Gabriola author Morri Mostow has written and published her first children’s book.
The book, P.J. le Pooch and the Magic Sketchbook, is about an 11-year-old girl named Millie McTwitter who adopts the dog P.J. le Pooch while her mother is away. Her mother has a strict no-pet policy.
Once the dog is in her life, McTwitter’s drawings in her sketchbook, which was a present from her late father, begin to aminate on the page. When the girl’s mother returns, she threatens to return the dog to the shelter. The girl begins to work to keep the dog in line to keep him in her life.
The story was inspired by Mostow’s friend and her dog, who live in Quebec.
“It’s really her story fictionalized,” she said. “The bones, the basic idea, was inspired by her.”
The cover art for the book was designed by Gabriola artist Vicky Bowes, whom Mostow met during an artist event.
“Her style seemed to be a perfect fit,” said Mostow.
For the past 35 years, Mostow has worked in the corporate marketing and communications field.
“I’ve been writing basically all my life,” said Mostow. “This was a story I wanted to tell because it was inspired, kind of, by real life and people.”
Mostow founded Fictive Press in 2012, through which she self-published her book. She has published 15 books, including Gabriola playwright Charlotte Cameron’s The Alex Decoteau Story and Carol Matas’s Tucson Jo, a 2014 National Jewish Book Awards finalist.
“It’s been a really enjoyable experience as an editor and publisher,” said Mostow.
She usually creates her own book covers for clients. She said the process is a very “creative experience.”
“It’s been a challenge, but it’s been a lot of fun. I’m enjoying it immensely,” said Mostow.
P.J. le Pooch and the Magic Sketchbook is available at www.fictivepress.com as an e-book or as print on demand.