Patty Mankowski
1. I hear you have dogs in your children’s books. Tell us about them.
A Guiding Light from Heaven – The story is about a little girl named Krista (our daughter) and her puppy named Lucky (a Cockapoo). Since Krista was our only daughter, Lucky was like her little sister. The two of them were inseparable. Whenever Krista was scared, Lucky usually would calm her fears. This charming and delightful story was born from a thunderstorm night involving a mom and her little girl with an important message of courage, love, and belief. The message that will give them courage and belief as they face storms that come their way.
Amazon Paperback Buy Link: https://amzn.to/4dPekGJ
Amazon Kindle Buy Link: https://amzn.to/4f7OoYZ
Who Ate My Popsicles? – The story takes place in a family home located in North Fond du Lac, a small village of approximately 1,500 people. The book is about the relationship between four sisters in which the youngest, desperate to stop her older sisters from eating her popsicles, hides them in her secret hiding spot to keep them safe, only to learn a valuable, but humorous lesson.
Amazon Paperback Buy Link: https://amzn.to/4dKGToz
Amazon Kindle Buy Link: https://amzn.to/4vdkMhK
NOTE: Patty’s two stores (above) are also available in one hardback book, titled Two Family Stories.
Amazon Hardback Buy Link: https://amzn.to/49npX6b
2. Why did you add dogs to these books?
In A Guiding Light from Heaven, Lucky, the Cockapoo puppy, and our daughter, Krista, are inseparable.
In Who Ate My Popsicles?, the family always had dogs, which is why Kim, their German Shepard and part wolf, was always protecting the sisters every day of their lives.
3. What inspired you to write children’s books?
I always thought about writing a children’s book after realizing the impact of my story made on our daughter’s fear of thunderstorms. However, my previous work was too demanding. Until, one day I shared my story, A Guiding Light from Heaven, with my mom. She loved it so much that she made me promise to her that I would get it published. A couple years later my mother had passed. However, when I retired, I kept my promise and got it published. I dedicated the book to my mother, Eleanora, and our daughter, Krista Viegut, for their persistence in encouraging me to publish my story. Our daughter loved the story as a child and now tells it to our grandchildren.
After publishing my first book, my sisters, Linda, Barbara, and Donna, encouraged me to share our childhood memories, which we now reminisce and laugh about during family gatherings. That inspired my second book, Who Ate My Popsicles?
4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.
A Guiding Light from Heaven was first published January 6th, 2023 with Austin Macauley Publishers in the U.K. The story has recognition at prestigious events: Bologna-Italy Book Fair and the American Library Association Annual Conference. The book has made waves in the children’s publishing industry. Unfortunately, due to health circumstances out of my control, publishing was discontinued. Since then, a second publication in the United States was completed as of March 2026.
Some reviews for A Guiding Light from Heaven:
“This book is a well written and comforting story, that can make thunderstorms seem much less scary for young children. The illustrations are very sweet as well. I think this book would make a wonderful addition to any home or library.” – Melissa, NY, 5 Stars
“I bought this book for my grandkids to read when they came over. While I was reading it to my 5-year-old, his brother, a 10-year-old, looked at me, very surprised and said, ‘That’s how I felt about storms!’ They all loved it!” – Dan, 5 Stars
“Nice book with beautiful illustrations.” – KW, 5 Stars
“Cute and comforting story. This is a good story to help kids who are afraid of thunderstorms. I liked the illustrations; nice story to read aloud.” – JW, 4 Stars
Some reviews for Who Ate My Popsicles?
“Love the family book about siblings & how they interact. It’s [humorous] and tells of sharing between sisters. The book & the graphics are well presented. Looking forward to the next book.” – Susan W., 5 Stars
“An Entertaining Book. This was a delightful story about growing up with several siblings and learning the importance of sharing…” – Ninah986, 5 Stars
“This book was so funny, it held the attention of my girls who are the age of 7 & 9. It is always a book they both could read! I highly recommend adding this to your reading list. Also, a great book to share with your child’s classroom.” – Pamela Barr, 5 Stars
“Sweet, family-friendly book… I had a copy in my waiting room of my office, and it was such a hit we had to get a second book! Highly recommend.” – Small Business Owner, 5 Stars
“Simply Wonderful! I stumbled upon this gem while looking for a story to share with my nieces, and this did not disappoint! Such a relatable, heartwarming little story – perfect for any child with a surplus of sisters! Who Ate My Popsicles? has such a great message about sharing!” – Kate G. Millian, 5 Stars
“The story was very good with very colorful illustrations. My granddaughter Lilah and grandson Logan loved it.” – Amazon Customer, 5 Stars
5. How do you promote your books?
I promote my books via social media, book fairs, local stores, libraries, and connections with other authors.
