The Story Behind Panda Pat

Every book has a story behind it, but few have waited as long to be told as "Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat." For 25 years, the manuscript for this story sat in my desk drawer, waiting patiently for its moment to come to life.

A Teacher's Dream

As a lifelong educator, I've always believed in the power of stories to teach important lessons. Throughout my career—from my early days as a football coach to my final years teaching at a performing arts school—I witnessed firsthand how the right story at the right time could reach a child in ways that lectures and lessons never could.

The story of Cat and Panda Pat was born from these classroom experiences. I watched children navigate friendships, deal with competition, and learn (sometimes the hard way) how their words and actions affected others. The themes of humility, respect, and redemption weren't just abstract concepts to me—they were daily lessons I saw playing out in the lives of my students.

Twenty-Five Years of Waiting

Why did it take so long? Life, simply put. A teaching career doesn't leave much time for pursuing publishing dreams. Between lesson plans, grading papers, coaching, and mentoring students, the manuscript remained tucked away, a "someday" project that I never quite got around to.

But I never forgot about Panda Pat and Cat. Even as the years passed, I held onto the hope that someday, I would make this my first children's book.

The Encouragement I Needed

Upon my second retirement from teaching, my children encouraged me to finally pursue this long-held dream. "Dad," they said, "you've spent your whole life teaching other people's children. Now it's time to share your story with the world."

Their encouragement was the push I needed. I dusted off that old manuscript, refined it, and began the journey toward publication.

Finding the Perfect Illustrator

One of the best decisions I made was partnering with illustrator Steven Nosov. Steven's playful, vibrant style—inspired by cartoons and video game design—brought Panda Pat and Cat to life in ways I had only imagined. His illustrations capture both the whimsy and the emotion of the story, creating a visual experience that children and parents can appreciate together.

The Recognition

Winning the 2020 Story Monsters Approved Award for the School Life Category and receiving a 5-star review from Readers' Favorite felt like validation not just for the book, but for all those years of teaching. The lessons I tried to impart in my classroom were now reaching children I would never meet, in places I would never go.

Why These Lessons Matter

In today's world, where children are constantly bombarded with messages about winning, being the best, and standing out, the lessons in "Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat" feel more relevant than ever. Cat's journey from boastful competitor to humble friend reminds us all—children and adults alike—that how we treat others matters more than any trophy or prize.

The story teaches that:

• Our words have power—they can hurt or heal
• True friendship means standing by someone even when they mess up
• It's never too late to make things right
• Humility and respect are strengths, not weaknesses

Looking Forward

Seeing "Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat" in the hands of children, parents, and teachers brings me immense joy. Every photo a parent shares of their child reading the book, every teacher who uses it for a character education lesson, every child who learns that it's okay to say "I'm sorry"—these moments make those 25 years of waiting worthwhile.

And who knows? Maybe there are more stories waiting to be told. After all, a lifetime in education provides plenty of material.