by KC Frantzen
I trot to the door. “Probably a kid, curious about a rickety old shed.”
The breeze shifts, images flash.
Rukan wiring my crate shut. Rukan threatening his operative at the airport. Rukan growling orders over the secret monitor in Paris. Gasp! That setting wasn’t familiar because of a training film… Rukan was transmitting from the bunker under this shed!
I detect a slight whirring as the drone’s head swivels, its unblinking red eyes blip on.
Someone knows I’m here!
May Finds a Way Discussion Questions
Why does May think it important to nab Rukan?
How do you use “creativity and resourcefulness” in your own life?
Which new words did you learn (English or French)? How will you use them?
If you have visited a cemetery, what did you think about it?
Which character qualities about Léonce do you admire, if any, and why?
How would you have acted differently than Alexis?
What do you think about blind teen Louis Braille inventing a communication system still in use today?
Why do you think Sassy acts as she does?
What do you think Mr. Vince and Miss Coralee will do in the future?
What are several things May learned?
If you could travel anywhere, where would you visit, what would you take with you, and why?
What surprised you about this story?
What kind of future adventure should May embark upon?
What else would you like to share?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KC Frantzen learned to speak critter at a young age. As a veterinarian’s daughter, she was always surrounded by four-footed friends. Occasionally her dad would bring home patients needing care during the night. He’d put the pet carrier on the dryer, and KC would stand on tippy toes to comfort them as best she could.
She began writing in elementary school and even won the school-wide contest with a story on deep sea fishing. Though she kept writing here and there, it was mostly just for fun.
KC taught fifth grade, worked for an oilfield supply company, a pharmaceutical company, then embarked on several entrepreneurial endeavors. She volunteers with a variety of projects, including the Joni & Friends Wounded Warrior Getaway. She completed the Christian Writers Guild Apprentice course, which helped prepare her to tell May’s story.
KC and her husband enjoy traveling just about anywhere, which helps formulate ideas for her stories. The family lives in the Tennessee hills – two humans, two Arabian horses and several rescued dogs, including May.
May and KC are delighted to meet fans at libraries, schools and shows. She and May read each letter and email, and adore hearing comments and suggestions. Thank you for your support!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
“It is God’s grace that he has the ability to draw and paint. Mr. Vanya says it is also God’s grace that he has a chance to make his living by selling what he draws and paints.”
Tim Vanya knew he wanted to be an artist when he won Mrs. Morgans’ Valentine coloring contest in first grade. He has worked the rest of his life doing just that.
When he was in Junior High he read Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Kidnapped. Both of the books had been illustrated by N. C. Wyeth. Tim says he can still see these paintings in his head and wanted to make paintings like Mr. Wyeth when he grew up.
In High School he had the chance to draw for other people and himself. He did illustrations for the school’s year book and banners for the football team to run through.
While at the University of Houston, he was able to major in art and learned to make art to sell. He got to fulfill part of his dream by illustrating May Finds a Way.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
What an adventure this year has been! Thanks begin with my husband and best friend, Steve and my amazing parents, Jay & Joyce Collins and Marcia Frantzen: idea-generators, supporters and encouragers extraordinaire. The professionals who helped May’s story breathe: Sandra Byrd – writing coach and editor, Mary Holyer Black – editor, Deb Tremper – book designer, Kimberly Van Meter – cover designer, TW “Pops” Vanya – illustrator. Perry Hartman – audio and web. Nancy Hall and Mary Pierce – proofreaders. First readers – Dottie Mackenzie and Nancy Simpson. Fellow writers on the journey: Vicki Allen, Ruth Berkes, Mary Connealy, Margaret Cooper, Kimberly Dana, Glen Davenport, Janet Dean, Melanie Dickerson, Robert Garcia, Debby Giusti, Karen Hancock, Ruth Logan Herne, Charlynn Johns, Rita Monette, Vince Mooney, Vicki Moss, Tina Radcliffe, Bev Schwind, Amber Stokes, Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Taylor, Becky Thurston, Write