Helping children learn about the responsibilities of owning a pet is the theme of "Suzie and the Icky, Yucky, Smelly Quest for a Kitten," a book that was recently released by Octorara alumna Jacqui Maxwell of Parkesburg. This is Maxwell's first published children's book.

The story revolves around Suzie, a young girl who wants a kitten as a present for her upcoming birthday. Suzie's parents come up with a proposal for Suzie. She must take out the "icky, yucky, smelly garbage" until she turns 8 years old in order for her birthday wish to be fulfilled.

"She has to prove that she can take care of (the kitten) because taking care of a pet is not just the fun stuff," said Maxwell. "She and her parents decide what her least-favorite chore is. She has a chore chart, and that will let her know if she earns the kitten."

Maxwell was born and raised in Parkesburg, where she still lives on a farmette with her husband, two dogs and nine cats, as well as chickens and ducks. She said her love for animals and her work as a child behavior specialist for the past 12 years was her inspiration for writing the book.

"I teach kids a lot about responsibility and being respectful," she said. "Animals are a lot of work, and when they get older and the kids lose interest in them, the burden often falls on the parents to care for the animals. I wrote this book both to talk about how important it is to be responsible for a pet, but also rewarding at the same time."

The book features illustrations by Nidhom, whom Maxwell learned about from her publisher, Mascot Books. "My publisher works with thousands of illustrators, and they sent me some works and I started with 300 ... and narrowed it down to a half dozen," explained Maxwell. "They sent me sketches of my character to see if (the illustrator) was getting my vision. Suzie is actually what I envisioned. He got everything right, down to her parents and how her room and toys look."

Maxwell is planning additional books for children that are yet untitled. "I have two more children's books that are companion pieces," she said. "(One book is) about cousins. One lives in the country and one lives in the city, and they visit each other and experience a little bit of culture shock. Their lifestyles are very different."

She said that hearing about children who have read her newly published book is very gratifying. "A girlfriend of mine bought it for her son right when it came out, and (she told me that he) reads it every night," said Maxwell. "It's a humbling experience that people enjoy it so much. I am very grateful for everyone's support."

"Suzie and the Icky, Yucky, Smelly Quest for a Kitten" is available online. For more information, visit http://www.mascotbooks.com and search for the book by name.

Those interested in meeting Maxwell and purchasing the book may visit her during Final Friday, to be held on Main Street in Parkesburg on May 27.