Charlotte R

Charlotte Rabbit was a sad little bunny. No one wanted to take her home from the Christmas shop because she was so unappealing. Her coat was a dull brown, her eyes were too small and her feet were too big. So she sat on the shelf and watched as all of her friends went off to wonderful homes. Charlotte dreamed of the day when she would find someone to love her enough to give her a warm, loving home and family. Then, one day, a lady saw Charlotte sitting all alone on the shelf. The lady invited Charlotte to live with her and thus began a wonderful adventure that made all of Charlotte's dreams come true.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What prompted you to write a children's book?
A: In my early years, I worked as a Children's Librarian in the Calgary Public Library system and always felt that one day I would like to share a story with young readers. "Charlotte R" came out of that desire.

Q: What is "Charlotte R" all about?
A: "Charlotte R" is the story of a sad, homely little stuffed bunny that no one wants so she is left in the shop long after all her friends go to new homes. All Charlotte wants someone to love her and a special family of her own. A lady finds her and takes Charlotte to her home filled with cats and there finally all of Charlotte's dreams come true. The underlying message is that it is not what one looks like on the outside, but how one feels on the inside.

Q: Who does the illustrations?
A: My son, Christopher Bailey, has done all of the art work both on the cover and the beautiful interior drawings. He has no formal training, but his natural ability has brought my words to life on the pages and gives all of the characters wonderful colour.

Q: Is "Charlotte R" a real rabbit?
A: Charlotte is very "real" in that she is a little stuffed bean bag bunny that I actually did find in a shop, so in a sense, this is actually Charlotte's biography. I have made all of the clothes that she wears in the story and she even joins me for book signings, on occasion. She especially likes to be part of storytime and Mr. Mouse her real cat friend always takes part in these special times.

Q: Are there going to be any more stories about Charlotte?
A: I am already working on the next book which will be an adventure that Charlotte and her new friend Webster will be going on. The theme will again be one of alluding to a message about friendship, sharing and caring.

Q: What does the "R" in "Charlotte R" stand for?
A: I am always amused when asked this question as children always know that it stands for "Rabbit", but adults are surprised. Everyone needs a last name for their own special identity and Charlotte R is no exception.

Note: A portion of the profits from "Charlotte R" is being donated to the Alberta Childrens' Hospital Foundation.

E-Mail: pawspub@telusplanet.net