ZIVA THE GREAT
By Cindy J. Vanous
Children’s Fiction: Ages 6-12
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
32 Pages
*** SYNOPSIS ***
Ziva the Great is a heartfelt picture book for older children about a Maine Coon cat learning to trust again and a quiet girl named Elsie who understands gentle things. Ziva is loving with her family but startles easily around new people-until Elsie arrives. The girl moves softly, speaks softly, and never frightens her.
Their friendship grows through small moments of closeness and calm. Together, they show young readers that healing takes time, trust can return, and even quiet hearts can find comfort again. Perfect for ages 8-12, this emotional animal story supports social-emotional learning (SEL) and is ideal for parents, teachers, counselors, and classrooms. Themes include emotional healing, resilience, friendship, overcoming fear, and the bond between children and animals.
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*** REVIEW ***
A short, sweet story with a message of healing through connection.
The writing is simple and the story easy to follow for readers even as young as five or six, yet this is a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This octogenarian sure liked it. Of course I love cats, but one doesn’t have to have that affinity to enjoy this lovely book.
The illustrations by Rebeckah Gerstner are amazing. She captures the feelings of Ziva and Elsie in her detailed paintings that show emotions brimming in their eyes. When I got to the page that had this wordage: “And her eyes … held stories no one could name,” I could see that inner turmoil in Ziva’s eyes.
That same uncertainty and inner turmoil can be seen in Elsie’s eyes as well, and as the story evolves the expressions they both wear slowly change to show how they are getting comfortable together in their new home.
For a children’s picture book to really reach readers there needs to be a perfect pairing of author and illustrator. A pairing where the illustrator gets the story beyond the words, and Rebeckah got it. That partnership between Cindy J. Vanous and Rebeckah Gerstner has brought to life a most delightful book with a wonderful message of the value of love and patience when forging a new friendship and fining a new home.
I highly recommend this book to be added to any child’s library – or maybe even to a grandma’s library.
*** CLICK TO PURCHASE ***
Amazon
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*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR ***
Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas children’s author who writes heartfelt picture books filled with vintage charm, hope, and imagination. Her stories, from a lost puppy at the North Pole to a little ghost in Terlingua, Texas, celebrate courage, belonging, and the magic found in everyday moments.
WEBSITE ◆ INSTAGRAM AMAZON ◆ GOODREADS FACEBOOK
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*** GIVEAWAY ***
Three Winners will win: A signed Copy of Ziva the Great &a $25 Amazon Gift card
Ends February 16
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To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLZivatheGreat on your preferred social media platform.
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