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 6^th, 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!