Former Governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal, has taken a creative leap into the literary world with a children's book centered around his two feline friends, Veto and Bill. In what seems a furry dive into state politics, "Veto, the Governor's Cat" combines Deal's political legacy with his mission to promote literacy. The book is a heartfelt nod to his wife, Sandra Deal, remembered for her dedication to reading to students across the state of Georgia, as GPB reports.
With a storyline that unfolds both inside the historic walls of the governor's mansion and the thickets of northeast Georgia, Deal's cats embark on adventures teaching them about kindness and resilience. While the efforts of Sandra Deal, who succumbed to cancer in 2022, had inspired lawmakers to foster literacy, her husband continues to champion the cause through storytelling. Despite facing the harsh truth that Georgia's literacy rates have shown a decline since the pandemic, Deal seeks to address this critical issue with his literary endeavor, pointing out that "If you really think about it, literacy is one of the primary building blocks of civilization," he told GPB.
The pages of "Veto, the Governor's Cat" are not merely filled with playful tales but convey deeper lessons intended to resonate with young minds. The book aligns with broader efforts like the Georgia Literacy Act aimed at revamping literacy education, an initiative tracked by the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy. The center, established during Deal's tenure, collaborates with government entities to bolster literacy for children under eight. GPB notes that proceeds from the book will benefit the center, illustrating the former governor's dedication to literacy beyond the political arena.
Deal's commitment to literacy may have roots traced to his experience with criminal justice reform, learning the staggering statistic that over half of Georgia's prison population had not completed high school. His belief in tackling problems at their source has led to practices such as employing prison inmates at the governor's mansion, with one such story fictionalized in his book as "Dan," according to GPB. "Veto, the Governor's Cat" is available for pre-order now and will hit the shelves on August 14, making it not just a tribute to his wife's passion for literacy but also a tool for fostering a love of reading amongst Georgia's children.
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