My Friend Rachel by Shep, the dog

Paperback – 26 pages- Ages 5 and up
Juvenile – Friendship – Dogs – Animals

Here’s where to buy our book:

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Do you like to run? Do you like to be out in the fresh air? Smell the earth, the grass, and the flowers?

Welcome to Shep’s world. Read about Shep as he meets Rachel, Jake, and their family. They welcome him with love and friendship, a kind of relationship he has never experienced before. Rachel and Jake enthusiastically invite Shep into their everyday life on the Kansas prairie in 1901. They also have adventures that lead to happiness, excitement, and even sadness. Share their lives when you and your children read this book, based o a true story.

Author Cathy Feemster, took the heartfelt tale that her grandmother, Rachel, related many times and made “My Friend Rachel by Shep, the dog” a book your children will want to read over and over. As a parent, you can help them understand the ideals of friendship in action.

Meet the Characters

Written for children ages five and up, and especially third graders, children will delight in the vivid characters of Rachel and Shep.

Download the Parent Guide

Use this guide to discuss the different chapters of the book.

Download

Upcoming Events

2024 Woman Empowered Holiday Gift Market

November 23, 2024, from 10 am to 3 pm

1211 S. Emporia, Wichita, Kansas, at the Sedgwick County Child Advocacy Center

Cathy is presenting a workshop for children and adults concerning the themes of her book, “My Friend Rachel by Shep, the dog,” such as friendship and enjoying family stories. You can also enjoy dozens of booths selling gifts from women-owned businesses as well as fair trade items.

Watch as Cathy reads her book and takes questions at the 3rd Annual Kansas Day Edventure for around 1,000 pre-k through eighth grade students.

Book Launch Party

We had a terrific launch party in December 2022! It was a huge success, with about 50 people in attendance! Thank you to all who purchased a copy of the book, as we sold out at the party! If you want to shop locally, you can find your own copy at Eighth Day Books, Wichita Art Museum Gift Shop, Great Plains Nature Center Gift Shop, and Old Cowtown Museum Gift Shop. Here are some photos from the event:

Meet the Author, Cathy Feemster

See the Publisher’s Reel

Meet the Illustrator, Dominique Manga

Dominique was a military brat now turned military spouse, and is happy to call Kansas home. She enjoys nature walks and capturing Kansas landscapes. Dominique never goes anywhere without her sketchbook and pen. She is a self-taught artist and has been drawing longer than she can remember. She loves pushing herself creatively and bringing ideas to life. She loves spending time with friends, her husband, her daughter.

Buy the Book

Buy from Amazon Buy from Eighth Day Books Buy from Barnes and Noble Buy from Outskirts Press

The year is 1901, and Shep, the dog, is welcomed into a family that lives on a farm on the Kansas prairie. Follow his adventures with Rachel and Jake as they discover that friendship is the most important part of their lives. Author, Cathy Feemster, brings to life the true story of her grandmother’s beloved dog, Shep. This isn’t just another fun book about a dog. It is meant for children, parents, caregivers, and friends to share the enjoyment of reading aloud or to themselves about true friendship.

You can purchase locally or online!

Get in Touch

What Others are Saying

Shep’s tale of friendship, loyalty, and love is based on a true pioneer story with heart. His adventures befriending a family and sharing the ultimate gift is one that will resonate for the ages.

~Dyane Smokorowski, 2012 Kansas Teacher of the Year

My Friend Rachel, by Shep the dog is a charming children’s book with its roots in Kansas. The illustrations fit the story perfectly. This is such a heartwarming story with a bit of sadness, but worth reading to children.

~Janice Crowley, 1997 Milken National Educator Award