Murrysville author Nina Damato and Kiski Area graduate and artist Rebecca Ehalt Svetina will host a book signing to mark the release of their new children’s book on July 22.

“The Extraordinarily Ordinary Kittens,” released in mid-June, tells the story of Damato’s two adopted blind cats, Bocelli and Louise Braille, and is narrated by Damato’s dog Sneakers. Damato had seen Svetina’s artwork at her parents’ home in Murrysville, and the two ended up collaborating on the book.

“I hope kids will take away two things. One, that you don’t have to be perfect — we’re all different, and all need to accept our differences. So acceptance, love and caring,” Damato said. “The other is that if you’re considering getting a pet, please consider adoption.”

Svetina, who lives in Slovenia, is making a trip home this summer and will join Damato from 10 a.m. to noon July 22 at First United Methodist Church’s Wesley Hall, 3916 Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

The event will also include a children’s activity painting Sneakers in watercolors, browsing a Braille book, learning several phrases in American Sign Language and a reading of the book.

“Kids really get it,” Damato said. “I’ve read the book a few times at the library, and with the example of the blind kitties, they always get it. We do the Braille book and kids close their eyes and they’re feeling the letters.”

The book is available at Amazon.com and copies will be available at the book signing — 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Kiski Valley Cat and Kitten Rescue in Apollo, where Damato adopted her cats five years ago.

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