Mouse the Pretty Bird

Mouse the Pretty Bird is a story very dear to my heart. It’s not only about my beloved little dog, Mouse, and her feathered conure friend, Helen, but it’s also about friendship, overcoming fear, and learning to be whatever you want to be. Watching my beloved Mouse develop such a beautiful friendship with Helen inspired me to create this story. 

While writing this book, I had several messages I hoped to convey. My main goal was that Mouse the Pretty Bird would teach children to be unafraid and to befriend someone regardless of appearance. Children should focus on the person inside and not on physical differences. Take a look at Mouse and Helen! Sometimes your best friends come in the most unlikely form, and the book characters remind us of this valuable lesson. It’s not often that a dog and bird get along, let alone become best friends! 

I also want Mouse the Pretty Bird to help children understand and accept that we all have occasional fears, embracing their feelings. The message is that fear doesn’t have to control you. You can experience fear but should still take the appropriate action to protect yourself and others. That’s what makes someone brave! Little Mouse learned this lesson and saved her best friend’s life. 

Finally, I want to teach children to dream big, follow their hearts, and be whoever they want to be, regardless of what others say. 

I’m the mother of four beautiful boys and various fur and feathered babies. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to become a published author but let fear prevent me from achieving this goal. Sadly, I lost my beloved Mouse. This experience propelled me forward and gave me the courage to write this book for others to enjoy. My goal was to write a story about Mouse that my children and I could cherish and remember her with. I didn’t intend to publish this book, as I lacked confidence in myself and my writing ability. I was afraid my book would face rejection.

After much encouragement from my family, I finally took Mouse’s advice: I would address my fears, follow my heart, and write and publish this book! Like Mouse, I faced and overcame my fears. I only hope that Mouse’s courage will be a gift of encouragement to any child who may struggle with their fears in life, regardless of age. 

Although written for children ages four to eight, this book speaks to all ages. I’ve even had adults tell me they’ve connected with this book and its lessons. Overall, I hope that Mouse and Helen’s story — and their antics — will not only put a smile on a child’s face but serve as a keepsake they can pass down to their children and grandchildren. 

Mouse the Pretty Bird is a fun, entertaining story that pulls the reader in, capturing their attention while delivering a deeper message that everyone can relate to, and that’s the importance of acceptance. And to think that a little dog could teach such big lessons! 

I’m currently in the process of writing my second children’s book. This one will be an underwater adventure, once again touching on fear and teaching children how to respond to the many faces of bullying. Growing up in this big, scary world can be a challenge in itself, but when a child faces bullying, it can take that challenge to a whole new level. My new book will provide bullied children with renewed hope; it also gives them the tools to effectively and peacefully respond to bullying while protecting themselves and understanding their self-worth.