By: Karyn Connors
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The day that I met Kitty
I knew she was my human
Kitty needed me, even if she didn’t know it yet!
Kitty and I tells the story of the special bond that develops between a human and their assistance dog. Children and adults can share in this beautiful tale of Kitty and Raffy’s journey from their very first meeting through to their becoming a team. Their heart-warming story also unfolds visually in the form of vibrant and unique illustrations that bring to life their journey together.
Karyn has worked in the field of early childhood education her entire career. She is a business owner of a children’s centre and training organisation. Her affinity for children is evident in her first book, and she is looking forward to writing and illustrating further stories of her and her assistance dogs’ adventures.
A beautiful book filling a special need showing children the place for assistance dogs in our confusing world.
A good book to read to my grandchildren, it’s so bright with wonderful artwork. Hi
My best friend and I recently found this book at the library and read it to our sons. The boys loved the illustrations and I personally loved the messages within the book. This was a beautiful book sharing awareness and a heartfelt story about a human and their assistance dog. I would recommend this book for any age, particularly birth to school age.
Kitty and I is an exciting story of adventure and kept the children in my Kindergarten captivated. It highlights the important role of a service dog and encouraged wonderful discussion on inclusion. Fantastic!
I love to read children's books that move my feelings and this one really does.
'Kitty and I' is from the dogs (Raffy) point of view telling of how he looks after Kitty and the training he does in order to take care of her.
It is very colourful with so much detail with the story line being easy to read, and encourages children to ask questions.
I especially love the last line in the story as it brought a tear to my eye.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to teach children about emotions or who just loves dogs.
5 out of 5 stars
The unique illustrations from "Kitty and I" are what caught my eye first. The colourful and detailed illustrations were fun and entertaining. A clever way of telling a story about the special relationship between Kitty and her assistance dog Raffy. The story is from Raffy's perspective which highlights his important role in helping with adult anxiety. All age groups will enjoy this book. Younger readers will enjoy how a dog helps Kitty and older readers may relate to the need of seeking help with anxiety.
I bought this book to explain to my daughter why her older brother was getting a puppy and the important role an assistance dog would play in his life and in our family. The illustrations are unique and engaging and we loved sitting together and noticing the small intricacies. My daughter particularly enjoyed that it was written from Raffy’s perspective!
I bought this amazing book for my grandson and I am so glad I did. The story in its self is so well written and so informative about a beautiful support animal, who is truly amazing and caring and helping so many people. It taught my grandson and myself about how much of an important role animals play in everyday life. How kindness is so important to us all!! The illustrations are just amazing. I would recommend this book for everyone and especially as a great educational tool.
I recommend this amazing book to everyone!!
Kitty and I is an endearing tale of the love and bond between an Assistance Dog and his human. The reader is taken on a journey of discovery and adventure through the eyes of an Assistance Dog and cultured with an understanding of his very important role in Kitty’s world. The tale comes to life with beautifully creative and imaginative artwork. I would recommend this book to both children and adults for a fun and enlightening read.
This is a delightful picture storybook about the special relationship between Kitty who suffers from anxiety and her gorgeous assistance puppy. The book is written through the eyes of the dog and looks into the symptoms of anxiety and how they work together to create a calmer, happier existence. The book is beautifully illustrated using collage in bold, bright colours and images intertwined to make an intriguing background and accompaniment for the text.
I highly recommend this beautiful book as a source of experiences in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
I absolutely loved this book…as do my grand children. Great story line for all ages. Well done
Kitty and I is an exciting story of adventure and kept the children in my Kindergarten captivated. It highlights the important role of a service dog and encouraged wonderful discussion on inclusion. Fantastic!
Kitty and I has been such a beautiful book to read for myself, as-well as to read to my children.
The spectacular artwork and illustrations intrigue you to take the ride along side ‘Kitty and her assistant dog’! Each page you find something different every time you read it.
We loved following the adventure and journey of Kitty becoming a handler and her loving assistant dog.
Explained in such a great way that children of all ages can understand and to teach us adults a thing or two!
I highly recommend ‘Kitty and I’ as an asset to have in any library, bookstore or bookshelf.
