When writer Marty Chan dropped by the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), he unexpectedly ran into an old superstition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
After checking the cages, he and his wife Michelle left with a couple of tuxedo cats in hand. “It was a deliberate choice. We learned they are the last to find homes because of their colour and that horrible superstition.” You know, the one where black cats are partners of the dark arts.
Chan, who faced discrimination as part of the only Chinese family in Morinville, was appalled by this deep-rooted stereotype. Fired up by a prejudice so opposite to his loving cats, he decided to dispel myths and penned True Story for young children from three to six years.
“It was important that they be tuxedo cats and that they be cute and that kids fall in love with them,” said Chan. His own Buddy and Max are the mischievous protagonists in this 30-page picture book illustrated by Fort McMurray artist Lorna Bennett.
True Story’s book launch is at the new EHS facility this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Both he and Bennett will be signing autographs. With each book sold, $3 will be donated to the EHS.
“I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without them,” says Chan of the strong bond that has developed between the felines and the Chan family.
In True Story, Zak has two tuxedo cats, Buddy and Max, who are always getting him into trouble by scribbling on walls, smashing cars, cutting clothes and chasing monsters. Or is the culprit really Zak?
As in real life, the storybook Max is the troublemaker while Buddy is the more timid of the two, the “stress farter” when the pressure hits.
But despite their opposite personalities, they are very close. “When we adopted them they were in a cage for two months. They spent a lot of time together and it shows. Nine out of 10 times when you walk into a room, you see them together.”
True Story is starting to turn heads, much of which Chan credits to Bennett’s two-dimensional, cartoon-like illustrations. “The rules of reality are twisted so cats don’t look realistic, and that gives her the freedom to play around.”
EHS, located at 13620 – 163rd Street, celebrates its grand opening Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.edmontonhumanesociety.com.
