November 19, 2021 1:10 pm
Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky’s debut picture book just released! When she told me the premise, I knew she had to be on the blog…you’ll soon find out why…
Dianna, since I regularly discuss ideas on my blog, can you reveal where your concept for this book originated?
JAMES’ READING RESCUE is inspired by a true story that I read on the internet a number of years ago. The mom of a young son (who struggled with reading) suggested he read to the cats at the rescue shelter where she volunteered. He improved his reading while helping to socialize the cats for adoption. It was a win-win story that captured my heart!
My own son struggled with reading when he was younger and I’ve been involved in animal rescue for 40 years. This story jumped off the page at me and I just knew that one day it would be a wonderful picture book—no matter how long it took! The rescue began a program called Book Buddies, involving dozens of children reading to the cats and was so successful that other rescues contacted them to find out more about their program. How can you go wrong with a story about reading and cats? They just seem to naturally go together.
Wow! This story was meant for you!
My own kids have read to therapy dogs at the public library. In fact, I had only ever heard of dogs being the “read to” animal. What’s special about reading to cats instead?
Indeed, this story was meant for me! Cats often like the sound of a human voice and it is one of the best ways to help socialize them. So, reading to them is perfect. Some may seem to ignore you, but human presence, a gentle voice and stroking their fur, if they permit it, is a great way to help them become comfortable and “adoptable”. Some animals who have come from a home environment may have missed this human comfort and even seek it out with little readers!
I was not familiar with Clavis Publishing because they are based in Europe, although I understand they have a branch in New York. How did you connect with them?
You’re right, Clavis is based in Belgium but they also have a New York office. I researched all publishers who were accepting unsolicited work for children’s stories. Then I reviewed the types of stories they were publishing. I then submitted!
Clavis prints their books in both Dutch and English and market in Europe, the U.S. and Canada.
Good for you!
What do you hope readers will take away after reading your book?
A few things, actually! Everyone struggles with something. Kindness matters even if no one witnesses it. Hard work really does pay off. Reading opens the world and love of (and from) animals opens our hearts. Rescue animals make wonderful family members and black cats (and dogs) are the least adopted because of their color. Please think of these facts next time you’re looking for a new friend!
You know, my new pet Phoebe is a black cat! I should read to her!
So, what else is on the horizon for you?
I have a couple of stories on submission at the moment, so I’m anxiously waiting to hear about them! I’ve also been busy with revisions on a few other stories and I’m hoping to submit them within the next couple of months. I also have some stories patiently waiting their turn to be written, so I’m excited to get to those and see where they lead!
Did anything about the publishing process surprise you?
Almost everything! As a new writer I was completely untutored in all the “must knows”—story arc, the rule of three and the terrible SHOW not tell!! And then the dreaded query letter…! It has been such a learning experience and the help of more experienced writers along the way has been invaluable.
Dianna, thanks for sharing your debut here!
Blog readers, you can win a copy of the book by leaving a comment below. A random winner will be chosen soon.
Good luck…and happy reading! (I hope you have a cat!)
Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky has always been a passionate reader and animal lover. As a result, her children grew up in a house full of books and cats! She rediscovered her love of picture books reading to her children and it is the realization of a dream to now write for other children. She spent her childhood years on the Canadian prairies but she has lived in Montreal for many years, raising her family and working at McGill University. Writing for children is both a pleasure and privilege that she hopes to enjoy for as long as possible! Find out more about her debut picture book at Clavis Publishing.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky, Sara Casikla
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Sadly, we do not have a cat to make this book experience complete, but I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this one! Thanks for sharing : )
By Katie Williams on November 19, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Thanks Katie – hope you and your own little James love it!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Such a sweet cover! Congrats, Dianna!
And hello, pretty Phoebe 🙂
By mariagianferrari on November 19, 2021 at 1:19 pm
I agree, Maria! Sara was the perfect illustrator to bring James and Ghost to life!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:08 pm
We adopted our rescue kitty during lockdown. Our first pet ever that we so adore! It was the best thing we did for our family during such a stressful time. My daughter and I now volunteer at a cat rescue sanctuary every Saturday and we absolutely love it! I can’t wait to get a copy of your book! Congratulations! Thank you for writing it!
