Leave a comment on today’s post and you’re eligible to win this author’s giveaway. Each day in November that you comment gives you an entry into the Grand Prize giveaway at the end of them month! (Print copies for US residents only, please. If you live outside the US and win, you will receive a digital copy of this book.)
When my husband and I lost our dog, Klaus, to lymphoma, we were devastated. He had just turned six. We attempted chemotherapy, but in the end, cancer won. Then, just like that, the happy, ‘I’m-so-excited-to-see-you’ doggie dance and dog kisses were gone every time we entered our front door. Weeks later, my husband turned to me and said, “Since you love to write, you should write a children’s book about a dog named Klaus.” It was one of those ‘light bulb’ moments, and I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it myself.
For years, I wrote poetry and had a few poems published, but I always dreamed of writing a children’s book. So, I sat armed with pen and paper and wrote. I allowed my imagination to whisk me away to an early morning walk with Klaus. Writing helped me work through the grief of missing my sweet Klaus. When my story, Klaus’ First Winter, was complete, I tucked it away and had plans to someday use this book as a vehicle to help animals. I didn’t know at the time how that would happen, but I did know some day it would happen.
Here I am, years later, with two published books: Klaus’ First Winter and Christmas with Klaus.
My love of books and for animals have merged together to create a children’s book series that entertains as it educates. I serve on a volunteer committee for Friends of the Providence Animal Care and Control Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to supporting the animals at the Providence Animal Shelter. A percentage of all book sales, both hard cover and kindle, are donated to Friends of the PACCC and helps contribute to funding the Mobile Grooming Program at the shelter. I am a member of the Association of Rhode Island Authors and live in southern New England with my husband Ernie and our rescue dog, Jax. I am a passionate advocate for making a difference by adopting at your local animal shelter. Currently, I am writing the third book in my series.
My books can be purchased at retails store across Rhode Island: Stillwater Books, Barrington Books, Imagine Gift Store, Jack’s Snacks-A Dog’s Bakery, Somewhere in Tyme, Petals Gift Store, Woodlawn Gardens Florist, Tally’s Religious Gifts (Christmas book only at Tally’s) and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. They can also be purchased in Webster, Massachusetts at Booklover’s Gourmet.
Denise is offering a print copy of either Klaus’ First Winter or Christmas with Klaus (winner’s choice). Just comment on this blog post to be eligible!
Hope to see you on Saturday, December 1 at the RI Author Expo!
About my books:
Klaus’ First Winter
Take a stroll with Klaus the dog through a charming New England neighborhood and meet some of his friends along the way. On this adventure, you will discover, alongside Klaus, how Sally Squirrel, Billy the Eastern Bluebird, and Freddie Frog survive the cold and snowy winter months. Have fun while learning about migration and hibernation on this fascinating autumn morning walk.
Christmas With Klaus
When Denise and Ernie carry a tree into the house, set it in a stand, and waters it, a baffled and curious Klaus wonders why. Klaus turns to his friend Pebbles, who is a dog too, for the answer. Join in the excitement as Klaus plays in snow for the first time, discovers an ornament with his name hanging from a tree branch and learns about Christmas traditions and the reason for the season.
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/deniseflagg.author/
https://www.instagram.com/denise.flagg.author/
Visit my website at https://www.deniseflagg.com/.
For more information about Friends of the Providence Animal Care and Control Center, visit http://www.friendsofpaccc.org/.
Martha Reynolds Writes 
Sounds like such a good book love books about animals!
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Having had many furry family members, I know how devastating it can be to lose them. Your books are a wonderful way of honoring Klaus, while also giving children a chance to experience the joy that can be found in books. I also love that you donate part of your proceeds. Right now, we have 3 rescue dogs and 5 cats who were all strays. We cherish every one of them.
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Thank you for your kind words Cathy! I love that you opened your home to so many rescue animals!
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What a beautiful way to keep Klaus’ memory alive and work thru your own grief. In the proccess, you’ve introduced children to the love of reading and helped less fortunate animals than Klaus to be cared for humanly. Win-Win-Win-Win!
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Thank you Barbara! I love sharing Klaus’ compassionate personality with the world.
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Cute doggies in a book, what else do you need?
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So true. Kids love books about animals, and I do too.
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Thank you Dana! I had the pleasure of meeting your sweet boxer who, by the way, gives the best dog kisses! I appreciate your kind words, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the RI Author Expo.
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It’s funny how inspiring pets can be to the writing process. My entire werewolf series was created because of my ginormous, all-black German shepherd. Good luck, Denise!
Christine DePetrillo
http://www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
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Thank you Christine! Congratulations of your books series.
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Denise, You are the best Doggie Mom ever and Kraus lives on through you. Keep writing and sharing, it’s something you are so good at!
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Thank you for all your support Claremary! I think the best part of my experience as a new writer is meeting authors like you – so giving and supportive. See you at the RI Author Expo.
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Denise, I think this Expo will be lots of fun. So many good friends happily getting together like proud parents with our creations. See you soon.
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I’m so glad that Klaus was the inspiration for two great children’s books. The content of both books sounds helpful to children with pets.
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Thank you Karen! I enjoy sharing my stories with children. It’s music to my ears every time I hear a child reading my book out loud. See you next month at the Expo.
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Wonderful stories with superb illustrations that will captivate a child’s imagination. Klaus’ adventures will surely be a little one’s favorite bedtime stories! I absolutely LOVE the story where Klaus visits his little forest animal friends and finds out how they plan and prepare for the long, cold winter ahead! It is my favorite!!!
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Thank you Dana! I was delighted to work with Illustrator, Chad Thompson. Chad was hired by the Walt Disney Feature Animation studio in Florida, and for seven years, he worked on animated movies such as Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. Maybe one day, Klaus will be on the big screen.
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Sounds absolutely delightful. I remember my boys’ sadness when we lost our Westie and reading about animals sure helped.
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Thank you Denise! It’s so hard to lose a furry family member. They truly are family.
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As a dog lover, dog mommy, and having lost a few dogs over the years I understand your pain. What a great way to honor your beloved Klaus. I look forward to buying your books for my grandson.
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Thank you for your kind words Michelle! My husband and I are now enjoying our days with our sweet, rescue dog, Jax.
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Not only a terrific children’s author, but a caring person whose love of children and animals in obvious to all that know her. Your own kids will love her books. Paul Caranci municipalheritage@gmail.com
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Thank you Pau! I value your kind words. It’s been a pleasure to meet so many wonderful authors like you.
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As a boxer mom and children’s author, I was immediately drawn to Denise Flagg’s story about sweet Klaus and her dedication to helping our furry friends. Beautiful writer and person, her books will surely put the joy of reading at any child’s fingertips.
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Thank you Dana! I had the pleasure of meeting your sweet boxer who, by the way, gives the best dog kisses! I appreciate your kind words, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the RI Author Expo.
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