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Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

This is a beautiful storybook you will treasure. It is the true story of three crime-fighting cats. A portion of every book sold goes to homeless cats in need.

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Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

Buy a Book. Save a Cat.

This is a beautiful storybook you will treasure. It is the true story of three crime-fighting cats. A portion of every book sold goes to homeless cats in need.

This is a beautiful storybook you will treasure. It is the true story of three crime-fighting cats. A portion of every book sold goes to homeless cats in need.

This is a beautiful storybook you will treasure. It is the true story of three crime-fighting cats. A portion of every book sold goes to homeless cats in need.

This is a beautiful storybook you will treasure. It is the true story of three crime-fighting cats. A portion of every book sold goes to homeless cats in need.

Kristen Heimerl
Kristen Heimerl
Kristen Heimerl
Kristen Heimerl
1 Campaign |
Cincinnati, United States
$13,619 USD 180 backers
36% of $37,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Buy a Book. Bless a Child.

Save a Cat.

This is a beautiful storybook that you will treasure. Not only is it the (mostly) true story of three amazing cats, but also a portion of every book sold goes to a homeless cat who needs medical care. Families in financial need are also eligible for medical-care funding for their pets. 

This is a sweet, sweet story with gorgeous illustrations that will delight little ones, and you. 

JOY GUARANTEED. 

What Is The Book About?

The Bad Guy on the Block is a silly caper about three cats who help catch a neighborhood thief through teamwork, courage, and quick thinking.

Dewey, Thumper, and Lily are three gorgeous, goofy Norwegian forest cats whose lazy days are interrupted by a would-be thief.

When their turf is threatened, these three unlikely heroes—along with their human, Anna —spring into action. What happens next will surprise and delight you, and make this book a timeless bedtime story for years to come.

The cats are real. The story is (mostly) true. The cause is close to my heart.

Twenty-five percent of the profits will fund acute medical care for homeless shelter cats so that they have a chance to live healthily and happily in a loving forever home. Families in financial need will also be eligible for acute medical-care funding so that their pet can remain in their home and out of the shelter system. 


Where Does The Money Go?

Bringing the highest-quality, beautifully illustrated children’s book to life for as many families as possible, well, it’s a challenge.

The Three Norwegians team has designed a book that is sure to be a treasured family favorite that will last generations.

BOOK SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Hard cover, 10 x 10 inches, 32 pages
  • Full color cover
  • Full page, full color illustrations
  • Full color jacket
  • Paper chosen specifically to allow a “personal paw” signature from your favorite Norwegian.
  • Printing and binding

BUDGET:

Publishing ($19,500):    
-  Book design 

-Offset printing and binding

-  Public library eligibility & distribution 

- Amazon distribution

Books by the Banks Book Festival Participation

- Storage & shipping support

- Publishing industry & distribution expertise

Book Illustrations (full spread, 32 pages - $4,200)

Professional Photography ($1,000)

Professional Editing & Advising ($1,500)

Legal Services ($800)

Branding & Design Services ($2,250)

Website Development ($2,750)

Campaign Development & Event ($1,500)

Marketing, PR & Promotions ($3,500)

TOTAL   $37,000

If we do not reach our funding target, partners will be compensated first for their services and the remaining funds will be provided to the publisher to begin the publishing process. Like the steely resolve of the rescuers who inspired this initiative, I’ll bootstrap together the remaining funds needed to bring this book to market.

If we exceed our funding target, we’ll produce more books than projected (resulting in more benefits for cats and shelters and families!) and invest aggressively in book marketing and distribution.



Why Did You Write It?

I tried to hide the truth for years, but with this campaign, the cat is out of the bag: I am a cat lady.

It’s not just my cats that I love, although they are indisputably the best cats in the world. I love all cats. Big and small, loud and quiet, feisty and calm, long hair and short. If you love a cat, you know they’re special.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been wanting to help as many cats as I could. During my volunteer work in shelters, I’ve seen a lot of medical issues keep a good cat from going home with a loving family. It’s a big decision to adopt a cat, and it’s easy to overlook the cats who come with a few strings attached.

I know this because I took in a cat in need. Lily needed surgery to help her live a normal cat life, and the difference the surgery has made has been enormous. Since then, I’ve become tuned to a number of other cats who need a little help.