By Safa Suleiman on November 19, 2021 at 1:23 pm
It just opens the world when you experience love for and from an animal for the first time. I’m so happy you took this step and are passing on the joy at your local rescue, Safa! The world needs more people like you and your family.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:10 pm
This would be perfect for my grandkids. Cat are a great audience plus the socialize is perfect for pets looking for homes.
By Carol Gwin Nelson on November 19, 2021 at 1:25 pm
I love the thought of you reading this with your grandkids, Carol! The thought of children reading my book kind of makes me dizzy with joy. Thank you!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:11 pm
As a cat lover and a book lover, I can’t wait to read your book! Congratulations!
By Diane O'Neill on November 19, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Then we are kindred spirits, Diane, loving both cats and books! The two just seem to go together so often, both bringing joy and comfort. I hope you enjoy JRR and thanks!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Oh my gosh, I know I’ll love your book, Dianna! So funny ~ just 15 minutes ago I went through my StoryStorm idea folder and combined several from the past years that have to do with dogs, one being literacy dogs/reading buddies! Congrats!!
By Cheryl Johnson on November 19, 2021 at 1:38 pm
I love hearing how books come to be! Congratulations on your wonderful story, Dianne! 🎉
By Janet Johnson on November 19, 2021 at 1:41 pm
I also love to read what inspires others to write, Janet. Thank you so much for your kind congratulations!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:14 pm
I just recommended my library to purchase this!
By Cheryl Johnson on November 19, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Cheryl, I’m so happy you did this! Thanks very much!
By Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:25 am
I enjoyed learning about this book and the author’s journey. Congratulations!
By Claire A. B. Freeland on November 19, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Thanks, Claire! I also enjoy reading about author journeys. It’s always interesting to see what sets them apart. Thanks for your kind congratulations!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 19, 2021 at 2:15 pm
I just know both of my cats would love hearing this story read to them! Thanks for sharing your journey!
By Karan Greene on November 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm
Karan, I love to think of you reading JRR to your cats! thanks so much
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:39 am
Oh this looks so sweet…thank you for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 19, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Thanks for your kind words, Katie!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:39 am
Congratulations, Dianna!!! What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! I can’t wait to check out your book! 🙂
By Abby Wooldridge on November 19, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Thanks, Abby. I hope you love the story of JRR!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:40 am
Sounds amazing! I taught hundreds of kids to read and I love the reading to rescues movement. Best wishes for great book success!
By carmelamccainsimmons on November 19, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Then I hope you will love this story, Carmela! Thanks for sharing.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:40 am
Awww, what an amazing story behind the story. Congrats!
By Debra Shumaker on November 19, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Thank you so much, Debra. Sorry I missed this comment earlier!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on January 18, 2022 at 12:53 pm
How cool! Congrats on your book!
By Bethanny Parker on November 19, 2021 at 2:48 pm
Thanks so much, Bethanny!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:41 am
This story behind the story made me smile. Love the synchronicity and alignment. Congratulations, Dianna!
By Tracy Abell on November 19, 2021 at 3:34 pm
It really was a touching story, Tracy. Thanks so much!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:42 am
Very special! Thanks for writing this!
By karenlee on November 19, 2021 at 4:03 pm
I hope you will enjoy reading it, Karen. Thanks so much.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:42 am
I’d heard of kids reading to dogs, so why not cats?! And how clever of Dianna to write a story about it! Can’t wait to read this. Congrats to Dianna!!
By Mary McClellan on November 19, 2021 at 4:22 pm
haha – not so very clever, Mary! Just fortunate to stumble upon the true story that inspired me to write JRR. 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:43 am
Love this! I never heard of reading to cats either, just dogs. As an animal lover, I’m happy to see more books on kindness toward animals, especially if it’s a win-win situation for their human caregivers. Congratulations! Look forward to reading your book.
By Chelle Martin on November 19, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Agreed, Chelle – kindness towards animals is a theme I really want to get out to children. After all, they are the next generation and hopefully can do better towards animal welfare than previous ones! Thanks for sharing and I hope you enjoy JRR.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:44 am
GREAT STORY – BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS!
