This is the true story of how Baby Grumbles came into my life and inspired the book A Possum's Tale.

 

My name is Kathy, and I'm the author of A Possum's Tale.

 

While caring for Turbo during my neighbors’ vacation, he went missing. I searched the expansive yard, trying to find him, but he was nowhere to be found.

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Concerned that he might have fallen into the pool, I checked the area and discovered a tiny possum, later named Baby Grumbles, stranded in the alcove. Cold, wet, and scared, he couldn't get out on his own. I didn't know how long he had been there.

 

I picked him up gently, wrapping him in a towel. As I did, Turbo appeared out of nowhere, as if to say, “Mission accomplished!” It seemed that Turbo had been the mastermind behind Baby Grumbles' rescue, ensuring I looked in the pool. If it weren't for my search for Turbo, I might never have found Baby Grumbles in time.

 

I took Baby Grumbles to the vet, who discovered that his back foot was injured and determined he was unreleasable. Wanting to give him the best life possible, I joined the possum society as a rehabber and welcomed Baby Grumbles into my home, where he lived the rest of his life.

 

His antics, such as gnawing through my husband's clothes and shoes, and his charming mannerisms, inspired the character of Baby Grumbles in A Possum's Tale. His story reflects the spirit and quirks of real possums, while also highlighting their importance to the ecosystem.

 

Since becoming a possum rehabber, I've cared for many other possums, sometimes litters of 7 or 8 at a time! The more I learned about them, the more I realized how misunderstood they are. Possums have a bad reputation, but they are wonderful creatures who play a vital role in the environment. If people understood how special these creatures are, they would be treated with more respect and compassion.

 

My love for animals drives me to raise awareness about possums and their ecological importance. That's why every book sold not only spreads this awareness but also supports animal rescue efforts. Every time a book is purchased, I  donate 100% of the net profits to Pacific Wildlife Care, supporting the conservation of these and other remarkable animals.