One Proud Black Cat
One Proud Black Cat (OPBC), is an 800-word, subtly Halloween-themed children’s story about a real black cat named Kale, who is born and abandoned in a barn, then trapped and put up for adoption. Because people prefer non-black cats, Kale is not adopted quickly; but, in the end, the loving family who adopts him are well worth the wait. Inspired by Margaret Wise Brown’s The Color Kittens, OPBC encourages prospective adopters not to discount black cats (once the case because of superstition) and demonstrates that discrimination - or just plain feeling you don’t belong - should not prohibit one from trusting life’s currents and taking pride in themself. This is Melissa’s second collaboration with illustrator Stacy Fabbre (hence the pen name, Melissa Stacy).