By Britta Arendt Grand Rapids Herald Review
She winks when asked how long it took her to write the book.
“I’m supposed to lie,” jokes Samantha Schmidt of Grand Rapids.
Fibs aside, it took her just 10 minutes, “during my 15 minute break at work,” to write “Milo & Me,” a book about friendship, love and a rescued rabbit.
Milo is a rescued rabbit. Schmidt bought him from a breeder who did horrible things to him and caused Milo to fear all people. Because of this, Milo was aggressive and scared at first. He was underweight and panicky. The breeder carried him by his ears instead of the proper way by his body.
Nurturing and caring for her new rabbit, Schmidt brought him to work with her at the pet store, carrying Milo all day in a sling.
Eventually, the rabbit began to warm up to Schmidt. In the sling, Milo met all sorts of people while Schmidt worked on the floor of the pet store. And, soon Milo became a very social and friendly, relaxed rabbit.
“My Grandma was so amazed with the bond between Milo and me and the change in him that she convinced me to write a book and call it ‘Milo & Me,’” said Schmidt.
Last October, Schmidt put her
see milo, page 2c
milo
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words to paper and created illustrations to accompany the story. She’s decided that a portion of the proceeds from the book will go to animal rescue efforts.
With simple, rhyming sentences, the book “shows the bond that can happen (between a person and an animal), if the animal is treated well,” explained Schmidt who said she has always enjoyed Dr. Suess stories and music.
Schmidt also particularly likes books with hidden meanings, like the Ugly Duckling.
She self-published “Milo & Me,” through Author House which makes the book available through barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. Schmidt has also taken Milo to various community events where she’s promoted her book and taken preorders.
“Milo sees kids all the time,” said Schmidt who is working on getting Milo certified as a therapy animal. “I’m hoping to take him to the Shriners Hospital.”
http://www.grandrapidsmn.com/grand_people/milo-me-a-quick-look-at-a-young-author-s/article