Being Kind can be contagious:)
By Charles Trevino on November 19, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Agreed! Kindness can be easy to spread around. Thanks, Charles!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:45 am
Congratulations Dianna and Sara! Rescued pets are the best-I have my own. 🙂 I look forward to reading your book!
By chardixon47 on November 19, 2021 at 5:13 pm
So glad you are a rescuer! The world needs more of them and I hope you love JRR.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:45 am
This is terrific! I, too, have volunteered @ local shelters for 30+ years and have read some of my books to shelter dogs, cats, and rabbits. Can’t wait to read yours, Dianna!
By Nancy Furstinger on November 19, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Oh Nancy, this just touches my heart! How lovely to have someone like yourself read my book to some lonely animals. Would love to see a picture of that! If you ever get one taken, please send to diannasirko@gmail.com! Thanks so much!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:47 am
We have a rescue kitten named Camille. She was born in our kayak but abandoned by her mama. Our Australian Shepherd nurtured her, and our Boston Terrier taught her the joys of sunning at the front door and how to remind us it’s dinner time. So, Camille our kayak kitty who thinks she’s just one of the dogs will be the star of a picture book in the future.
By Susan Jobsky on November 19, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Susan, how wonderful to read this!! Camille, The Kayak Kitty – love that alliterative title 🙂 Can’t wait to see Camille as star of her own story – GOOD LUCK!!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:48 am
What a wonderful story! Congratulations, Dianna and Sara! I look forward to reading it!
By Kim A Larson on November 19, 2021 at 6:04 pm
Thanks so much, Kim. I hope you love JRR!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:49 am
What a fantastic idea! Congratulations on writing this story, Dianna!
By pathaap on November 19, 2021 at 6:44 pm
Thanks so much for your support! I hope you enjoy the story.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:49 am
As a kindergarten and first grade teacher…I fell in love immediately with your story!
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading and reviewing it !!!
🙂
By seschipper on November 19, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Yeah – you are the perfect audience! I hope you will be able to read JRR to your class! Would love to see a picture of that, so if you ever get one please send to me at diannasirko@gmail.com. It would mean the world to me! thanks so much 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:50 am
You had me at Belgium–and then at improving reading skills by reading to animals. I love the win-win of your story! Actually, it’s a trifecta win, because you have published your first picture book!! How wonderful, all the way around!
By Mary Lou Brecht Johnson on November 19, 2021 at 7:44 pm
Thanks so much!! And you’re right – I never though of it as a trifecta, but it is. I appreciate your kind words.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on February 1, 2022 at 1:29 pm
This looks like a really sweet book. Thanks for much for telling me about it. Very interesting interview.
By rosihollinbeck on November 19, 2021 at 8:54 pm
It truly is a darling story. I hope you will love it as much as Sara and I do!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:51 am
Congrats! I wonder if the cats purr while they are listening.
By Shauntrell Leaks on November 19, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Hopefully some of them do! 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:52 am
This looks like such a beautiful book! We have 6 cats. Do we get an extra entry?!
By Laurie Fortier on November 19, 2021 at 11:30 pm
You should with six cats! Thanks for your kind words.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on February 1, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Congratulations to you, learning the process and submitting to a little know house. I think this book will sell well to families and could even be sold from an animal shelter.
By Sheri Radovich on November 19, 2021 at 11:37 pm
Thanks so much, Sheri! I hope this story will have wide availability as well!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:52 am
What a great story, Dianna. I have always loved cats, but someone in my family is allergic so we can’t adopt one. Congratulations on your publication. Cats would sit still while you read to them, just enjoying the sound of your voice. I love that little black kitten! Great post!
By betlw on November 20, 2021 at 6:46 am
Thanks for sharing and I’m sad that you can’t have a cat of your own. But there’s lots of ways to spread your love! I also love that little black Ghost!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:54 am
Congratulations to you! So exciting. Great post!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on November 20, 2021 at 9:16 am
Thanks so much for your kind words, Sylvia! Much appreciated.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:54 am
I just love everything about this book! Congrats Dianna! Cannot wait to read this one:>
By pollyrenner on November 20, 2021 at 6:21 pm
Hi Polly! Lovely to hear from one of my very own CPs! I think you will love JRR – hope you get a chance to read it soon 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:55 am
What a beautiful idea for a book. I can’t wait to read it!
