Gullah, the Nawleans Cat Meets Katrina

Reading Level: Ages 6-12 years
For all ages: A keepsake book
Paperback: 32 pages
Color illustrations: 16 pages, Full-color watercolor
Book dimensions: "8 1/2" x "11" inches

In the summer of 2005, all America watched the destruction of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina on television.  An even more horrific scene followed as breeched levees allowed rampaging flood waters to fill eighty per cent of New Orleans. A great American city was drowning.

Stunned, Florida children's writer Nancy Murray watched and remembered other days when she sheltered her four small children during Hurricane Dora.

Illustrator Sandy Ford watched from the upper floors of a bank building in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a storm that would swallow up her home, cars, and art studio in its berserk attack.

Months later, the local folk coined an expression. They talk about what happened "when She came to town." "She" is Hurricane Katrina and many words are written about her. Most words are by, for and about grownups.

This book belongs to the children, those who lived through Katrina, those throughout the country who remember, and for all children who are frightened when disasters occur.

What happened to Gullah and Kitchey-Gee happened to thousands of men, women, children and animals when the "wicked lady" made her visit. But, as bad as she was, she could not conquer the human heart.

Because children relate so readily to pets and pets so connect us to our humanity, Gullah's story is one of hope and healing for all.

It is written to honor the thousands of "first responders" who rushed to help at first cry, and for those who did not forget the stray and the stranded, but rescued beloved pets reuniting them with their grieving owners.  

Gullah, The Nawleans Cat Meets Katrina is a book with a mission. It is the little book that wants to rebuild the Gulf Coast. 

For this reason a portion of the proceeds from sales was given to credible Katrina relief organizations. Individual causes may obtain books at a discount rate.    

Lastly, Gullah, The Nawleans Cat Meets Katrina is a book for everyone who understands the precious gift of life, of friendship, of hope and home.