When Coquitlam dentist Sean Kelly sat down to write a short story a few years ago, he had two goals in mind: entertain kids and educate parents.
The end product is a book called Cuddles the Cat Goes to the Dentist, a brightly-illustrated, 32-page story that also includes a parents’ guide to children’s teeth.
“I wrote it as a fun way to tell kids about the dentist and taking care of their teeth,” Kelly said. “It gives parents and teachers the answers to questions I normally get asked.”
Children who read the book will learn about dentistry and what they should do to take care of their teeth. It also gives readers an idea of what to expect when they visit the dentist told in a rhyming story.
But attitudes are changing about the dentist, Kelly said.
“To be honest, most of the kids are not nearly as nervous as their parents’ generation was,” he said. “I often hear that kids are excited to come to the dentist.”
Kelly said he has always been a cat person but first got the idea for writing a kids’ story a few years ago. He published it himself initially, printing copies at an office supply store, but last year he decided to step up production. That led to a partnership with Promontory Press and the official book was released last month.
“It has something for everybody,” he said. “The kids will enjoy the story, the parents will get some information.”
DETAILS
• Cuddles the Cat Goes to the Dentist is available at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo and through Promontory Press.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
