Local author and retired educator Hattie Moreland has published her first children’s book, Kuntz the Cat, now available on Amazon.
Moreland, who taught reading at Madison Middle School, said the book is one of many stories she has written over the years. She said she began writing as a student at Madison Parish Training School, where a teacher encouraged the class to create fables using animal characters.
“When I read mine, the class laughed,” Moreland said. “That’s when I thought I had a little something in me.”
Moreland attended Natchez Junior College on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Jackson State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a master’s degree and additional graduate hours from what is now the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
She began her teaching career in Meridian, Mississippi, later working in Epps before returning to Madison Parish. She retired around 2001.
“Reading is the key that unlocks the door to be able to succeed in all areas of study,” Moreland said. She said she believes children should be read to from an early age and taught the phonetic value of letters and syllables.
Moreland said she has written more than 70 children’s stories and plans to continue editing and publishing them.
According to its description, Kuntz the Cat follows an alley cat through his daily adventures as he defends his territory and meets challenges with confidence.
Moreland said she hopes her stories will encourage children to read for enjoyment and imagination. She also encouraged readers to purchase her book and leave a positive review on Amazon.
“Even if a child does not want to read,” she said, “if they get a good story, they will read that book.”
Purchase the book on Amazon