  • The sweet-faced Siamese stray with the gurgling heart in need of a scan to diagnose the problem
  • The fluffy sable-coated shelter kitten with an infected eye that needed to be removed
  • Twin tabbies born with underdeveloped eyes in need of surgery to return them to health

There are so many. Too many. For a long time, I’ve been looking for a way to raise as much money as I can to help these cats, but traditional fundraising only goes so far.

So when an unexpected intruder stumbled into our lives last year, I turned the unusual event into an irresistible story idea. For the next several months, I worked with editors, researched publishers, and united the most amazingly talented creative team from around the world to bring my first book to life.

Why Is This Important? 

We don’t like to think about the possibility of our pets getting ill or needing medical care. But the reality is, they do need annual medical checkups, they get ill, and, at times, they suffer from a disease or as the result of an accident.

Homeless shelter cats with treatable illnesses or who need costly care to return them to health often suffer the worst fate. Yet these are savable lives. Most shelter cats were once someone’s special companion, and with a little help, faith, and attention, they could be once again.

Let’s band together to shower children with joy while helping treatable cats and kittens return to health and have a decent chance at a lovely life in a forever home.

Buy a Book. Bless a Child. Save a Cat.

How Else Can I Help?  

Word of mouth is key for a successful crowd funding campaign. We need your help! After you pledge, tell your family and friends about the project! Tell neighbors! Heck, tell strangers! Share it on Linkedin! Facebook! Pin it! Tweet! Together we can do this; we can help cats in need and bring joy to kids and families at the same time! 

Who Are You Crazy Creatives?  

We call ourselves Three Norwegians after the cats who started this whole idea.

Kristen Heimerl 

At three years old and with arms wide open, Kristen followed Fred, the big red crabby tabby, everywhere around the house. Of course, Fred wanted nothing to do with her. And so began Kristen’s deep affection for cats. Today, she caters daily to the Three  Norwegians who—yes—are happy to be caught! Together they reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Reach Kristen:

  •   linkedin.com/in/kristenheimerl/
  •   kmheimerl@earthlink.net

Irene Bofill Garcia

A college student, cat lover, and multi-talented artist, Bofill dreams of becoming a successful children’s book illustrator some day. This book is her first. We’re sure it won’t be her last.

Reach Irene:

  • etsy.com/shop/mimandarina
  • pinterest.com/ir3n38/

Erin Pinkley 

She’s not a cat person by nature, but who would know? A friend’s cat perched in the windowsill inspired the Three Norwegians logo. We’re thankful that her aesthetic eye was watching.

Reach Erin:

  • erinpinkley.com
  • twitter: @erinpinkley
  • pinterest.com/erinpinkley
  • flickr/photos/erinpinkley

Sam Benner

Sam is a communications major at NKU with an eye on P&G. We have no doubt he’ll get there—he’s a go-getter. Mostly though, he’s a good guy who rescued a half-blind cat named Woody and is marrying his high-school sweetheart.

Reach Sam:

  • sambenner00@yahoo.com
  • facebook.com/sam.benner.7


A special thanks to so many amazing people and organizations who helped bring this book and campaign to life, including: Ashley Johnson, photographer with zen patience; Carol Killman Rosenberg, razor sharp editor; Claudia Kasvin, soon-to-be best selling novelist and advisor; Debbie Happe, problem solver with the gigantic heart; Beth Nyberg, the funniest most brilliant woman you will likely never know; Deskey Branding who threw cool projects my way to lead; and, importantly, Women Writing for a Change--confidence and craft builders extraordinaire.  

And a special thanks to you, our supporters! 












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Choose your Perk

PAWSONAL THANKS!

$5 USD
You’ll receive a cool 8.52 x 5.47 picture postcard of Dewey (the naughty Norwegian!) —with a note of thanks and a personal paw signature from one of Three Norwegians. The Three Norwegians also want to give you a “shout out” on Facebook or Twitter!
Estimated Shipping
March 2014
93 claimed

PUBLISHING PAWTNER

$15 USD
Join us on the publishing journey! From April through December 2014, 2–4 times a month (depending on activity) we’ll send you exclusive insights into the world of publishing a book—you’ll learn as we do, and we’ll share everything along the way. From selecting and working with a publisher; building a platform; evaluating and working with illustrators and designers; brand building; financial and legal matters such as IP; marketing and distribution and more.
Estimated Shipping
December 2014
4 claimed

