A Picture Book That Heals Hearts and Makes Readers Laugh

How a Tiny Dog Helped Me Through Grief and Inspired a Children’s Book You’ll Never Forget

Sometimes healing doesn’t come in big gestures. Sometimes it snorts.

After the tragic loss of my dog Novacane, I packed up my life and moved to Tampa, Florida, just three days later. I didn’t get to say goodbye the way I imagined. One night shortly after settling in, I jolted awake calling her name—half-dreaming, half-hoping she would still be there, nudging me to take her out. I was heartbroken and raw. I didn’t know what I needed, but I knew I needed something.

That “something” turned out to be a tiny, wiggly, snorty French Bulldog named Maven. I found her online in the middle of the night. One look and I knew. Love at first snort. Though someone had her on hold, I begged to be the next in line. When I got the call a few hours later saying she was mine, I booked a flight immediately. And just like that, Maven became my next great love.

She didn’t replace Novacane—no one ever could. But she did what only the best dogs can do: she healed me in all the places I didn’t know were broken.

From Healing to Humor: A Book Was Born

Maven turned out to be more than just a companion. She’s a full-blown zoo in one tiny body. One minute she’s galloping like a horse. The next, she’s snorting like a pig, flopping like a seal, or snoozing like a grumpy old grandpa. Her personality was so vibrant, I couldn’t keep it to myself. So I did what any creative dog parent might do: I wrote a book.

Maven the Maybe-Something-Else is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that celebrates identity, silliness, and self-love. It’s perfect for kids ages 1–5, but honestly, it’s for anyone who’s ever loved a pet who was a little extra.

Why This Book Is More Than Just Cute

• Celebrates individuality: Maven teaches kids (and adults) that it’s okay to be a little different—or a lot.
• Encourages laughter and emotional connection: Whether she’s tooting like a skunk or snorting like a pig, Maven invites joy in every scene.
• Built from real-life experiences: Every page is inspired by something Maven has actually done.
• Comforting themes for families: Especially meaningful for children dealing with change, loss, or new routines.

A Peek Inside Maven’s World

Suddenly… PHRRRT! “Oh my!” says everyone. “Toot toot!” giggles Maven. “I must be a skunk!” She trots away like it wasn’t her.

On the next page: Maven makes silly little noises all day long. “Snork! Snuff! Snort!” “Oink!” says Maven. “I must be a pig!” She sniffs around the entire house like it’s a barnyard.

Each page invites children to guess what animal Maven might be next, making it a fun and interactive read-aloud experience.

About the Author (a.k.a. Maven’s Human)

Hey, I’m Jake—the voice behind Snort With Maven and the proud author of Maven the Maybe-Something-Else. I created this book in the aftermath of heartbreak and the glow of new beginnings. It’s a tribute to the dogs who shape our lives, one snort at a time.

Writing this book helped me grieve, laugh, and reconnect with joy. And now, I want to share that joy with your family, too.

Where to Snag Your Copy

Looking for a fun, meaningful, and beautifully illustrated picture book? This is it.

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Thanks for being here. And remember: sometimes, the best things in life come with snorts, snores, and a whole lot of love.