Kat Shehata Author
 

Kat is the author of Seabiscuit vs War Admiral. Ms. Shehata began her professional career in 1988 as an exotic animal trainer and zookeeper for the Cincinnati Zoo. She has worked with almost every animal at the zoo including “Angel” the cheetah and “Schotzie” the elephant.

She went back to school in 1990 and earned a bachelors degree from Wilmington College in 1994 and a professional writing certificate from the University of Cincinnati in 1999. While in college Ms. Shehata worked as an actress, artist, and emcee.

Currently Ms. Shehata is an author, publicist, and publisher for Angel Bea Publishing. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, two step-daughters, son, and German Shepherd.

Angel Bea publishing  -- Kat Shehata (daughter) and Jo McElwee (mother) founded Angel Bea Publishing in 2001. Their premiere title, San Francisco's Famous Sea Lions, was written, illustrated, and published by the mother / daughter duo. Their mutual love of nature and the desire to "break the mold" of the publishing industry inspired them to work together on this project.
Published Books

Animals on the Other Side by Sylvia Browne, Chris DuFresne (Kat Shehata) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Angel Bea Publishing (April, 2005)

ISBN: 0971784345  

Come Away Home: Hilton Head Is Calling You Home by Jo McElwee, Kat Shehata, Robert D. Slane Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Angel Bea Publishing (April 28, 2005)

ISBN: 0971784337  
Based on the screenplay Come Away Home, this heartwarming story chronicles the generational struggles between a young girl and her grandfather. Finding the prospect of spending the entire summer with her grandfather on Hilton Head Island unbearable, Annie stages a daring escape out to sea by taking her grandfather's rickety old boat. Quickly discovering that life on the island may not be as bad as she envisioned when she falls overboard and is rescued by a washed-up local celebrity, Annie develops a greater appreciation for both her grandfather and the island's charm and decides to give the situation another chance. Together she and her new friend Gregg plan a surprise that will make this the most memorable summer of her grandfather's lifetime. Entertaining lyrics to the song "Come Away Home," written by noted Hilton Head songwriter Gregg Russell, further enhance the story and evoke the flavor of the island.

Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History by Kat Shehata, Author, Jo McElwee, Illustrator Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Angel Bea Publishing; (September 1, 2003)             
ISBN: 0971784310  
Featuring the 1938 match race between two legendary thoroughbreds, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, this historically accurate account is suspenseful, as fast-paced as the horses, and packed with race jargon. Children will experience the greatest horse race in history, when Seabiscuit, the underdog, takes on Triple Crown Champion War Admiral in the 1938 Pimlico Special. They will feel as if they were at the race when the crowd goes wild as one horse breaks for the lead and another speed record is broken at the wire. They will find out who wins the match race of the century and what happens in the final seconds of the race that puts one horse in the winners' circle while the other is left in the dust. To help children better understand horseracing, included are a glossary of more than 60 racing terms and a diagram of a race track.

San Francisco's Famous Sea Lions by Kat Shehata, Jo McElwee (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover,  32 pages, (September 1, 2002) Publisher: Angel Bea Publishing;

ISBN: 0971784302;   
The remarkable true story of a California sea lion colony that relocates to San Francisco after a devastating earthquake is chronicled in this fully illustrated picture book. In 1989, only about six sea lions frequented San Francisco‘s most popular tourist attraction, Pier 39. Then within weeks after a destructive earthquake rocks San Francisco, an entire sea lion colony shows up! Over the years the marine mammal population has continued to grow. Today as many as 1,000 sea lions can be seen piled up on top of one another barking, fighting, and playing on the docks at Pier 39. Over ten million visitors from around the world enjoy the "noisy," "stinky," "playful," and "lazy" sea lions every year, yet few people know their amazing story. San Francisco’s beloved marine mammals are now immortalized in a nonfiction picture book featuring the artwork of Society of Illustrators award winning artist, Jo McElwee. The book highlights some of the Pier’s most memorable characters like "Bingo" and "Huey". It explains why most (if not all) sea lions at Pier 39 are males, why they appear to be fighting all the time, and why they choose to stay in San Francisco. The book also describes how injured sea lions are rescued, rehabilitated and released, what they eat, how fast and how far they can swim, who and what their enemies are, and what baby sea lions do while their mothers are away.

