And Candy Smiled

About the Book

“Something serious or joyous has happened in the school community. It is time to gather the children in a tight circle so all can see the lush pictures and hear the softly spoken words of Candy’s story. It is a good time now to talk about a lost pet, a serious happening, or a new puppy. Joy, sorrow, and beauty can guide children down many paths.”
—Frances Brent, Bowling Green educator

“This exquisitely unique and beautifully illustrated story will inspire children and adults alike, leaving everyone smiling!”
—Jean Ann Geist, award-winning author of
Only on the Radio and Only in the Movies

The writing and artwork in this book was inspired by Carole and Emily, who worked to create this inspirational story about Carole’s three-legged dog and her journey to keep living. Carole wants to invite the public to be part of this special event written for readers young and old about how a dog’s life is celebrated in the simplest of ways. Even though she had to lose her leg, she didn’t lose her determination. Candy fought to get back out and make her track through the yard.

Carole says, “It was so magical how the writing happened. It was as if someone took over and wrote this book from beginning to end—in two days. My dog taught me a lot about life. She taught me to keep going, no matter what. She taught me that if you lose something in your life (or are about to), you can bounce back by finding something else that is just as meaningful, or more. This brave dog taught me that life is more than what it is. This book is about just that: life and the determination to go on. Keep smiling, no matter what.”

About the Author

About the Author

Carole Sarkan is a school teacher who has always had a passion for writing, music, history, and art. She decided to put these interests together when she finished college and become a teacher. Since the age of six she has always wanted to write children’s books. Now her dream is happening. With the partnership of Emily Christoff-Flowers as her illustrator, they are embarking on a new adventure about Carole’s English springer spaniel dog, Candy. Carole comes from a family of artists. Her grandparents were song writers, her mother and father were musicians who loved writing eloquent letters, and her brother Jim Grabill is a prolific poet and teacher in Portland, Oregon. Carole is originally from Bowling Green, Ohio and currently lives in Grand Rapids, Ohio. She teaches 4th grade writing, reading and history at Kenwood Elementary in Bowling Green, Ohio.

About the Artist

Emily Christoff-Flowers has always had a fascination with drawing people, animals and nature since she was a little girl growing up in the farmlands of Ohio. Her parents supported her love of painting and encouraged her to pursue art as a career. She earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1987. She has supported herself for the past 27 years by selling her work. She currently teaches art, works as a portrait artist by painting people as well as pets in Williamsburg, Virginia. You may see more examples of her work at www.EmilyChristoff.com