santasstraysimon

The real stray named Simon

The story of "Santa's Stray" was inspired by a real stray cat named Simon,
who sought shelter in the author's garage in the winter of 2001.

The cat arrived shortly after the author's father died, and she noticed
almost immediately that there was something remarkable about this cat.
He seemed to be looking after her, even as she was looking after
him.Neighborhood children called the cat Stinky because he often smelled
bad. He was renamed Simon by the author, who saw that the cat was not
only exceptionally kind but exceptionally smart. For example, he always
looked both ways before crossing the street, even if scraps of fish were
waiting for him on the other side.

Polly Basore first composed the story "Santa's Stray" for the children at
her son's preschool, Celebration Montessori in Wichita, KS. Encouraged
by the teachers to publish Simon's story as a book, she looked for an
illustrator to add pictures to her words. Polly met Carlene Williams in 2003
and by the next year their first book was complete.