Leopardo The Miracle Cat is a story that opens up a sensitive conversation on physical personal boundaries and consent. A tough topic to discuss but an important message on how it is not a child’s fault if an adult abuses the child’s trust. A great resource tool to read in a safe environment and not intended as a bedtime story.
~ Momma Braga
Synopsis
Maria and her best friend, Leopardo are inseparable. Life is perfect for them because they are safe and loved. Then something happens to change how Maria feels. Discover how Leopardo saves Maria from the unthinkable act of child sexual abuse and how her parents react appropriately with kindness, support and action to once again help Maria feel safe.
About Leopardo The Miracle Cat
Leopardo The Miracle Cat is not your bedtime children’s book but a story to be used as a tool to teach children about physical personal boundaries and consent. Truly a difficult topic for many as we as parents don’t believe it can happen in our lives. However, we truly never really know.
In the United States alone, an estimated one out of every four girls and one in every thirteen boys will experience some form of sexual abuse. Contrary to common belief, over 91 percent of all abusers will be someone known or trusted by the child’s parents.
An alarming statistic to read! This is why I feel that this book is a great resource tool for parents and professionals to use. There are warnings at the beginning of the book to make sure parents are aware that this is a sensitive topic. Please note that there are no details described on any inappropriate acts. It is also best for parents to read this book prior to reading it together with their child. This way as a parent you are better prepared to answer any questions your child may have about this sensitive topic. I love how the author details some helpful steps and tips for parents at the beginning of the book.
#MelAndNikkiReview
We enjoyed reading this book together as a family. It allowed us to open up the conversation in a positive and safe way. The biggest takeaway is that a child knows that they are not at fault and there are supports to help them heal.
This children’s story was inspired by a biography that we have previously reviewed called, The Miracle Cat. We love how a real story inspired a children’s story in hopes it will help prevent child sexual abuse. It also opens a very sensitive topic that is necessary to discuss in order to protect our vulnerable children.
Nikki enjoyed reading this story and she loved how Leopardo came to Maria’s rescue. This helped prompt her parents to find out what was happening with Maria and get the help Maria needed to heal. For this book, we give it 5 meows out of 5! A fantastic resource on a tough subject to talk about!
We would recommend this story for children ages seven and up. If you would like to purchase a copy of this great book, click here.
About the Author
Lucia Bellafante, is a mother, grandmother, author, speaker, coach and educator who applies her professional, and personal knowledge and experience as a parent, educator and master coach to help parents raise happy, healthy, safe and successful children.
Lucia has always been a story teller and teacher. As a child she crafted stories and taught her precocious brother to keep him occupied. An educator with two specialists and two teaching degrees, who taught for 35 years, Lucia implemented the art of story telling to help both children and parents. Today, Lucia has blended her passions, and expertise to help children and parents through her children’s books which serve as a bridge for parents and children to communicate, learn and spend quality time together.
Lucia created THANKS™ to further support parents and caregivers along their journey by providing a blueprint for establishing and maintaining a healthy, strong and supportive relationship with children so that children grow to be happy, healthy, safe and successful.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
