches kids about the theater while entertaining them. It also shows that it’s ok to be shy and you still do what you’re passionate about, even if you’re shy. Pat put theater vocabulary in the front of the book and some fun theater games in the back of the book. Yes, Winnie Acts Up is a wonderful book for any age who is interested in learning about the theater! I’m 54 years old and I extremely enjoyed this beautiful book!” – Amazon Review

5. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?

I’m not much for social media yet. I do send out a blog to my email list and a sign-up can be found on my website if anyone would like to sign up.

NOTE from Marcia: To get on Pat’s email list, go to her website (www.patjwheeler.com), then scroll down to the email sign-up form at the bottom of the page. It looks like this:

Thank you, Pat, for being my April interviewee! I love books featuring pets, and it’s wonderful that you included your own pets in your books.

I hope visitors to this pro-pet blog will share photos of their pets or comment on the interview. Each month, I’ll randomly pick one of the blog commenters to win one of my ebooks! Go Pets!