Meet Author Karen Dean!

Karen Dean published her first book in 2003. She has published seven books that she both wrote and illustrated, one that she illustrated, and Karen has published a card game that coordinates with her book about girls bullying.

I Chose YOU! is her newest book!

Read I chose you!

Tell me a little bit about I Chose You!

When five-year-old Sammy puts a cowering, crying puppy from the adoption tent into his reluctant Mom's arms, she loves it's sweetness. The experience leads Sammy and his Mom to have a conversation that links his adoption and the adoption of the puppy. Mom allows Sammy to adopt the puppy, but trouble erupts between the puppy, Bailey, and the family's pet bunny, Thumpster. Will Bailey and Thumpster ever get along? Sammy must learn how to help Bailey feel safe and accept love and comfort in his new home, as they love past their differences.

It sounds interesting! Having worked for an animal shelter for many years, I always love hearing stories of animals finding their forever homes. What inspired you to write this story?

I was taking a writing class at the time I started this story. The focus for that week's lesson was to write an attention-getting opening paragraph. Inspiration came as I wrote the first sentence about a family heading into a pet store for bunny food. The attention grabber was the pet adoption tent in the parking lot and a sad-looking puppy off by itself. That immediately led me to create a main character who was also adopted. It probably has something to do with seeing so many joyful adoption stories on Facebook.

Are you already thinking of your next story idea?

Yes, I'm already working on the next manuscript. I write and illustrate so my mind sees both parts. Even though I have over 40 stories written and waiting for me to illustrate, a new one popped in my head and is taking over.

I always think it is so special when an author is also the illustrator and love hearing about that process! What do you hope to achieve with I Chose You?

I hope to convey to my audience the importance of caring about others, even when they don't look or do things the same, but instead, loving past our differences.

That is a beautiful message. What do you like to do when you're not writing?​

When I'm not working on books, I love painting Classical Realism oil portraits and seeing the joy a finished painting brings to my customers.

How wonderful! What has been your reader's reaction to the book?

My readers are touched by the love seen not only in the words but also the emotion from the illustrations. It seems to transport them to a happy, peaceful place.

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