Children’s book author uses beloved cat to tell tales of resilience

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Upper Michigan Today starts its Thursday morning episode with an update on the Mauna Loa volcano eruption and takes a look at the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree lighting.

And... It’s National Rosa Parks Day- a day to honor and recognize the work of the Civil Rights icon.

A Hawaiian volcano erupts, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit, and it's National Rosa Parks Day.

Plus... author/illustrator Dylan Bolander of Quinnesec has self-published his second book in his Heathee picture book series.

Heathee was Bolander’s beloved cat who passed away suddenly. Bolander uses him as a character to tell stories of overcoming loss, sadness, and personal tragedy.

As a veteran, Bolander relates his experience finding resiliency and strength in Afghanistan to the missions his character embarks on.

Author Dylan Bolander talks about his new book and how he uses his late cat to tell stories of strength and resilience.

Writing the Heathee tales was a therapeutic process for Bolander. He hopes children, teens, and adults alike can find the same therapy and positive message of mental strength within the hand-drawn pages.

You can find Dylan Bolander's "Heathee and the Double Rainbow Tale" and "Heathee and the Mighty Mystic Mission" on amazon.com and Barnes and Noble online.

You can find Bolander’s books by searching “Heathee and the Double Rainbow Tale” or “Heathee and the Mighty Mystic Mission on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

And finally, UMT hosts Elizabeth and Tia end the show by sharing their favorite music of 2022 through Spotify Wrapped.

Tia and Elizabeth share their Spotify Wrapped data and take a look at Olive Garden Pajamas.

You can watch Upper Michigan Today on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. on FOX UP.

Copyright 2022 WLUC. All rights reserved.