By Brenda Huante on November 20, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Thanks so much Brenda – I also think it is a lovely book with Sara’s wonderful illustrations! I hope you get a chance to read JRR soon and that you love it!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:55 am
We’re also cat and book people! And we have a black-and-white tuxedo cat. I look forward to reading your story. I didn’t know reading to cats was a thing but I can see how it’s beneficial to the human and the kitty.
By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on November 20, 2021 at 8:08 pm
Hi Christine! Lovely to see this from one of my own CPs 🙂 We’ve had 3 tuxedo cats over the years – a favorite of ours, for sure. Thanks for writing in!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:56 am
Congratulations Dianna, what a wonderful journey you have with that beautiful book. I love the idea very much. Last year I adopt a feral cat from my back yard and it takes a long time for the cat to adjust with indoor situation. Reading the book to the cat might help it to be comfortable with people. I think this book will sell well to families and animal lovers–both individual and organizations. 🙂
By Yunita Phillips on November 21, 2021 at 10:40 am
Yunita, so happy to hear you have a rescue cat of your own! And yes, ferals can take quite some time to adjust. I hope both you and your cat enjoy JRR and thanks for sharing!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:57 am
I love cats and reading. This sounds wonderful and a story that is perfect for you. Your passion shows.
By Sherri Rivers on November 21, 2021 at 2:09 pm
So sorry I missed this, Sherri! Thanks so much and I hope you’ll read James’ Reading Rescue and enjoy it!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on January 18, 2022 at 3:54 pm
What a great story. I love the idea of kids and cats interacting with each other in this way. And Tara, that black kitty is adorable. Congrats on your book, Diana!
By marty bellis on November 21, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Thanks so much, Marty! And yes, that dear little Phoebe is adorable!!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 9:58 am
As a reading specialist, I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
By kathydoherty1 on November 21, 2021 at 8:01 pm
Oh Kathy, this is music to my ears!! I hope you and the children love it and thanks so much!!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:06 am
So fun, thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on November 22, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Kassy! I hope you have a chance to read JRR 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:06 am
I have a cat! Monet is our resident rodent control officer (that means frequent bits and pieces left all around…). Congrats on your book, Dianna!
By Angie on November 22, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Angie, love the name Monet! Sounds like he a bit hard on the poor mouse population, for sure. Thanks so much for sharing.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:07 am
Congratulations, Dianna! I look forward to reading your book!
By Sarah Meade on November 22, 2021 at 11:21 pm
Sarah, I hope you love JRR! Thanks so much.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:07 am
My problem is I can not get my 10 cats to agree what story they want to hear!
By Stephen S. Martin on November 23, 2021 at 6:38 pm
haha – good on you, Stephen!! I had 9 rescues for many, many years. The key is not to ask them – just sit down with them to read it ! 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:08 am
Thanks again, Tara! SOOO lovely to see all these supportive comments. I’ve answered them all, so hope they can see my comments in return. 🙂
By Dianna Sirkovsky on November 24, 2021 at 10:09 am
Congratulations, Dianna. Thank you for sharing your journey. My mother was Canadian…born in Winnipeg, but raised in Nova Scotia until age 14. I can imagine stories of cats on the prairie….moving to Montreal!
By Nancy Ferguson on December 2, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Haha – we did indeed have a prairie cat who moved to Montreal! Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on January 18, 2022 at 3:51 pm
I’ve never heard of reading to rescue animals. I have tamed a few feral cats just by sitting and talking g. There’s a cat rescue near me. I may ask about reading to the cats.
By gcartee86452015 on December 31, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Oh I hope you can read to the cats at your local rescue! wouldn’t that be wonderful if you could start a program there?! Thanks so much for sharing and good luck.
By Dianna Sirkovsky on January 18, 2022 at 3:52 pm
I can’t wait for month of inspiration.
By Kim Hintze on January 2, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Hope you find your inspiration, Kim!
By Dianna Sirkovsky on January 18, 2022 at 3:53 pm
A house full of books and cats. Can’t think of a better place to live. 🙂 — Kim Peterson
By naturewalkwithgod on February 23, 2022 at 9:43 am