An Angel and her Spots
Written by Brenda Segedin
Illustrated by Kathryn Coyle
About
An Angel and her Spots is a poetic story for kids, based on real life. It is the story of Jade, a Dalmatian who helped a family heal from the loss of their daughter and sister. Jade was a special gift from above who brought sunshine and new adventures back into their lives.
About the author
Brenda has always loved stories. In 1974, as a shy 14-year-old, she surprised herself by winning the Auckland Savings Bank school writing competition with her tale My Life as a Coin. Years later, books became a way of nurturing. She read daily to her daughters, sharing her own love of stories, and volunteered at their primary school helping children discover confidence and joy in reading. She still works with young learners today, supporting both new entrants and children needing extra encouragement, laying the foundations for a lifelong love of books.
Brenda’s writing deepened after the loss of her younger daughter, Nadia. Determined to share a story that was honest but not self-pitying, she wrote Theft of a Life – A Family’s Story of Love. It was a cathartic outlet and the hope was that it would be a gift for others experiencing the same grief
In time, another source of healing arrived in the form of Jade, a spirited and affectionate Dalmatian. Jade brought laughter, companionship and connection – not only to Brenda’s family but to other dogs and their people. After Jade’s brother Jazz passed suddenly, his owner said, ‘Jazz will have his own Angel in heaven.’ From these words grew Brenda’s children’s book, An Angel and her Spots, a poetic story based on real events. With vibrant illustrations by UK artist Kathryn Coyle, the book celebrates friendship, love and the healing power of animals.
Both Theft of a Life and An Angel and her Spots were self-published in partnership with Castle Publishing. Together they show Brenda’s heart as a writer – honest, compassionate and always searching for ways stories can bring comfort and joy.
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