Overview

Experience the heartwarming story of Papi Pedro, who recently moved to Savannah from Mexico, as he navigates challenges of adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and searching for love. But the most unexpected journey comes when Papi Pedro learns that one of his three unique cats is special enough to dance with him in the Mexican Hat Dance. Will he choose Gus, Maria or Noël as ""the Mexican Cat Dancer?"" Did he choose the one being made fun of by others? Why is this cat so special? As Papi Pedro learns the value of embracing differences, readers will also be immersed in the rich tradition of ""The Mexican Hat Dance,"" with a link to the song itself, and be introduced to a beginning Spanish vocabulary. This is a story of acceptance, perseverance, and a little rhythmic magic! Join Papi Pedro on his journey to overcome his challenges: he doesn't look like most of his neighbors, knows little English, has no friends in Savannah and has to find a job. He starts to learn English and he shares little tidbits of Spanish with the new friends he has made and with the young readers of this story. The moral of the story is: being different isn't bad; it's special. With hard work, and maybe the right person to find those special qualities, being different can be very good! Children can have fun with the kitties in their everyday adventures and even do a little dance with ""The Mexican Cat Dancer"" as this special cat dances to its own magical rhythm. Open the link to the song video and JOIN IN THE FUN! ""The History of the Mexican Hat Dance"" is featured in the last chapter. As reference for the smattering of Beginning Spanish words and phrases included in the story, a Spanish-English Glossary is provided at the end of the book. A link to ""The Mexican Hat Dance"" song video is in the Prologue and in the beginning of the History chapter. This book is meant to be entertaining and instructive, teaching some Spanish and a little Mexican culture while being on a magical journey with the three cats (Gus, Maria and Noël), Papi Pedro and Linda. This book is intended for a 6-10-year-old market, older and younger. The first four chapters are perfect for younger children and the book can be valuable to the ESL (Spanish) market up to age 12. Pre-K to Grade 2 would be the dominant market.

Full Product Details

9798349402265

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Reviews

4/22/2025 ""...This is such a beautiful story! I fell in love with each character and held a special place in my heart for Maria! Not only is this story captivating but it includes dual languages and also a ""special"" kitty with an important message. As a special education teacher, this story is so important on all levels! I'm so proud of you and your accomplishment with this book. ....Great job and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!!!..."" Nicole Forinash, Ed. M., teaching for 17 years and in Special Education for seven years 05/08/2024 ""...At its core, your manuscript is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of kindness, all of which are perfect for young readers. Through Maria's interactions with her feline companions and the challenges she faces along the way, you deftly explore themes of loyalty, empathy, and the importance of staying true to oneself. These universal themes resonate deeply with children, imparting valuable lessons in the most delightful and heartwarming manner... ...Maria, Noël and Gus are beautifully developed characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. Maria's resilience and optimism, Noël's endearing clumsiness, and Gus's curious nature make them relatable and lovable to readers. Their individual growth throughout the story adds depth and richness to the narrative, making their triumphs even more rewarding for the reader."" Lisa Wilson, Sr. Manager Publishing (KDP & ACX), Inkwell Book Writer

Author Information

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After I retired from Pan Am as a flight attendant after 21 years, I became a travel writer, a small-town correspondent, and then a full-time staff writer, for the Suwannee Democrat in Live Oak, FL from '91 to '92. My favorite high school course was English grammar, which led to my love of languages. I taught myself Spanish from my English-Spanish dictionary, and from talking with friends in Miami. Later I became near native-qualified in both Spanish and French through additional studies and made the announcements for Pan Am international flights in both languages. Having taken numerous vacations to Mexico, including my honeymoon in 2013, I have developed a deep love for their people, culture, food and language, which I continue to want to share with my readers. After over 25 years in real estate, with 15 as a VA appraiser, I was finally able to use some of my culinary and management knowledge to run a Tea Room (doing most of the cooking myself), alongside my husband, who ran the antiques and collectibles business in the same 1907 building. Now retired, I still live in Hope Mills and am finally able to find time to explore the writing career I have always dreamed about. Cats have always been an important part of my life, and I'd like to make my amusing and unique cats part of your life too, in this, my first book, about cats. C P Steele (carlapsteele@gmail.com)

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