Nora Bruno's first book, “The Meow Brothers… Find a Home,” was inspired by her own cats, Cheshire and Barnabas. She found them in 2011 − or rather, they found her.
“They are real-life cats,” the South Plainfield resident said. “Even though it's a fictionalized story, it has a lot of true situations that happened while I found them outside. I was in high school, and I found them in my neighborhood within months of each other.”
Bruno was prompted to capture their adventures together in her picture book illustrated by Emily Hercock, who lives in Great Britain, and designed by Travis Peterson, from Norway. It's available for purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart in hardcover and e-book formats and at some local bookshops, such as Town Book Store in Westfield and Newmarket in Metuchen. Several libraries also carry it.
While Bruno didn’t know anything about their past, both cats appeared to be strays and living outside. Orange tabby Cheshire appeared first, followed by grey Barnabas. She wanted to bring them in but knew her dog Cassie would not be welcoming. After Cassie's death two years later, both cats were acclimated to the indoors, a few months after each other.
“I wanted to bring them in so bad − they were outside, surviving in all of the weather elements,” Bruno said. “Their transformation from when I found them was really so inspiring. They were very shy and skittish, and then after daily visits to my porch, they built up a lot of trust. … These cats had a second chance, and even though they were very resilient and surviving outside, it was not easy for them. And a lot of times, it was not safe, but they didn't let that impact them. They overcame those challenges.”
Bruno adapted the cats' names slightly for the book, with Cheshire becoming Chester and Barnabas becoming Barnaby. Bruno's alter ego is Madison, the little girl who cares for the cats and helps them find a home.
Bruno began writing the book while Barnabas was alive − the orange tabby died a few years ago. This was a way to honor him after his passing, she said. Cheshire is still doing well at around 13 years old, and their family has added Randall, a grey and white cat, to the mix.
In her picture book, geared to children ages 4-8, Bruno tells the story of a “cuddly cat named Chester” who is left out on the streets after his owners move away, left to search for food and shelter on his own. Luckily, Madison, an animal-loving girl, finds Cheshire and quickly makes it her mission to care for him every day.
Soon, “a clever cat named Barnaby” shows up. The cats must learn to get along with each other and have to face another obstacle − a snowstorm. The question is − will Madison be able to rescue the two, get them to the veterinarian, and bring them inside her warm home?
The story offers many lessons for readers, highlighting kindness, friendship, rescuing animals and the responsibility of taking care of a pet. It also celebrates the human-animal bond and is meant to remind children of the value of second chances and believe that things can always change for the better.
“When I was a child, I can only recall maybe one or two books that I read which featured a stray cat or dog,” she said. “There are still so many homeless cats on the streets and shelter cats out there, so I hope my book can raise awareness to children about pet adoption. As I say to my young readers in my dedication, it only takes one paw at a time − or cat at a time− to make a giant difference in this world.”
Bruno now splits her time between her full-time job as a Westfield elementary school paraprofessional, part-time gigs at an animal shelter and pet-sitting and doing author tasks, like storytimes, marketing and of course, writing. She’s working on a sequel titled “The Meow Brothers… Meet Cassie,” inspired by her late dog. It's expected to be published in the next few months.
“This book has themes of friendship, welcoming, accepting, and including others, and adapting to change,” Bruno said.
The author will be hosting storytime events at the South Plainfield Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. April 2, Edison Public Library at 1 p.m. April 6, Kenilworth Library at 6:30 p.m. April 8 and at the Highland Park Street Fair at 11 a.m. May 4. “(The book) is something that I'm really proud of and believe in, because it's all goes back to my biggest passion for animals that I've had since I was little,” she said. “It's really always been important to me. When I was in school, I liked writing, but I never thought of the idea to publish a book. So it was really my cats that strongly inspired me and led me to look into self-publishing and learn all about it.”
Since self-publishing her book in 2022, Bruno has read at libraries, bookstores, schools, local businesses − and even cat cafes. She has spoken about her author journey at children’s creative writing banquets and on podcasts. She is always open for school visits, author visits, virtual and in-person storytimes and children's birthday parties. Recently, Bruno donated copies to libraries in Los Angeles affected by wildfires.
After her readings, Bruno invites listeners to ask questions about the book, her cats and being an author. In turn, she asks about how they have or can help the animals in their communities.
“Talking about my love for animals since I was a little girl is truly so rewarding,” Bruno said. “It has been so amazing to connect with children as well as meeting others − including fellow authors − along the way.”
Bruno is on Instagram @author.nora.violetviepress.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
