Last September Miss Emily the cat came to life with the launch of Miss Emily Goes to Bat. In honour of her first birthday we wanted to give you a chance to win a copy of the Miss Emily book. But first, we wanted to share an overview of Miss Em’s first year as minor local celebrity and philanthropic cat. Miss Emily began her first year raising money for the Kootenay Child Development Centre, new home to a number of child practitioners and specialists dedicated to servicing children in the East and West Kootenay area of BC.

To raise money, Miss Emily’s book was the focus of several book readings at libraries, bookstores and schools across the East Kootenay. 20% of Miss Em’s retail sales went to the Centre.In the end, Miss Emily raised over $300.00. She also donated a couple of signed prints that hang in the Centre’s lobby, enabling Miss Emily and her lovable owners, Will and Thom, to personally greet the young children who use the Centre.Miss Emily has also made a bit of a name for herself outside her hometown area. Last spring she received an A+ review from American on-line book reviewer, Lit Kid Reviews. You’ll also find Miss Emily hanging out at the McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, as part of the Jackson’s Make a Memory book collection.Of course Miss Emily will always be dedicated to the betterment of children so watch for new fundraisers, donations and contests throughout the coming year. And be sure to check out her numerous colouring and activity pages, games and crafts. Just click on fun for kids on the menu bar above –and watch for information on our FIRST CONTEST in this Wednesday’s post!And for those of you who aren’t familiar with the story, Miss Emily Goes to Bat, be sure to check out the Kid Lit Review or read the summary, below. ~ Trina