Cindy Bohannon Schneider
Shanti is the central character in a colorful adventure that takes the Irish country cat from Dublin to London. Shanti is in search of her beloved brother Smudge who was taken by a sailor in Dublin. In London, Shanti teams up with the eccentric circus characters Ishkar and Dwizel as she finds success as a talented acrobat and becomes known as
Shanti the Acrocat.
Shanti still misses Smudge and is determined to find him. Shanti uncovers a clue that leads to Paris. The search for Smudge continues in Paris as 'Ishkar's Magic Circus' gains fame and a mysterious French cat that resembles Smudge appears. Shanti and her friends seek Smudge in a fast-paced journey of some famous Paris landmarks. Ishkar's hidden past is revealed as are more clues that lead to Smudge. Families divided are reunited. Peace, loyalty and love prevail. Shanti is alone and scared but with determination and talent she overcomes obstacles. Shanti is brave and good-hearted and wins friends with her loyalty and humor.
Shanti the Acrocat contains references to easy French phrases, geography and diversity of cultures. A glossary is included to help children understand locale and more difficult words.
Cindy Schneider has been writing for several years and loves writing for children. She hopes
Shanti the Acrocat will be fun and inspiring for children and adults alike. She lives in Colorado. She has been inspired by the majestic mountains and by her travels to places such as Ireland and England. She wants to thank her beloved husband Ron for his encouragement and her cat Shanti whose acrobatic antics inspired her story. This book is dedicated to Komang Oka Saputra in Indonesia, a wonderful child she got to know through Compassion International, an organization dedicated to helping children all over the world. This is for you, Komang.
Shanti leaped in the air and was a silver blur
as she did triple flips and flew loop-the-loop
and even a somersault without disturbing her fur
and wrapped her tail around the trapeze bar Shivaji
threw to her.
The crowd was on their feet
whistling and applauding wildly.
They had never seen such a feat
and Shanti sat on Shivaji's shoulder proudly.
In the audience there appeared to be,
A silver cat that looked alot like Shanti
but he was picked up suddenly
by a man in a turban.
Shanti jumped all the way down
from Shivaji's shoulder to the ground.
The crowd kept clapping
thinking it a part of the act
But Shanti was thinking
she had to see if the silver cat was in fact
her long lost Smudge appearing.
'We must finish the show!'
yelled Shivaji to Shanti down below.
'Quiet a dramatic exit,'
Dwizel remarked to Shanti
from the side of the stage
but one look in Shanti's eyes
Dwizel knew.
'Your brother, Smudge out there'
I'll go look, you finish the show.'