Touch Inspirational Writers and all in the wonderful world of Seekerville. Christian Writers Guild Boot Camp DI’s: Brandilyn Collins, Doc Hastings, Randy Ingermanson and Jerry Jenkins. The pawmazing people of Joshua’s Pet Treat Bakery especially Tim, Lois & Josh Davis, and Janet McGhee. Critter-sitters Andy & Norma Munns and Fred & Karen Diehl. Additional story generators – Nancy Boozer, John Crotty, Carla Maynor, Steve Soper and Thom Teeters; Research with startpage.com; Ms. Susie and Ms. Patty at Art Circle Public Library. Also FURiends we’ve met at festivals, libraries, schools, and May’s Facebook pack. Some of May’s wardrobe is from Dog & Co. and Kitty & Goliath! I’d also like to gratefully acknowledge Beth Alexander, Jim & Peggy Barr, Jim & Connie Brecker, Oveta Bush, Marty Cameron, Connie Crotty, Jim & Sandie Dutcher, the Groupies, Debby Hagar & Richard Hays, Gary & Melissa Howard, Diane Landig, Tricia Monroe, Sandy Nelson, Gloria Peter, Vickie Pullen, Cheryl Teeters, Vee Wills, Félix Canis and La Solana Café… Our friends at retail outlets, and countless other family, friends, fans and patriots who have prayed and encouraged me. We cherish each call, letter, email post, and especially “in dog” visits! I continue to be grateful to the United States Military and finally, to Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega.
Wonder where I get my ideas?
Most of this book is based on ideas developed from life with May, study of current events, Paris research (including a trip), plus lots of imagination. For example, Léonce is based on a feral cat named Alyosha, who lives in Paris.
Want to know more?
Look at the library or on the Internet for: Micro Air Vehicle, Bugbots and Drones, Military Dogs, Untergunther, Passy Cemetery, Pantheon in Paris, Louis Braille and Chi Rho.
Or, check out our website for links!
www.MaytheK9Spy.com
Link all nine dots, using no more than four straight lines.
Do not lift your pencil from the paper.
Do not trace the same line more than once.
I know you are smart.
See if you can solve this puzzle on your own!
~ May, the K9 Spy
Louis Braille’s idea that changed the world.
Check out the story that started it all!
In this first-of-the-series adventure, May, an imaginative young Schnauzer, tells her own story in first dog. She escapes a bad situation through adoption into the home of a grouchy Labrador. When her new family moves to the country, May ventures out where she’s not supposed to be, and discovers an odd “bird” near a rickety old shed with a secret.
She’s on her way to becoming a K9 Spy!
“This scrappy-but-sweet Schnauzer shows readers that dogs, too, get hurt, have fears, and want a place to belong. By persevering, remaining hopeful in dismal times, and keeping your nose to the wind for adventure, kids and dogs alike find a wonderful plan and hope for their lives. Engaging, energetic, endearing and highly recommended for kids of all ages.”
~ Sandra Byrd, best-selling author of London Confidential and other books for teens and tweens.
May graduates K9 Spy boot camp and returns to find…
Her archenemy’s plan to destroy the USA is counting down! She leads her family to safety, but suddenly, their haven becomes a trap.
Join Agent May on her first official mission as she learns the secrets of Resolute Mountain, confronts enemy dolphins determined to seize a nuclear submarine, and discovers
trouble near Tofino.
“We read a LOT of books. May is a winner. The series is funny, daring, and has a great mystery. As a mom I love it because it’s great to find something well-written that doesn’t need magic, ghosts, gore, or crude behavior. We give two thumbs up (which is fourteen thumbs, if you’re counting).”
Virginia Carmichael—homeschooling mom of six kids, preschool to high school, and best-selling author
Our business is not just about making pet treats. It is also about helping people with special needs, enabling them to change their lives and become productive in our community.
In April of 2008, we started Joshua’s Pet Treat Bakery to help one young man. In just a matter of months, the business grew to help two more adults with disabilities.
Today, we have helped more than 35 people with special needs at our bakery. Others volunteer through various service organizations.
Our staff works hard each day to make tasty pet products that are all natural and low fat, formulated by Josh’s Dad, who is a food scientist with more than 30 years experience.
Please help us by buying our biscuits as we provide job training for individuals with disabilities, people who love to work hard to produce a wonderful, yummy product for your pet.