The story behind the story
About the Book
A real-life Bengal cat, a children’s author with a tale to tell, and a rescue adventure that will capture hearts of all ages.
Meet Natalia
Natalia Woods is a children’s author from the UK whose own beloved Bengal cat, Buddy, inspired this rhyming adventure. She wanted to create a story that celebrates the unique bond between pets and the families who love them.
Growing up surrounded by animals, Natalia always believed that pets have a magic all their own: a quiet courage and boundless love that children instinctively understand. With Buddy and the Great Pet Rescue, she channelled that belief into a joyful, fast-paced rhyming adventure designed to be read aloud and treasured for years.
Buddy the fearless hero!
Book Details
ISBN
Published
Self-published
Illustrated by
Jennifer Horn
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- The real Buddy!
Meet the real Buddy!
About Buddy
Buddy isn't just any cat.
He is a real-life Bengal with a heart of gold, a spirit for adventure, and a knack for getting into just the right amount of trouble. His endless energy and curious nature inspired this very tale.
Bengals are known for their wild-cat markings and surprisingly dog-like personalities. They follow their owners from room to room, learn tricks, and communicate with chirps and trills. Buddy is no exception. He has been known to open cupboards, steal socks, and once famously “supervised” an entire kitchen renovation.
In the story, Buddy’s real-world bravery is turned up to eleven: he becomes the unlikely hero who leads the charge to rescue stolen pets from across the neighbourhood. Courageous, clever, and just a little bit cheeky. Just like the real thing.
Buddy is a cat who is much like a fox; He is smooth, he is stealth, he can shadow box.
The hand behind the art
Meet the Illustrator
Jennifer Horn is a Brisbane based illustrator and children’s writer with a warm, humorous and wonderfully mischievous style.
Her whimsical style and Quentin Blake inspired illustrations have brought the character of Buddy beautifully to life. A joy to work with, Jennifer has a real gift for translating words and ideas into engaging watercolours that leap off the page.
Jennifer’s own fairytale debut picture book, The Precious Plum, is out now.
The Inspiration
Working with illustrator Jennifer Horn, Natalia brought Buddy’s imagined world to life. Together they created a sun-drenched neighbourhood where animals talk, friendships form in an instant, and even the smallest creature can make the biggest difference.