A Wonderful Children’s Book: Being Different Rocks!
Like dogs?
Enjoy true stories?
LOVE happy endings?
Take a walk through the pages with Mickie-D, a German Shepherd Dog, as he shares his journey. Discover the world of animal rescue. Know what a volunteer does?Born with funny feet, Mickie-D’s story is one of self discovery. A brightly illustrated story told from the voice of Mickie-D with a message celebrating being different and that we are all worthy of love.
A beautiful, heartwarming and fun story for children of all ages to be read and shared again and again.
Has your kid ever come to you with worries about fitting in? Or thought of being different from other children was a bad thing? Feeling out of place is a constant and common fear, and not one that is always easily eased since it can be so tied up with self-esteem.
The latest children’s book that I read, Being Different Rocks! by Dawn Michele McCarty is a very helpful tool in talking to your kids about how being yourself and being unique is actually a great thing.
Being Different Rocks! by Dawn Michele McCarty is a children’s book that follows the story of a rescue dog named Mickie-D, a German Shepherd Dog with big, funny feet. This story follows Mickie-D as he shares his journey of finding his forever home, and as he learns to celebrate being different. This beautiful, heartwarming story also touches on animals rescuing and the process of helping animals find their forever home.
Mickie-D reminds me of my rescue dog, Honeybee, who also happens to be a mix of German Shepherd. She also has big, funny feet like Mickie, but I love her just the way she is. And actually, when I first met her, that was one of my favorite things about her.
Teaching children to recognize and celebrate diversity and difference is essential. It not only helps children be more accepting of others but also to accept themselves and their strengths and weaknesses. This children’s book about being different will help your little ones realize that you should celebrate the uniqueness of all of those around you and yourself.
Where Can I Find Children's Book, "Being Different Rocks!?"
You can find Being Different Rocks! by Dawn Michele McCarty on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also get a signed copy on ETSY.
About Children's Book Author, Dawn Michele McCarty
“I am an author of children’s books featuring my adopted rescue dogs. I grew up in Maryland, Florida and Texas and would often bring home stray animals. After graduating from Texas A&M, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Russian Language and Psychology, I lived overseas for eight years. Virginia has been my home since 2000.
After adopting from the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, I became a volunteer for the organization. I enjoy fostering senior and hospice dogs and am an advocate for older dogs, who are often overlooked by people looking to adopt. My free time is spent with my personal and foster dogs, participating in adventures and finding inspiration for my next book.
My hope is Mickie’s story resonates with kids and they embrace their difference and positively rock it.
Rapid Fire with Dawn Michele McCarty
Q. What does your family think of your writing?
Dawn: My family is very supportive. I am extremely grateful for their love, belief in me, and encouragement.
Q. What do you think makes a good story?
Dawn: I think a good story is one that engages emotions – a loud laugh, hearty chuckle, or make the reader teary-eyed. Stories that make the reader think and wonder and carry you off in imagination and adventure.
Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like.
Dawn: I am fortunate to have a new career [owner of an in-home dog daycare and boarding business], where I spend my days caring for dogs. They are an integral part of my writing space as I watch them romp, play, and relax in the sun.
Q. How did you become involved in the subject or theme of your book?
Dawn: After adopting Mickie-D, I became a volunteer wanting to give thanks by supporting the rescue’s work. Together, he and I did home visits and met potential adopters. We talked about the rescue and Mickie-D’s medical condition, and he showed everyone that he could do nearly anything. Then I became a foster for senior dogs and dogs who needed medical and hospice care.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Dawn: When I am not writing, my dog Milo and I go for long walks and play at the beach. I love to read and enjoy working in the garden. I also love cooking! I love experimenting with herbs and spices and trying recipes from around the world. Another favorite thing is spending time with my Mom.
Q. What type of books do you write?
Dawn: I write children’s books based on adventures shared with my dogs and my foster dogs.
Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author?
Dawn: I was coordinating a school visit with a teacher I had met at a book signing event. As we discussed the presentation, she shared with me that when she told her class, I would be visiting one of her students said she knew all about the book. It turns out, she had met me at an event and had a signed copy. She told her classmates it was a great book and they would really enjoy it. And they did!
Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Dawn: Mickie-D is the inspiration for following my dream of writing a children’s book that I hope children will enjoy and lead them to embrace what makes them different and positively rock it!
Q. What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
Dawn: As I mentioned earlier, I became a volunteer after adopting Mickie-D. I knew a good deal about his journey, but as a volunteer, I would take Mickie to events in different areas and was able to meet other volunteers that shared their stories about his two years in rescue.
Q. Is there a message in your novel that you hope readers will grasp?
Dawn: I hope after reading Being Different Rocks! Readers will want to learn more about rescue and volunteering. Recognize the importance of being kind, acceptance, and to embrace their uniqueness.
Don't Forget To Join Dawn Michele McCarty on Social Media!
Rapid Fire with Illustrator, Jeff Mora
Q. Can you describe the artistic process behind your illustration creations?
Jeff: My process began by understanding the character’s anatomy and referencing images of other dogs, kennels, and photos that were provided. I then start by doing semi-rough sketches for each page.
Q. Which page was the most fun to illustrate?
Jeff: They all were fun – I enjoyed them all
Q. How did you start your career as an illustrator?
Jeff: I started drawing at a young age. I attended VCU School of Arts and passionately kept drawing. 🙂
Q. Since creating artwork is your job, what kind of hobbies do you enjoy to relieve stress and help inspire your artwork?
Jeff: Spending time with my family, building Legos, and playing toys with my son and daughter.
Q. Are you working on something new and exciting for us to look forward to?
Jeff: A new “Zagaboo” Children’s book by James Pettinelli
Q. Did you draw as a child?
Jeff: YES! All the time – I copied everything from cartoons to the funnies comics in the Sunday newspaper.
Q. What were your favorite books growing up?
Jeff: Bernstein Bears, Charlie Brown, Curious George, Where the Wild things Grow, Danny the Dinosaur and Richard Scarry’s Books
Don't Forget To Join Jeff Mora on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Dawn Michele McCarty in exchange for an honest review.