Well done Karyn Connors for creating a book to cover such an important subject.
What a wonderful, artistically creative depiction of fear and how it 'takes over' someone, in this case Kitty.
Having Raffy narrate the book provides the kind of objectivity required in life for self-reflection so it's an excellent guide for children (and adults consumed by anxiety).
The other message which comes across in this story is that anxiety is able to be managed and having a companion dog is a treatment option many people wouldn't consider.
The artwork alone is worth buying the book for.
Thoroughly enjoyed this (I'm in the 2nd half of life) and highly recommend it.
If it's not in the waiting room of your counselor/ psychologist or psychiatrist then let them know about it. It would be a great way to create rapport as a therapeutic aid.
'Kitty and I' is an incredibly heartwarming book that sensitively helps children and adults alike to understand how anxiety can impact on a person's life, and the the important and transformative role of an assistance dog. Karyn Connors' unique illustrations are a captivating artistic expression of the story. I'm so grateful for this book and all it's artful inclusion - a much needed piece of children's literature.
The illustrations from "Kitty and I" are what really grabs your attention. The colorful and detailed illustrations were fun and entertaining. It is great to see that there is also Illustrations incorporated into the story by the children that attends the Childcare Centre that Kitty Directs. It is such a great story for a wide range of ages to get a better understanding of how special and important an assistant dog can be in this case How special Raffy is to Kitty. This is a great Story and would definitely recommend.
Kitty and I is a delightful book written from the perspective of gorgeous Raffy, Kitty’s beloved assistance dog. Every page is entertaining, and the artwork is so engaging, unique and colourful. This book is a fantastic educational tool helping raise awareness of assistance dogs and their invaluable role in the lives of their humans, and can be enjoyed by people of any age.
Kitty and I beautifully describes the story of our relationships with our much loved puppies. The way Karyn describes Kitty’s anxiety in the book is very relatable and has helped my young daughter to understand her own feelings of anxiety.
This book offers a warm and happy storyline as well as the ability to assist children (and adults) to talk about their own feelings.
The illustrations in this book are incredible; they are so vibrant and you just know from looking at the front cover that the entire book is going to be packed to the brim with fun filled pages - and it is.
We love this book and will continue to read it for years to come.
Kitty and I is a beautiful book. The story is wonderfully written, showing Kitty and Raffy's gorgeous bond that they have together. It is amazing to see the story of how Kitty and Raffy came together and the journey they went through to make Raffy, Kitty's assistance dog. Karyn has also done an incredible job with the illustrations, using her uniqueness and artistic skills to portray the story in an exciting and creative way. Karyn has done an amazing job using her eclectic imagery to provide both entertainment and knowledge about assistance dogs and how they can help people to be braver and safer in their communities.
I can't wait to read future Kitty and I books, and see what else this beautiful duo gets up to.
I am overjoyed to see Karyn's dream of writing a children's book about her guide dog Raffi has now become a reality. Karyn approached me in my capacity as writing coach with the idea for this book and I was immediately impressed both by her original artwork and her unique story idea. Having met both the author and her guide dog, I've seen their loving bond first-hand and telling the story from the point of view of the dog is a beautiful touch. The book raises awareness about living with anxiety and how to manage it. This book is beautifully illustrated, tells a unique story and it will be an asset to any library helping kids understand inclusion and diversity. Highly recommended!
This book is great! The narrative & beautiful illustrations tell a lovely story about people living with anxiety.
As the story is told through to eyes of Raffy the wonder dog, I think it's a perfect addition to any kindergarten or school library.
My wife (ex-kindergarten director) and I love this book and congratulate Kitty on a job well done.
I was drawn to Karyn's book by the title "Kitty and I " as I was looking for a present for my granddaughter Kitty and her older sister. Once I had purchased and read it I realised it was a gem. The story, told from the dog Raffy's perspective as he helps Kitty overcome her fears in perilous situations and other adventures I think would appeal to children who suffer anxiety and lack confidence. Being a farmer who has had and trained many sheepdogs over the years I fully understand the bond that develops between us and our four legged friends, I believe we can learn a lot from them. Karyn's style of art and illustrations would engage the minds of young children, I'm sure, it's exactly as they would see situations themselves.
