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In From The Cold: Hank's Story

by Roberta K. Shapiro; Illustrated by Heather Webb

30 pages; Saddle stitched; catalogue #07-0663; ISBN 1-4251-2262-0; US$14.95, C$16.95, EUR11.49, £7.62

When an eagle attack injures a stray Salt Spring Island cat, he faces a tough choice. Should he trust a human to help him? Or should he continue to make his way alone?

About the Book

In From The Cold: Hank's Story is about trust and is based on the true story of a stray Salt Spring Island cat. Abandoned as a kitten, Hank distrusts all humans. He's lived wild on Salt Spring Island for more than a year and courageously faces cold, wet weather and constant hunger. In his travels he meets Missy, the tortioseshell barn cat who is afraid of mice and whose mother didn't raise her to be a barn cat. He also sees an eagle hunting for its next meal. Very worried about the eagle, Hank decides to hide for a day or two. By luck he hides at the home of Kyla Shea who happens to be the local SPCA manager. Because he distrusts humans, Hank insists on sleeping in Kyla's old barn. But then the eagle attacks Hank inside the barn and flies off with him. Hank's friend, Horace the barn owl, bravely distracts the eagle who drops Hank. Injured by the eagle, Hank faces a tough choice. Should he ask Kyla to help him? Or should he continue to make his own way? This story is for children ages 4 - 9. It is a delightful read aloud book as well as an early reader.

"Hank's story gives young children an opportunity to travel with him on Salt Spring Island. Along the beaches, and up into the pastures he ventures into the world with engaging consequences. Heather Webb's exquisite watercolour illustrations enhance this nurturing story of friendship, adventure, disappointment and joy. A great read-aloud for primary school children."

Judi Francis
Retired Children's Teacher-Librarian Salt Spring Island, B.C. May 2007

"The author produces a heart-warming story without being shmaltzy, a too rare skill. Roberta Shapiro's clear and compelling text complemented by Heather Webb's beautiful water-colour and ink, full-page drawings make this story a delight as a read-aloud for any (grand)parent and child. Relatively simple sentence structure and vocabulary along with the frequent pictures mean that it will also be a favourite read-alone story for young readers who can handle several consecutive pages of text."

Marilyn Ming
Chief Librarian
Saltspring Island

All book royalties and author's net proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Salt Spring island Branch of the B.C. SPCA.

About the Author

Roberta K. Shapiro practiced international tax law for 34 years before she retired to Salt Spring Island, B.C. She lives there with her husband and enjoys writing, painting and all creatures great and small. Hank joined their family in December 2006, told Roberta his story and inspired her to write her first children's book.

About the Illustrator

Heather Webb has many years of experience as an artist in various media, and her work has earned numerous awards. Her objective is to evoke remembrance of a place a time or feeling to involve the viewer with the painting. She likes to use rich bright colours with strong contrasts to create mood and feeling. Born in Kelowna, B.C., Heather now makes her home on Salt Spring island, B.C.

Excerpts