Rue Finds Purr-a Vida

By Melanie Doty and Samantha Lecuyer

Rue is a loving cat—but he’s tough, too. He gets annoyed that his overprotective mom never lets him go outside, so he rebels. Even when he’s been bad, though, his human still loves him. Even so, she does take a break from Rue every couple months to go on vacation to Costa Rica. His mom has a thing for traveling, and he wishes she would take him with her. How can Rue ever find true happiness in life always cooped up inside?

His mom’s favorite saying is “Pura Vida.” In Costa Rica, it means “pure life” or “simple life.” There is nothing simple about Rue having to go to the hated kennel, so when he derails Mom’s plans, he ends up in her vacation carry-on. Rue finally gets to travel!

When he gets his big chance to venture out into “Paradise,” he runs into a howler monkey, a green-eyed tree frog, and a sloth. These wise creatures teach him to be grateful for what he has and the true meaning of “Pura Vida.” Rue’s amazing adventure shows him how to live a simple, pure, and joyful life—not just in Costa Rica but at home with his mom too.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665751537

Melanie Doty

Melanie Doty is a National Board-Certified teacher with eighteen years of experience teaching elementary students, grades 2–5. She was awarded the 2023 Teacher of the Year and was a Semifinalist District Teacher of the Year. She has a strong love for writing. When she lost her beloved cat, Rue, she made a promise to write a story to share his big and unique personality with the world.

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Copyright © 2023 Melanie Doty.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5152-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5153-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023919508

Archway Publishing rev. date: 10/24/2023

CONTENTS

Preface

Prologue

Chapter 1     Three Days Earlier

Chapter 2     The Death Vessel

Chapter 3     Paradise Is Not for the Weak

Chapter 4     Escaping into Paradise

Chapter 5     Howler Is Wise

Chapter 6     Red-Eyed Beauty

Chapter 7     You’re on Sloth Time

Chapter 8     Finding Pura Vida

Chapter 9     Purr-a Vida

Epilogue

Author’s Note

About The Author

About the Illustrator

PREFACE

Pura vida is a common saying in Costa Rica, meaning pure life or simple life. You will hear the wonderful locals saying it to mean, Life is good. No worries. It is all good. Costa Rica is one of my favorite places to visit.

The main character, Rue, was a real cat, and he really was quite a character. His mischievous behavior always kept us entertained. He passed away in January 2021. He will always be my buddy. I hope his feisty spirit will live on through this story, and I hope you find pura vida in your life.

PROLOGUE

Rue’s paws were sore and red from the muddy clay and thick forest. His trek had been long. Although his adventure was exhausting, the long journey had taught him a few life lessons. His head swirled with new ideas—and new doubts about himself. Without resistance he fell to the ground by the door and