Local bird-lady inspires children's book

NEWS RELEASE

MAGIC & MAKE-BELIEVE PRESS

************************* Do you know the real poop?

Cassandra Matthews, the nine-year-old main character in "The Real Poop! A Cassandra Matthews Adventure," does, and she and local author Katharine Schopp, born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, are eager to share it.

When Cassie's science project about backyard birds wins first place (a guest spot on her favorite TV show), she is thrilled - until she discovers the prize will go to the runner-up if she's unable to continue with her work until the show comes to town in the spring.

The runner-up is none other than Stephanie Bartwelle, Cassie's nemesis since kindergarten.

Stephanie vows to steal Cassie's spot on the TV show.

Cassie isn't worried; after all, how can Stephanie prevent her from taking photos of the birds in her back yard?

Well, Stephanie finds a way.

There is a town bylaw against feeding pigeons, and Stephanie knows it.

When Cassie is forced to take down all of the big bird feeders, she knows she has to find a way to fight the bylaw to save her spot on the show, and more importantly, to save the birds from starving over the long Canadian winter.

This 188-page contemporary novel for children ages 8-12 highlights friendship, family, rivalry, animal welfare, and fighting for one's beliefs, in a way that will have children and adults alike laughing out loud.

Katharine Schopp was born and raised in the Sault.

She attended local schools, and worked at a local library throughout high school.

She was one of Bawating's teen writers for the Sault Star while in Grade 12. She wanted to be a writer, but was encouraged to pursue a more stable career.

After graduating from Algoma University, Schopp went to teacher's college, and spent several years teaching (in Moosonee and Brampton, but she always felt compelled to write.

While still teaching, she entered a funny pet story contest, held by the Toronto Star.

Her submission, a story about a talking parrot, a miniature poodle, and her aunt's false teeth, won first place, but only after Schopp sent in proof (a fax from her principal) that she was a teacher, not a professional writer.

After leaving the teaching profession, Schopp pursued her dream of writing.

She has written numerous articles for Sault This Week, was asked to become a regular contributor to Life Like Dolls magazine, and has completed three book manuscripts.

The idea for "The Real Poop! A Cassandra Matthews Adventure," came about after Schopp read about a local woman who was fined for feeding the pigeons on her own property.

The book is fictional; none of the human characters are real; nor are they based on real people.

Schopp currently resides in Sault Ste. Marie, along with her three dogs and three birds, including the poodle and parrot, now age 20 and 21, from the funny pet story.

The "Real Poop" is now available on Amazon.com, in both paperback and Kindle book form at this website.

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