Interview with Children's Book Author Karen Carew Oakes

Karen Carew Oakes, has been writing for many years and her articles have been included in the Lutheran Advent, as well as an article in several magazines. She is a mother and grandmother. She lives in Helotes, Texas with her two schnauzers Ella and Mackenzie. Her stories are based on true experiences her children encountered growing up.

Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karencarewoakes.  

About the Book:

Title: DREWSILLA THE SHELTER PUPPY
Author: Karen Carew Oakes
Publisher: Archway Publishing
Pages: 22
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

BOOK BLURB:

When Drewsilla and her siblings are tiny puppies, an accident steals their mother away. A kind stranger rescues them and takes them to a shelter, where the staff works around the clock to care for the pack of newborns. Soon, her brothers and sisters begin to thrive. Drewsilla has a beautiful black coat, intelligent eyes, and ears that stand straight up.

Drewsilla, though, is scared. She seems afraid of everyone and everything and hides in the back of her cage when families come to visit. As her friendly siblings each get adopted, lonely Drewsilla remains. The staff even worries that she might never find a home. Then, one day, something amazing happens.

The Johnsons come to the shelter to look at another dog and see Drewsilla, who miraculously finds the courage to stop hiding and say hello. All shelter dogs deserve the chance to find a loving family, and this is the true story of Drewsilla -- how she overcomes her fears, finds her family, and gets a second chance at a happy life.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2BVKVN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Thanks for this interview, Karen.  I’ve always wanted to write children’s books.  When did you determine that writing for children was for you?

Actually, I have been writing all of my life. As a kid I would write alternate story lines for books and comics I read.

What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Drewsilla the Shelter Puppy?

Drewsilla the Shelter Puppy, was inspired by Drewsillas adoption by my daughter and son inlaw.

How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience?  Are you around kids?  Are you a kid at heart?

Everyone likes a story with a happy ending. Drewsilla was a very shy withdrawn puppy because of the way she was found. She was very tramatized and the shelter was not sure if she would find a home. She chose my daughter and son inlaw.

Children love stories about animals and Drewsillas story also teaches the importance of adopting. There are so many animals in need of home

What was your favorite book as a child?

As a kid I loved a good mystery. Robin Kane mysteries and Nancy Drew were two of my favorites series.

What kind of advice would you give writers who would like to write children’s books?

I would say make sure you know your audience. I actually read my stories at local schools in the library and to friends childrens. 

What are your goals for the future?  More children’s books?

I am in the process of putting illustrations together for my series of books The Misadventures of Kelly and Radar. These are fun and informative books children can relate to.