Katie Melko Helps Children Navigate Growing Up With the Help of a Puppy
I belong to a great community of authors whose talents and passions run the gamut. One of my biggest joys in being involved in the online author community is not only being exposed to fantastic new novels but also getting to know the authors behind them, Mom’s Favourite Reads.
Katie Melko, author and owner of 12 Paws Publishing, has produced what is possibly the sweetest collection of children’s books. Roxy the puppy is in kindergarten at Paw Elementary and her life at school is full of first experiences which often leave her with emotions that are difficult to handle.
“The series was made to help children go through scary firsts like going to the dentist, doctor, or simply getting a hair cut,” Melko says. “The books go through the visit start to finish, to gain insight on what might happen during the visit and tools or instruments they may encounter all why seeing how Roxy relies on family and friends to help talk her through her fears and emotions of the visit. Most importantly, how she comes through these appointments happy and strong!”
Melko’s romance novel, Bottle of Uncertainty, also focuses strongly on loss, love and sacrifice, bringing to an adult audience the emphasis on communication and the positive affect that has on relationships. Melko had dedicated herself to bringing this theme of openness to her readers.
“I use my children books and my adult books to encourage readers that it is normal to want to shut down and hide or not express emotion, but how much better things are when we give in to those emotions and talk through feelings and come out the other side stronger and feeling better usually,” Melko says. “Embrace your beauty and don't let mistakes hold you back.”
Melko is honest about her own mistakes and struggles which brings a refreshing poignancy and honesty to her work.
“In my newest book, I talk about how the character deals with a mistake she made when she was a teenager and how it impacted her life moving forward. I used my own experience and choose to really try and make an impact with the story to help hopefully avoid other people from making the same mistake,” Melko says. “My story is happier than the version in my book, but it could have been so much worse for me and I'm so thankful that what I did - turned out the way it did.
Four years ago Melko was arrested for driving under the influence, believing herself safe to drive home. She reiterates that it was a stupid decision, but she’s not afraid to talk about it.
“I could have hurt someone or myself,” she says. “Thankfully, no one was hurt, no accident or anything, I was simply caught, got pulled over. I like to think this happened to me, to help me avoid from making an even bigger mistake in my life and to help spread the message, connect with others, and impress the seriousness of the action of driving drunk.”
It is this honesty and deep connection to her readers that has garnered Melko praise for her “freaking lovable” and flawed characters and excitement for what she publishes next.
Newly-graduated veterinarian, Amelia Pawksy, is desperately ready for a fresh start and to get out of dodge. She’s packed up one box of her most important belongings and of course, her trusted companion, Tune. You see, growing up in Massachusetts wasn’t easy and her troubled past and shattered heart has her eager to simply start over. Her only goal is to find a new place to call home and open a practice on the West Coast. But will her road trip lead her to a destination she never could have imagined?
When Teddy enters her life unexpectedly, will she be able to let her guard down before it’s too late? More importantly, can Teddy accept her as she is or will his desire for change force them apart? Teddy’s past has made him view life in black and white, creating uncertainty around one of the most important decisions of his life. Will they learn to love one another for who they are or will Amelia’s earth-shattering secrets ruin one of the best things that has ever happened to her? This story will take you on a journey with Amelia and Teddy as they discover forgiveness, passion and possibly a love that will last a lifetime.