Abby is a tabby living a life of luxury. She's fed the finest people food - fresh salmon, ice cream, and French bread. She has cat toys aplenty, and sleeps on a poofy pet bed. But all this finicky feline can do is complain. Finally, she decides to run away where she expects the grass is greener... ...but this pampered pet is in for some shocking surprises. Abby realizes that maybe her old life wasn't so bad after all. Maybe, the key to happiness had been inside her all along. Author Andrea Lane's rhythmic story shows how a grateful heart can take everyday frustrations and turn them into opportunities to experience and share joy. And through gentle humor and delightful characters, children and adults alike will be inspired. " Kids will find Abby's issues both humorous and relevant, as they've likely felt bored with their own toys and food or argued with a sibling at some point as well. Learning to look inward to find joy and peace and appreciate what one already has is a valuable lesson at any age, especially in an era of instant gratification and excess, and Abby the Crabby Tabby communicates it with engaging clarity. Heather Bousquet's detailed, expressive illustrations bring Abby's journey from cantankerous to thankful delightfully to life. Abby is frequently shown scowling and rolling her big blue eyes while Olivia Kathy smiles, helping kids visualize the difference between choosing to see the water bowl as half full versus half empty. Ultimately a grinning and content-looking Abby is shown enjoying the same food and bed she used to deride, making a clear and important case for the power of gratitude. " Takeaway: The power of gratitude shines through this engaging story of a spoiled tabby. Great for fans of: Karma Wilson's Bear Says Thanks , Matt de la Peña's Last Stop on Market Street . --Booklife Reviews " An absolutely adorable children's book... A perfect mixture of text, illustrations, and message, this first entry in a series establishes Abby as a classic in the making. " --SPR Review " Andrea Lane captures our hearts with her rhythmic writing and charming story. Abby's discovery of happiness and gratitude will bring gratefulness to children of all ages. " --Andrea Cassell , Award-winning Author of Kibby Children's Books " The pictures are bright and colorful and very expressive, especially reflecting the moods of the two cats. There will be some chuckles as well as some 'aha' moments as young readers follow this story and learn the importance of being thankful and showing gratitude because it affects their entire sense of well-being. " --Emily-Jane Hills Orford , Five Stars Readers' Favorite " Teaching children gratitude and thankfulness is not an easy task, but in a world saturated by crass materialism, we need these values more than ever, especially children. For kids to be grateful, it is said that their own parents must model gratitude. Moreover, exposure to learning materials like storybooks that teach gratitude helps. Thanks to Andrea Lane, Abby the Crabby Tabby Discovers Gratitude is one storybook that accomplishes just that. This book should be used as a starting point for conversations about healthy behavior and for children to develop healthy relationships. Abby's mistakes are lessons that we can all use. Heather Bousquet's illustrations and vigorous coloring have made Abby come to life so that it is easy for readers to perceive Abby from within. This is a great bedtime storybook that will help give kids solid coaching on the value of gratitude. " --Vincent Dublado , Five Stars Readers' Favorite " I think it is also a gentle lesson for parents who think that nothing is too good for their children, and who will do everything they possibly can to be sure their offspring will be nothing but happy. Highly recommended. " --Bruce Arrington , Five Stars Readers' Favorite Georgia author ANDREA LANE was inspired to write her children's book, Abby the Crabby Tabby: Discovers Gratitude  after discovering the power of gratitude. To share this lesson with her two young sons, and inspired by her beloved tabby cats, Lane decided to write a picture book which combined her values of gratitude and love of all animals. " I hope to offer all children a fun way of thinking about gratitude, " said Lane, " plus a light-hearted way for parents to talk to their kids about it. " Expressing gratitude for all you have is one of the principles of Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing. Lane, who credits Reiki with changing her life, is a certified Reiki master. For several years Lane worked as a public policy advocate for animal protection. She continues to support organizations that work for the humane treatment and protection of all animals, from cats to cows. A percentage of the proceeds from Abby the Crabby Tabby  sales will benefit a different nonprofit each month. The May recipient is Furkids, the largest no-kill shelter in the Southeast. Abby the Crabby Tabby  will be re