Editorial Reviews
Ann Bauer, Director of Education, The Marine Mammal Center
The lively illustrations and fluid text make this book appealing to children as well as adults.

Susan Andres, Editor, Release
The true story of Bingo’s rescue and release is heartwarming and triumphant.

Kent L. Brown, Jr., Editor, Highlights for Children
Reading San Francisco’s Famous Sea Lions has increased my knowledge of my favorite San Francisco friends.


Presentations

Laugh and learn with author and former zookeeper, Kat Shehata, as she presents ZOO TALES, MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE ZOOKEEPER. This comedic and educational show features true stories about Ms. Shehata’s encounters with exotic animals. Ms. Shehata weaves animal facts about instinct, survival, fight or flight, etc. throughout her unbelievable autobiographical presentation. She also talks about how she was inspired to write her new nonfiction book, SAN FRANCISCO‘S FAMOUS SEA LIONS. Slides and visual aids make this program fun, educational, and memorable.

ZOO TALES, MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE ZOOKEEPER is suitable for all ages K-12. Educational content is adjusted to accommodate elementary, intermediate and high school students. The program lasts approximately 45 minutes. Angel Bea Publishing will also provide teachers with handouts and suggestions for classroom activities, projects and group discussions before and after your author visit.

HONORARIUM
A typical full day will include one all-school assembly, four breakout programs, and an autographing session at the end of the day. One day author or illustrator visit (in-town) - $995.. Within 150 miles each way of Cincinnati Extended travel between 150-200 miles add - $50. Out-of-town author or illustrator visit (travel over 200 miles) (plus travel, lodging, and per diem expenses) - $1200.

BOOKS AND AUTOGRAPHS
Students may order books in advance through Angel Bea Publishing (forms will be provided) or they may be purchased the day of the event. Angel Bea Publishing gives students and teachers a significant discount on books at a rate of $10 each (retail price $15.95). Ms. Shehata will bring books on the day of the assembly and will be happy to sign autographs for teachers, students, and parents.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Each school visit is unique and will be custom tailored to fit your school schedule. Here is an example of a typical schedule: 9:15-10:00 am - All school assembly 10:05-10:45 am - Breakout session (grades am K-1st) 10:50 - 11:30 am - Breakout session (grades 2nd-3rd) 11:30 - 12:15 pm - Lunch 12:15 - 1:00 pm - Breakout session (grades 4th-5th) 1:15 - 1:45 pm - Special session (pm K) 1:45 - ??? - Book signing CONTACT INFORMATION toll free 866-431-7673 ashnkat@yahoo.com

Ms. Shehata frequently travels to San Francisco. If your school is in the Bay Area she may be able to visit more than one school per trip. This could reduce each school's travel costs.

PHILOSOPHY
Every school, teacher and student is unique. Therefore there is no “standard” assembly program. Ms. Shehata will work with the committee responsible for the event to customize a program that will meet your school’s needs. Angel Bea Publishing will also provide teachers with handouts and suggestions for classroom activities, projects and group discussions.

PERSONAL TOUCH
Ms. Shehata enjoys meeting students. During all- day events she usually has lunch with a small group of students pre-selected by the principal. As her schedule allows, she is also available for fundraising events and evening autograph parties, for parents and siblings.

AUTOGRAPHS
Students may order books in advance or purchase them the day of the event from Angel Bea Publishing. Ms. Shehata will bring the books on the day of the assembly and will be glad to sign autographs.

Contact

KAT SHEHATA
9504 Bainsbrook Court
Cincinnati, OH 45249

Phone (866) 431-7673
Fax (513) 683-9523

mailto:ashnkat@yahoo.com

http://www.angelbea.com

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