NOTE: Here is one of Patty’s ads:
6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4v7C7bJ
Books4Kids: https://bookstore4kids.com/early-readers
WIN A FREE PATTY MANKOWSKI CHILDREN’S BOOK!
One lucky person who comments on Patty’s interview will win one of her popular children’s books! So don’t forget to comment!
MARCIA: Thank you, Patty, for being my June interviewee!
MONTHLY BLOG EBOOK CONTEST! Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks!
Each month, I’ll randomly pick one blog commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!
Welcome to my blog, Patty! Your books look like the perfect gifts for the little ones in our lives. Have a great June!
Hello Linda,
Great question! Previously I was a fraud investigator, mainly working on identity theft, elder abuse, and humans trafficking. I retired 5 years ago and enjoy spending time with my husband, our 4 grandchildren and 1yr old Field Spaniel while working towards my 3rd children’s book. Our grandchildren are in my children’s book Who Ate My Popsicles? They are so excited it’s too funny!
These sound like wonderful books for children
Hi, Joye! I agree. 😉 Have a great summer!
I understand your inspiration for writing these children’s stories but am curious about what you were doing before you became a writer, and are you still doing it now? Love that dogs have a role in your stories.
Hi, Linda! I agree that it’s always interesting learning about a writer’s inspiration and their journey to becoming a published author. 😉 Have a great summer!
Such a wonderful family friendly stories for young readers
Hi, Laura! I agree. I think my nephews would really like these stories. Have a wonderful June!
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Your books sound delightful, I’m sure my grandchild would like them. This is my Bandit.
Hi, Julie! {{waving from Ohio}} I always enjoy seeing your pets. Bandit is a striking cat. 🙂
Sound like great children’s books.
Hi, Rita! I agree. Thanks for stopping by Patty’s interview!
No kids – but just had a great-great niece – will tell her parents about you!!
Nancy — Congratulations on your new family member! 😉
Would love to enter the giveaway!
Hi, Miranda! You’re definitely in the contest. 😉
Hello Linda,
Great question! Previously I was a fraud investigator, mainly working on identity theft, elder abuse, and humans trafficking. I retired 5 years ago and enjoy spending time with my husband, our 4 grandchildren and 1yr old Field Spaniel while working towards my 3rd children’s book. Our grandchildren are in my children’s book Who Ate My Popsicles? They are so excited it’s too funny!
Patty — you have a very interesting background for a children’s book author. Field Spaniels are beautiful. 😉 That’s wonderful that you include your family and pets in your books!
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate your support.
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Pets are so special in our lives. This is Archie, a very well loved dog.
Hi, Susan! Archie is a cutie. 😉 I agree with you that pets are so special. I hope you — and Archie! — have a great summer!
I love books with dogs in them. My daughters name was Krista too. She is now an angel.
Lori — I’m so sorry you lost your daughter. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
with service dogs, how is it determined if a dog has the right temperment to be a successfull service dog?
Hi, Jeffrey! That’s a good question. I’ve never had a service dog, but I’ve written about them. The service dog organizations and service dog owners I’ve talked with seem to get their “trainee” dogs when they’re pups. I’m sure Patty knows a lot more than me about the personality traits the trainers look for in the pups. Not all the dogs make it through the training, since the dogs have to be comfortable with strangers, lots of equipment like wheelchairs, and with loud noises, for example. There are so many types of service dogs, including police dogs and seeing eye dogs. If Patty sees your question, I hope she will weigh in. Have a great June!
Hi, Jeffrey! Great question. Before a dog can become a service animal, it must complete an extensive training program that includes several components. The first and important is a Temperament Evaluation.
Many dogs that make good pets are not cut out to be service dogs. Dogs that are easily distracted, uncomfortable when approached or touched by strangers, or dogs that are aggressive are not good candidates. Evaluating a dog’s temperament is the first step in determining if it will become a successful service dog.
During temperament screening, dogs are exposed to a variety of noises. Since these dogs must be able to assist their owners it’s important that they do not cower in fear when they hear a loud noise. Trainers also test the dog’s reaction to pain, as owner’s never know when the dog will be accidentally bumped or jostled in public. Dogs that make good service dogs may yelp if hurt, but will not run away or attack the person responsible for causing the pain.
Testers also evaluate how well prospective service dogs fetch. Although not all dogs will need to retrieve items for their owners, the test is also helpful in determining how easily a dog can be trained. Enjoy the rest of June!
fun book
I agree. Have a wonderful summer!