Book Review – Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk

This gentle and heartwarming story captures the love between a boy
and his dog, and the sadness that follows after his cherished dog
passes away. Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy,
the letter shares relatable, real life examples of how the boy (and
therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and
suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most
difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that
can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in
this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any
family pet that has stolen your heart. Story starters, drawing pages,
and a place to add pictures of your own beloved pet are also included in
the back of the book.

Author Interview

1. What is one thing you would say has had the greatest impact on your writing? One thing that has greatly impacted my writing is my childhood. I often look back and think about what I’m trying to say from the perspective of that little farm girl who loved and lost so many cherished pets. I also believe my work as a counselor has taught me how to reach my readers in ways that are both comforting and understandable.
2. Where did your details come from? The details for Dear Brave Friend came from my memories and from the things I hold dear. For example, my mother always had the most beautiful and fragrant purple Irises filling her yard. Interestingly, they smelled exactly like grape Kool-Aid, and people often commented that our yard smelled like grape Kool-Aid; some of the flowers in the book smell like grape Kool-Aid.  Additionally, one of the many things I hold dear is supporting our local Humane Society and encouraging people to adopt or rescue a pet.  In the book, I mentioned on the signs outside of the Humane Society “volunteers needed” and “you can’t buy love – but you can rescue it.”
3. What are your hobbies other than writing? My very favorite thing to do is to spend time with my adorable granddaughter and simply be a grandma for the whole day. I also can’t live without long bubble baths or walks with my dog, Gracie.  I love to be outside, and I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate each season.  In winter I love to walk in the snow, build a snowman, or just sit and watch the snow fall.  In spring, I love to plant flowers and work in my yard. Summer is full of barbeques, sitting and talking at night by the bonfire, and enjoying the lake we live by.  Fall is full of baking, playing games with family and friends, reading a good book by the fire, and appreciating the smells and beauty of the season. 
4. What did you do before becoming a writer? I started writing later in life, so I was given many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow from a variety of diverse jobs. I have worked as a travel agent, an elementary school teacher, a legal assistant, and my last job was as a licensed professional counselor and discharge planner at an inpatient behavioral health facility.  In addition to pursuing my love of writing and beginning another children’s book, I am currently the owner and founder of “Mourning to Light Pet Loss,” which offers individual and family counseling to children and adults who are struggling with the loss of their pet.
5. What was your favorite book growing up? This question makes me smile. I had many books I loved growing up, but my favorite one was Miss Twiggley’s Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox. In fact, I still have the book and can’t wait to read it to my granddaughter.

connect with the author:  website  ~  facebook  ~  goodreads

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