With millions of pets entering U.S. animal shelters each year, local children’s book author and animal advocate Kathleen Kastner is on a mission to promote pet microchipping through her latest children’s book on animal rescue. Kastner recently released Karma Cats Puppy Quest, the fourth installment in her Karma Cats picture book series, aimed at teaching young readers about kindness, bravery, and helping animals in need, according to a news release.
In this heartwarming children’s adventure book for preschoolers through second graders, superhero cat brothers Julian and Oliver leap into action when a playful puppy named Jersey pulls off the leash to chase a frightened cat, Suki, and both get lost. Packed with thrilling moments, courage, compassion, and the power of teamwork, the story champions the importance of rescuing lost pets. Will the heroic Karma Cats save the day? Find out in this delightful story that celebrates the magic of friendship and helping animals in need. Priced at $18.95, the book is available on Amazon and at www.kathleenkastner.com.
Join Kastner for the Karma Cats Puppy Quest Book Launch Party at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas on Saturday, Nov. 8, from10:30 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a meet and greet with Jersey, storytime reading, book signing, coloring, refreshments and information on pet microchipping. A portion of book sales will be donated to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
Kastner drew inspiration from real-life rescues, basing Jersey on her friend’s loving pit bull, who was saved from the streets of Los Angeles and adopted through a rescue organization.
“Jersey is one of the most affectionate and well-behaved dogs I’ve ever met. Suki was rehomed to me in 1994 and was my best friend for many years. I want people to see that rescue animals make wonderful pets and family members—I have three rescue cats myself, and they mean the world to me,” says Kastner in the news release.
The children’s book addresses a critical issue in animal welfare: There are approximately 6.3 million dogs and cats in U.S shelters and while euthanasia rates are declining—down to about 607,000 in 2024—many lost pets could be reunited with their families through simple steps like pet microchipping.
“I hope this story encourages pet parents to microchip their animals, register the chip, and keep contact information updated. It’s an easy way to reduce shelter overcrowding and save lives,” Kastner added in the news release.
As a volunteer at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, Kastner highlights affordable pet microchipping options: Rancho Coastal offers microchipping for $25, including registration. They also have a microchip scanner at their front gate that is accessible 24/7 for the public to use if they find a lost pet. Additionally, Petco’s “Love Lost” program uses facial recognition technology to match photos of lost or found pets, helping reunite families nationwide, the news release stated.
Kastner created the Karma Cats series in memory of her “soulmate cats,” Julian and Oliver. She hosts storytime events at schools and libraries, inspiring kids to be “superheroes of kindness” toward animals. Future plans include expanding the Karma Cats franchise into a TV series, according to the news release.
For more on Kastner and her books, visit www.kathleenkastner.com.