A Spooky Tale of Spring: Or, How the Grumpy Mom Got her Cheer Back

This book retells the Dickens novel, "A Christmas Carol," with a Ghost Cat named Iris instead of a Ghost business partner named Marley: a spooky cat who visits her former owner to teach a lesson of kindness to animals. When the Ghost Cat and other spirits leave her at last, the grumpy woman's bad temper is gone and a new friend named Cheer moves in. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this book updates a classic for our troubled times and shows how happiness can spread in a friendly urban neighborhood, thanks to the magic of creativity. Children will enjoy the many pets in this book, and thrill at the stunning visit of the Ghost Cat. Both children and adults will enjoy the warm-hearted humor. Illustrated by Kiera Highsmith with 32 original images. Includes two historical or contextual notes, by Dickens scholar, Chris VandenBossche, and animal rights activist, Wendy A. Wolfe. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Organization of Mishawaka, IN. Murray Baumgarten (UCSC Dickens Project) says: "Laughter heals, and this lovely book kept me laughing. It's a wonderful tribute to Dickens's 'Christmas Carol', by extending it to animals. Our pets come out ahead here, knowing things it would be best for we adults to learn and take to heart. And as we laugh and chortle, we heal."