I launched my new book this past Saturday at the Vancouver SPCA shelter. “The Truth about Rats (and dogs)” is the second novel in a series the SPCA asked me to write about kids and animals. The first book, “Dog House Blues,” which came out last year, was also launched at a shelter event. I had three dogs as special guests at that one (rats, of course, at this one).
The highlight of last year’s event was when the dogs all ran to the front of the room where I’d been doing my reading, and my dog, Dylan, immediately (and messily) drank up my whole glass of water. The kids thought that was hilarious. The highlight of the recent launch was probably when George, the rat, escaped from my hands and scampered onto my back, where I couldn’t reach him (see above photos). 
I’d like to think the best part was when I read from my book, but as usual, I was upstaged by the non-human guests!
(George, in the photo on the left, has been living at my house for the past few weeks, along with his brother, Sneaker. They are both available for adoption at the Vancouver shelter. Believe it or not, rats are becoming more popularly adopted pets than the dogs and cats.)
You can read a different perspective on the launch and see more photos at www.cwillbc.wordpress.com.
wild ink 
December 5, 2006 at 11:59 pm |
I had a great time at your book launch and would agree that it was pretty funny when George ran up your back. Such scene stealers these little guys are. But you have a very relaxed, natural presence too and it was a pleasure to hear you read!
December 6, 2006 at 3:01 am |
Thanks, Heather! I do enjoy reading — especially when the kids (like the ones in the front row) seem so engaged in the story.
December 8, 2006 at 8:39 pm |
Sounds like fun, sorry I missed it.
My daughter Jasmine had 2 pet rats in her class one year at school and all the kids enjoyed their company especially when they had babies! They too managed to escape on occassion. The kids also enjoyed taking turns bringing them home on the holidays. It was a great experience for the kids who could not have pets of their own at home.
Joanne
December 8, 2006 at 10:01 pm |
Having animals in the classroom can be a really positive experience for kids. I hope the teacher was able to find homes for all the baby rats afterward! (animal shelters like the SPCA end up housing and trying to find homes for so many unwanted animals each year, they’d prefer teachers promoted the spaying and neutering of pets). It’s nice to see rats overcoming their bad rap, though.
October 30, 2008 at 10:15 am |
[…] rat artist If you know about my book The Truth about Rats (and dogs), you’ll know how appropriate it was for me to discover that this pumpkin, left out in my […]