Please reblog or back this lovely children's book by a wonderful Chicana poet from Los Angeles!

Kickstarter closes ends on June 14th and she is only at 17%.

BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO is a story about a black cat named Buttonz...

He is the only cat - among humans and dogs! - until one day he comes across two black kittens just like him in his family's backyard...

But when Buttonz's cat fam unexpectedly grows, even more, they seem to have all the fun in the world in the wild cat jungle of the backyard. Then, some strange feelings come up inside Buttonz's otherwise purrfect heart. Soon, his tail begins to sag, and, alas, he loses his appetite! Something's gone missing. Will Buttonz ever find his mojo again?

Why Mojo? Why now?

Kids have been struggling in a post-pandemic world in their key formative years. Mental health specialists have encouraged concerned adults to help our children name their feelings and find healthy ways to manage them during difficult times. BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO was written to serve as an important reminder to children that even though not every day is ameowzing, we can still nurture our mojo and find new ways to build relationships and support networks with those in our community.

Kickstarter Goal

Our Kickstarter goal budget of $8,500 is designed to offset the cost of illustrating 100% of the book and carry us right into book production. Book production includes a professional layout, cover design, and ebook conversion. There are other costs associated with publishing and merchandise development (see rewards) that are covered within this goal.

You can help Oh My Gatos! Books unlock two more books in the series - Mama Mittens Magical Tails and Lady Lemons the Library Cat - when you help us reach our stretch goals. Check out the details down below to see how!

From the Author

Hi! My name is Brenda Vaca and BUTTONZ FINDS HIS MOJO is my first children's storybook. I am a writer who fell in love with stories - reading and writing them! - from a very young age. I published my first book, a poetry collection for grownups called Riot of Roses, last year in December 2021 with incredible support from the Kickstarter community. I'm back again this year because my first experience was so incredible, I wanted to do it all again. This is my family's first cat, Buttonz. He's the inspo behind this new children's book series.

About the Illustrator

Sucy Ananda, known professionally as "SucculentFleur," is an incredible artist and illustrator from Indonesia. Brenda was a big fan of SucculentFleur on Instagram so when it came time to find an illustrator, Sucy agreed to help! And we're so thrilled she did. Her bright artistry and imagination really capture the spirit of Buttonz and his family.

The Rest of the Team

Ana Karen is a fantastic stationery designer and producer. What can we say, she loves paper! And, of course, other wonderful essentials to make learning, writing, reading, and creating fun. Ana Karen is designing a special pencil, especially for Buttonz's book launch!

Paola Gutierrez, otherwise known as "La Piedrita Feliz" and "El Libro Feliz y Yo" is a children's book writer and poet who loves to paint beautiful stones with encouraging messages and affirmations. She graciously agreed to be part of our campaign by designing several sets of Mojo Motivations and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Naynay the Cat Lady is a mysterious gal who loves to crochet and is so so crafty. She has created a prototype of a Buttonz stuffy using her fabulous crocheting skills that are available exclusively for this campaign. How very boutique of her! Recommended for older children. Limited supply, so snatch yours up before they're gone!

beta readers and writers: dynamics is key

for @emberglows because you make me the best writer I can be

Here’s the thing some fanfic writers (or writers) think: just anyone can edit my story.

Well, you’re not wrong, but you’re not right either. 

One of the best kept secrets to becoming a better writer is actually having a good beta reader/editor back you up. BUT, in my opinion, not just anyone can be your beta reader.

Showing someone the draft of a story is a lot like getting naked at the doctor’s. It’s required, but that doesn’t make it less embarrassing or awkward. Now, a good doctor doesn’t really care if you’re in your birthday suit, they are going to tell you what you need to do to fix your health. But they also are going to tell you to keep on doing certain things that are totally just fine. The kicker though is that a good doctor won’t let you keep on feeling awkward. They go like “oh, you’re naked. Whatever that’s cool.”

The same with beta readers. A good beta reader will look at your imperfections and point them out, but at the same time, will also give feedback what they like. 

Yet the most important thing about this isn’t want a beta reader does, but rather how they make you feel. See, sometimes you can meet the nicest person, but their criticism just doesn’t sit well. It hurts and you’re not sure why. But a good beta reader doesn’t make you feel silly or vulnerable or stupid for sharing something unedited. 

That doesn’t mean that the beta writer only praises you, because a good beta reader should also point out flaws, but here’s the cool thing: even when they do, it doesn’t hurt. It’s like going to the doctor’s and you feel safe. 

So, yes--your beta reader should be skilled in grammar and language, but most importantly, you should have a good dynamic with them. They will make you a better writer, they fix your ideas that seem funny, they will polish up your words and really make them shine. They will help you really tell your story when you get stuck. 

And not just anyone can do that with you.