Rescue pets are the recurring theme of an animal loving artist who has just published her first children’s book based on the exploits of her cat.

At the beginning of the first lockdown in April 2020, Vân Dang, who is the artist who painted the peacock mural by the Ghanapathy Temple and helped set up The Chronicle – revealed a mural ‘Hope Lives Here’ by the alley leading to Bensham Manor allotment (see picture). 

It is a rainbow dog based on her rescued sheep dog Bell. By the end of lockdown III, April 2021, she has just published her first book Have Fear Kody Is Here which follows the journey of her rescue cat Kody since his arrival in London from Doha.

The family have now moved but Thornton Heath still plays an important part in the illustrations for the book which features some of London’s beautiful landmarks along with Crystal Palace Football Club’s legendary eagle, Kayla.

The aim of the book is to support rescued cats and dogs and a part of each sale is donated to Quatar based charity Evenstar that rescued Kody.

Vân said: “I never thought I‘d love a cat let alone illustrating and publishing a book about one. However seeing all the abandoned cats and the dedication the rescue put in, I am so grateful for their work. If you think of giving a pet a home then #adoptdontshop. The love and trust you gain from them are the best reward.”

Vân is now working with Andrea Perry – Editor of The Chronicle on another book about the famous white squirrel of Grangewood Park so watch this space! 

The pair are aiming to publish more books about equality and diversity. Get in touch if you also want  to publish your book and make alternative voices a reality in the publishing world.

Read more about the book and get a copy at:
www.hopeliveshere.co.uk/kody

The book is also available on Amazon Kindle.