Join Little Shop of Stories and the Georgia Center for the Book for an evening with Governor Nathan Deal to celebrate the release of his children's book Veto, The Governor's Cat. Governor Deal will be joined on stage by the illustrator for the book, Cheryl Hodge, and Julie Walker, the State Librarian for the Georgia Public Library Service, will moderate. Tickets are free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Preorder the hardcover copy of the book here. Preorder the paperback version here.

About the Author:

Nathan Deal, a dedicated public servant who has served the citizens of Georgia as a State Senator, a United States Congressman, and the 82nd Governor of Georgia, is now turning a new page in his life with the release of his children's book, Veto the Governor's Cat, set for release on August 14, 2024. This new chapter in Deal's life is not just about storytelling; it’s about carrying forward the legacy of literacy passionately championed by his late wife, Sandra Deal.

Sandra Deal, who passed away in 2022, tirelessly advocated for childhood literacy. Her efforts were driven by a simple yet profound belief: "If we can teach a child to read, they can read to learn." Her dedication saw her reading to students in all of Georgia’s 159 counties, visiting over 1,000 schools and pre-K programs, and overseeing the donation of thousands of books. An educator at heart, Sandra Deal earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. During Nathan Deal's tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019, she tirelessly promoted early learning, significantly impacting Georgia's educational landscape. Inspired by his wife’s unwavering commitment, Nathan Deal promised to continue her mission. His new children’s book, Veto, the Governor's Cat, is a heartfelt tribute to Sandra's legacy, aimed at instilling a love of reading in children. The book features the adventures of the Deals' cats, Veto and Bill, whom they adopted while residing in the Governor's mansion. These beloved pets moved with them after they left office, and Veto still lives with Nathan Deal today.

About the Book:

Inspired by his late wife Sandra’s unwavering commitment to childhood literacy and deep love for animals, Veto, The Governor's Cat is a heartwarming tale from the former Governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal. This enchanting story follows the adventures of Veto and Bill, two lovable rescue cats who found their forever home in the Governor's Mansion.

From the moment Veto arrives at the mansion as a curious kitten, readers are taken on a journey of courage, kindness, and friendship. Through Veto's eyes, children learn the importance of accepting differences and trying new things. The narrative gently guides young readers through complex emotions, offering valuable lessons on understanding grief and loss.

As Veto and Bill navigate their new lives, they encounter various challenges and triumphs, each chapter bringing a new adventure that reinforces the power of empathy and compassion. These beloved pets, who moved with the Deals after leaving office, continue to bring joy and teach meaningful lessons, with Veto still residing with the Governor today.

The book includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter to further engage young minds, spark conversations, and deepen understanding. Veto, The Governor’s Cat is more than just a story; it's also a guide for children to navigate their feelings and build strong, empathetic connections with others.

A portion of the proceeds from Veto, The Governor's Cat will support literacy projects and other educational initiatives through the Deal Foundation’s work. For more information, follow @VetotheCat on Instagram and Facebook.