From the Pocket of an Overcoat - Author Interview

  In addition to Father’s Day and graduations, June is also National Adopt-a-Cat Month, which also coincides with the height of “kitten season” – when large litters of kittens are born and often end up in animal shelters. The acclaimed children’s book “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” (Friendly Falls Press; Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster) from author and illustrator Robert Vincent helps bring attention to the important issues of animal welfare and community involvement and is the perfect gift for animal lovers celebrating of all three occasions.

Available online at Amazon, bn.com, target.com, and at the book’s website, maxbuckles.com, as well as select bookstores, “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” is based on the real-life story of a cat named Max adopted by Vincent’s son Matthew from a homeless woman in Dallas who found Max as a tiny kitten and had him in the pocket of her overcoat as she was trying to find him a home. The tale is about an affable cat, Max Buckles, and how he finds himself and his way to a new home – moving from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty (who is not Scottish, but is plaid), and Junior Buckles. Along the way, he discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, animal rescue, and adoption.

“June brings such meaningful celebrations of Dads, grads, including little ones just finishing pre-school, and felines. I wrote this story to help bring attention to the important issues of community, family, and animal welfare, and I hope Max and his extraordinary journey will bring a smile to all,” notes Vincent.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview

Why did you write this book?

I was writing a novel at the time having no interest in writing a children’s book, when I heard about the story of our son Matthew adopting a black cat from a homeless woman in Dallas. I thought then that the situation was so heartening that I would turn it into a children’s story and I would do the illustrations myself. So I stopped writing the novel and having the story already in my head, proceeded with the illustrations.

How can a children's book still be relevant for teens and adults?

A book of any type may be relevant to all ages if the book has universal appeal; that is, if the illustrations are fun to look at, and the story is equally fun to follow. In terms of relevancy to all, that would have to do with whether or not the story has at least one distinct message that can be applied to all ages. I think “From the pocket of an overcoat” has at least one good message that all ages can relate to.

What surprised you the most about the process of writing this book?

What surprised me the most about writing “From the pocket of an overcoat” was how easily the most important part of the book came together with so little effort; almost as if I was getting help from a higher power to include the most important aspects of the book, which surprised me very much. Those meaningful topics, such as love, self - acceptance, charity and sacrifice were qualities that just fell into place on their own.

A portion of each book sale will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society and Best Friends. Readers and fans of Max Buckles can like and follow the book on Instagram and Facebook, and can also send an email to hello@maxbuckles.com with proof of purchase to get a special Thank You note from Max himself. To learn more, visit www.maxbuckles.com or explore the following hashtags: #maxbuckles, #maxbucklesbooks, #maxthecat, #readenjoysharemax and #fromthepocketofanovercoat.

About Robert Vincent

Robert Vincent is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the author of several other literary works. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathy. Robert and Kathy’s son Matthew is a violinist with the Oakland Symphony and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. In December 2009, Matthew adopted a lovable black cat named Max. The rest, as they say, is history.