Books by Hope Thomas

Children's Novel

Available in E-Book and Print Book

Boogs - the first book in the series.

This is the story of a sad and confused little dog named Boogs, who suffers many hardships in his early life. Then he meets Hannah, the German Shepherd who becomes his friend and they set out on a big adventure together. At first life by themselves in the woods is a bit scary but then they meet a squirrel named Squeek who teaches them some very valuable life skills and the pair have a new friend for life. After leaving Squeek, they encounter Queeny, a skunk who begins by wanting to bully Boogs and Hannah but who ends up becoming their friend.

This delightful novel, told to us by a wise old owl, will give children up to around 12 or 13 years much to think about and discuss. Share with a younger child or have an older child read themselves, there is much to be learned from this experience. Suitable for classroom learning as well as for reading-for-pleasure. The topics covered include: faith, hope, trust, stranger danger, bullying, friendship, accepting peers for what and who they are, working together to achieve goals, identifying goals, appreciating others, sharing information with others, learning about ancestors and dealing with life's uncertainties and insecurities.

INTERVIEW WITH HOPE THOMAS

This is an interview conducted by L P King earlier this year with Hope Thomas, a new Author to Mountain Mist Productions who hails from Texas, and who is about to launch a new series for children featuring the adventures of a little lost dog and his friends as they travel the world solving problems and helping the cause of animals everywhere. The series will form part of the I-H-O-P-E sagas.

L P King: What was your motivation for this book?

Hope Thomas: A little dog rescued by my daughter. We called him Boogs and I recognized the potential in him right away.

LPK: So tell us a little about Boogs and what made you decide he would make a credible subject for your book?

HT: When I first met Boogs about a year ago, I found myself answering what a particular look meant. He had so many ways to communicate in a soft perplexed look. Like he was the "why" kid or the "Mikey" of dogs. His ears were amazing. With those ears he said it all. His heart was so innocent that one can't help but love him. I could not imagine how anyone could abuse such a wonderful little creature.

LPK: You obviously have more in mind than just telling the story of Boogs' adventures. Tell us more.

HT: Because of my conviction to 'rescue' dogs/pets rather than breed more, I felt Boogs could tell a wonderful story about survival and teach those who don't respect them. Pets like people have to be taught. Abusive owners just don't seem to realize that pets are 'people' too. Children grow up with what adults teach them. I figured Boogs could be a way to help break the circle of abuse and show that even pets in the dog pound are 'worth' living and deserve a home where they could be safe and happy.

LPK:Why is this so important to you?

HT: Children are our future. To me; respect is everything and we must also respect animals. We are surrounded by all forms of animals and we the people need to understand that it is all part of life; people,critters and pets alike. We all need to respect the each other and to understand that abusing pets is one of the greatest sins of our world.

LPK: How would you explain the role of animals in people's lives these days?

HT:Pets of all forms enhance ones life. Pets teach people more than people teach pets. Pets are unconditional. They don't judge you; you are you in their eyes and it doesn't matter what you look like or how many relatives you have to gossip about you. You are just you to them. Pets give and give and give without expectations; other than a cookie every now and then....LOL. To have the feeling of unconditional love is phenominal. That kind of love from a pet supplies warm soft unending love; no matter what.

LPK: So do you think there is still a lot of educating to do to get people to recognise the legitimacy of animals in society?

HT: MOST CERTAINLY!. Abuse of animals in general is an insult to the human species and that is being passed down to generations. We must stop the circle of abuse to pets and animals in general.

LPK: Without giving too much away, can you give us a quick story outline?

HT: Sure. Simply put, it is a story of an abused dog on an adventure to "Discover Himself", "Walking with Himself" and "Being Himself. Boogs meets up with all the critters of the forest; like a Squirrel named Squeek, a German Shephard names "Hannah" and a skunk named Queeny in the first book. Boogs learns brand new things from each one he meets up with....This is a life process through the eyes of a dog with an "Owl" watching and telling of Boog's adventures in learning. You can't help but fall in love with this 'little guy'. The story is told with humor and laughter with all the uh's and awe's of reality.

LPK:You are obviously passionate about this project. Any special plans for the book?

HT: I have visions of seeing Boogs as required reading in schools. If it isn't, the teachers will loose out on teaching compassion. Children to adults will enjoy reading Boogs's trials and tribulations. I like to think that I have succeeded in making Boogs enjoyable to all ages from child to adult and they in turn will be able to walk away with a smile on their faces.

LPK: International Heroes of Pets Everywhere... you are thinking big and we wish you luck with it.

HT: Thank you, I have a lot of ideas for lots of stories to come. Boogs is a real dog, with real problems and real innocence.Boogs has only just begun!

ABOUT HOPE THOMAS

HOPE THOMAS hails from Texas and already has an impressive Internet presence. Hope is a Graduate of the Class of 1986 at the University of Texas at Arlington which she entered as an older student in 1971. At the University Hope tutored and established a Workshop focussing primarily on foreign students in an effort to help them with their writing. No stranger to hard work, Hope attended both full-time and part-time classes whilst working on campus under a Work/Study Program to pay back student loans and to support her family as a single parent.

Hope now relishes her freedom to write and draws on her life experiences to enhance her many creative and artistic interests. Besides writing, Hope loves craft; painting; web design and she teaches crochet and knitting; does rock painting and puts her designs on shirts, hats and shells.

We are introducing Hope to you initially as a Children's Author but she is also a Poet and we are looking forward to seeing a couple of other adult-orientated books she has in progress. You can take a peek at Hope's Poetry at http://www.starangelconnections.com. As a Poet, Hope's work is often reflective of her own experiences and conveys a wide range of emotions and feelings which people at times find hard to articulate. As with all Poetry, Hope's is a journey of heartfelt emotions which range from despair to contentment, sadness to happiness, loneliness to being together and from the darkenss of death to the uplifting heights of enlightenment .

In the Boogs Books, Hope combines her formal studies in Children's Literature with a determination to teach children to love and respect all species of life on Earth. Boogs is part of the I-H-O-P-E Sagas which stands for International Heroes Of Pets Everywhere and promises some great adventures for its characters as well as giving children some valuable lessons.

ABOUT STEPHANIE L.GROSSI

Boogs is illustrated by Stephanie L.Grossi. Stephanie has been a Graphic Artist for nine years and now works as a High School Special Education Teacher in Rhode Island where she trained and received her Bachelor's Degree from Rhode Island College. She loves the beach and painting just for fun.

Together with Hope Thomas, Stephanie Grossi hopes the Boogs series will inspire children all over the world.