Zac and Kat, A Rough Road to Friendship

After making many photo books about adventures they have had over the years with their grandchildren, the Coopers decided to publish their first illustrated children's book. While growing up, the Coopers remember people quoting that old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover." In Zac and Kat, A Rough Road to Friendship, it is proven that preconceptions of others are often faulty. If we can rid ourselves of the ingrained social and cultural stigmas, there is the possibility of finding new friends and productive relationships.

In this delightful tale, children witness the making of an unlikely friendship between a dog and a cat. By using a pair of characters that children "know" are natural adversaries, Zac and Kat introduces young readers to the idea that established norms and expectations can be questioned. If you take a second look, you just might meet your best friend.

Both of the Coopers retired from employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia more than ten years ago. Throughout their years of marriage, they have always enjoyed working together on a variety of projects and can now add publishing a children's book to their list of accomplishments. Having recently sold their mountaintop hideaway in Tennessee, they are looking forward to new adventures, including traveling the country and riding a motorcycle in the desert, as well as spending time with family. The Coopers hope that children and parents alike will gain insight from reading this book. They can be reached via email at epcooper39@hotmail.com.

Joan Coleman, an avid artist since childhood and a prolific professional artist for over 10 years, is a talented and versatile children's book illustrator having had the opportunity to work with several accomplished authors and publishers. Joan utilizes a wide variety of art techniques and mediums including acrylic paints, oil pastels, graphite, colored pencils, watercolors, inks, and digital design techniques to create her artwork and designs. She is known for her versatility and tenacious design strategy while simultaneously bridging the artistic gap between tradition and technology.