CANDID CAT CAMERA

$25 USD
It’s true, the Three Norwegians think they’re pretty awesome. Although they rarely cooperate well for Camera Person—they love the end result…pictures of THEM! At this contribution level we’re sending you The Official Three Norwegians photo postcard notebook. Design geeks will love the cool square shape. Cat geeks will love the cool cat shots. The Three Norwegians also want to give you a “shout out” on Facebook or Twitter! SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
April 2014
0 claimed

THE CAT'S PAJAMAS

$30 USD
We'll send you a first edition copy of "The Bad Guy on the Block" paw-signed by one of the Three Norwegians. As our special friend, you'll get a copy before anyone else. And because they're so appreciative of your support, the Three Norwegians also want to throw in an 8.52 x 5.47 photo postcard too, just 'cause they are SO excited to share their story with you! SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
31 claimed

ECO NORWEGIAN TOTE

$35 USD
Tired of totes? So were we until we saw this one. This gray felt beauty is made of recycled plastic bottles! Perfect for carrying...books! Adorable children's books! This is the Official Three Norwegians book carrier. SHIPPING INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
April 2014
3 claimed

NORWEGIANS MESSENGER BAG

$45 USD
Norwegians are a rugged sort and the Three Norwegians are no exception. This handsome caramel-colored bag will hold your tablet, small books or personal items. It has a leather-like flap that is debossed with the Three Norwegians logo. Super-cool. SHIPPING INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
April 2014
4 claimed

THE CATBIRD SEAT

$60 USD
You'll receive a limited, first-edition copy of "The Bad Guy on the Block," paw-signed by one of the Three Norwegians and The Official Three Norwegians postcard booklet. SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
7 claimed

THE FAT CAT

$120 USD
Autographs are a heady thing and the Three Norwegians are no different from us humans--each of the Norwegians wants to share their John Hancock with you! This is the perfect package for them and for families in which each member has a different favorite Norwegian--three books, EACH paw-signed by a different Norwegian. We're also including The Official Three Norwegians photo postcard booklet. SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
4 claimed

PURRFECT PET PRINT

$250 USD
This is a super-special offer for those who want to honor a beloved pet. At this level, we will print your pet’s name in the book on a special Three Norwegians Honorary Cat Watch Society page, in perpetuity! We’ll also send a copy of the book so you can see your pet’s name in print before the world does. (One pet name per pledge) SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
0 claimed

LIMITED EDITION PRINT

$500 USD
Have a favorite Norwegian? For $500, you can choose from one of three illustrations from the book, each one representing a different Norwegian. This is a VERY exclusive offer—only 3 prints of each illustration will be made. Your chosen print will be signed by the illustrator and paw-signed by the Norwegian that inspired the work. We can also add a special message. Your print will arrive unframed with a certificate of authenticity. SHIPPING FEES INCLUDED
Estimated Shipping
May 2014
0 out of 9 of claimed

MEET THE AUTHORS

$1,000 USD
No, we don’t mean come and sit in the audience like everyone else, we mean be our partner—sit next to us while we sign books, share the entire event with us, and coffee afterward. We’ll honor you at the event with a very special warm wish in front of all attendees, and you’ll get a copy of the book with a message of your wish. And, of course, paw-signed too! (Travel expenses not included. The signings will occur in Cincinnati, OH.)
Estimated Shipping
December 2014
0 out of 3 of claimed

TALL TAIL TELLING

$1,500 USD
Kristen loves reading the book more than anything else! And boy-oh-boy does she get into it! This is your opportunity to have a private reading in Cincinnati—at your home, elementary school, church, library, or community group for up to 30 children. Each child will receive his/her own copy of the book, signed with a special message of their choice. (30 books are included. Scheduled from Sept 2014-Sept 2015))
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
0 claimed

A VERY SPECIAL STORYTIME

$5,000 USD
You don’t live near Cincinnati yet want that special-one-of-a-kind experience of a private reading? No worries, the author will come to you. Gather up to 30 children, and we’ll have a fun time together during story time, and afterward as Kristen writes a very special message inside each child’s book. (Sept 2014-Sept 2015) This offer is limited to the US and Western Europe only. Add $2,500 for other global locations.
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
0 out of 10 of claimed

EXECUTIVE NORWEGIAN

$10,000 USD
Are you as passionate about this cause as we are? If so, we’d love to share the journey with you as an important benefactor. At this reward level, your name or the name of your organization will appear on the cover of the book: “(YOUR NAME) Proudly Presents: The Bad Guy on the Block” You will receive a proof of the final artwork and 25 complimentary copies of the book.
Estimated Shipping
September 2014
0 out of 1 of claimed

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