By seeing and reading about Kitty (the heroine) breezing through life, with Raffy's help of course would uplift their spirits and inspire the life of many young children.
The Kitty and I book is fantastic. The story in itself is engaging and educational and the pictures are just great. I have read this amazing book over and over and even though my grandson is still only a baby, I have sat and read the book to him, he gets very excited with the graphics. I would recommend this amazing book to anyone. It is not only for children but a great educational tool for Adults.
I love to read children's books that move my feelings and this one really does.
'Kitty and I' is from the dogs (Raffy) point of view telling of how he looks after Kitty and the training he does in order to take care of her.
It is very colourful with so much detail with the story line being easy to read, and encourages children to ask questions.
I especially love the last line in the story as it brought a tear to my eye.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to teach children about emotions or who just loves dogs.
5 out of 5 stars
As a Preschool Music Teacher and Educator, I am lucky to share in reading books with children each day. 'Kitty and I' is interesting and helps us learn about emotions and the role of an assistant dog. It is a wonderfully visually engaging book that captivates the children! This book is often requested at reading time.
Kitty and I is a children's book, written and illustrated by Karyn Connors. This is the story of a human, Kitty, meeting her assistance dog, Raffy. It shows the day they first meet. It shows the special bond they develop. It shows the things they do together. It also explains why Kitty needs an assistance dog. It details the training Raffy must complete for this role. Most importantly, it shows how much they love being together.
Kitty and I is written from the dog's point of view. This is a great twist on a classic love story about the bond between a human and her dog. The book teaches children about assistance dogs, including why a human might need one. It details the training required. It also discusses the symptoms of anxiety in humans. Thus, in addition to being fun and entertaining, this book has educational value.
Kitty and I is filled with colourful and innovative illustrations. Children will love the fact that the pages are completely covered with pictures, with the text laid over the top. The illustrations combine painted elements with occasional photographs. On one page, Kitty's body is a photograph; only her head is illustrated. On another, one of Kitty's hands is the only photographic element. Though it is unusual, this mix of styles works. It also provides a point of difference from other children's books.
As for negatives, I found only two minor errors in the book's text, both in the same sentence. Also, Raffy's name is not mentioned in the story, only in the blurb at the end. However, it could be argued that the dog does not know or understand his name, which is why he never mentions it.
Kitty and I is a fantastic children's book. Connors has created something for kids that is bright, fun, and informative. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to the parents of young children, particularly those who love dogs. Given its educational value, it should suit kids up to 10 years old.
This book will jump of the shelf naturally due to its bright and unique artwork. Each page is a captivating montague of colour and art created by Kitty's vivid and creative imagination.The story is also a masterpiece in its own right. It beautifly captures the amazing bond between an assistant dog and it's 'human'. It warmly promotes inclusion and diversity and will help people with anxiety and/or assistance dogs to feel represented and understood. A must read for adults and children alike.
Watching Kitty create her art is a privilege. Watching Raffy play with toys and enjoy the zoomies when not working is fun but seeing this much needed book evolve has been a privilege. The stunning art and moving story behind this book means it belongs on every bookshelf. We need to normalise conversations that discuss anxiety and mental health the way we do other health issues. Well done Kitty and Raffy, I look forward to seeing further adventures published.
What a gorgeous story and beautifully illustrated book for educating children about the relationship between a support dog and their person.
Reading this beautifully written story in an early childhood setting has been delightful.
The educators and children become emersed in discussing and investigating the stunning artwork throughout and opening up discussions about the importance of support dogs and the way we can use different strategies to feel comfortable in places we may have previously felt anxious.
A must-read!
Amazing! What a fabulous story, one that describes this precious relationship so well. I shed a tear as I read and felt it represented my own experience with my assistance dog. The book is an excellent conversation starter with children, providing an opportunity to discuss topics such as emotions, fears, anxiety, resilience, disability, ability, and approach assistance dogs and pet dogs. Love it!
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