Giving Back
Giving back has always been an important part of the Adventures with Cadie Kids Books series. Over the years, books and donations have been given to organizations and causes that make a difference in the lives of children, animals, and our community.
Children’s National Hospital
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Shriner’s Hospital for Children
Frederick Memorial Hospital/Frederick Health Hospital, Pediatric Floor
The ARC of Frederick County
Books through a local doctor to children in Africa
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue/Second Start Rescue
CopLine
Operation Paperback
American Legion Riders, Post 18
Books and donations to support children and families in need, community fundraisers, and other charitable causes
Why Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog Won a Gold Booky Award
Best Sense of Wonder
Highlights from the Judge's Reasoning:
Judge Brooke Hayes praised Cadie’s charming personality and the unique way she brings the zoo to life through her senses, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Rather than simply presenting animal facts, the story allows young readers to experience discoveries through Cadie’s eyes.
The judge particularly appreciated how humor, fascinating animal facts, and questions directed at young readers make learning interactive, entertaining, and memorable.
The review also recognized the book’s engaging storytelling, age-appropriate pacing, and meaningful message about animal rescue and adoption. Cadie’s experiences help connect the excitement of exploring the zoo with the importance of giving rescue animals loving homes.
Exciting News! Four Awards from The BookFest
We’re excited to announce that the Fall 2026 BookFest Awards recognized Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog with 2 Second Place awards for Fiction > Children’s - Animals and Children’s - Beginning Readers.
Cadie’s Blog received a Second Place in the Artistic & Technical category for Website - Blog. Finally, we won a Third Place for Artistic & Technical > Website - Overall Design!
While Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog was the official book entered, both our blog and website feature all three books in the Adventures with Cadie Kids Books series.
We’re honored to receive all of these recognitions.
Cadie Earns Her “Dog-torate” at the University of Maryland
In November 2025, Cadie and her sisters participated in a study at the University of Maryland’s Canine Language Perception Laboratory. The lab studies how dogs think, learn, and understand human language.
After completing their participation, all four girls received their very own University of Maryland “Dog-torate” certificates!
We were so proud of our four-legged graduates.
Dr. Cadie at your service! 🐾🎓
Go Terps! 🐢
Cadie Is Joining Pup O’Clock!
We’re excited to announce that Cadie has been invited to collaborate in Pup O’Clock, an upcoming subscription box designed to bring children and dogs together through fun, learning, and responsible pet ownership.
Cadie is scheduled to be featured in the May 2027 box, and the Pup O’Clock team is working with an animator to create a realistic, animated likeness of her using actual photographs. Cadie’s rescue story and the Adventures With Cadie Kids Books series will also be highlighted. Also included will be trading cards, a magazine, and a possible future animated series!
Another exciting adventure for Cadie the Rescue Dog!
For more information, please read Cadie’s blog post!
News, Features & Giving Back
Why Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog Won a Gold Booky Award
Best Tug-At-The-Heart
Highlights from the Judge's Reasoning:
Judge Brooke Hayes praised Cadie’s warm, lovable personality and the genuine emotion woven throughout her adventures. The judge particularly appreciated how Cadie’s everyday experiences, from chasing squirrels to exploring waterfalls, are told through her charming and distinctly doglike perspective.
The review also recognized how the story naturally teaches children important lessons about respecting animals, including asking permission before approaching or petting a dog. These valuable lessons are shared gently through Cadie’s own experiences rather than feeling like a lecture.
The judge especially appreciated the heartfelt message that, after all of Cadie’s exciting adventures, simply being home with her loving family is what makes her happiest. The story beautifully celebrates the special bond between rescue animals and the families who welcome them into their lives.
Our Books Have Been Featured and Read on YouTube and iHeart Podcasts:
Storytime Pup: Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Sloth’s Love to Read Storytime: Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Sloth’s Love to Read Storytime: Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Fairy Tale Fun with Heather: Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
Fairy Tale Fun with Heather: Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog
SASS Choice Awards 2026 — Favorite Local Author
Natalie McCurry was honored to receive the 2026 SASS Choice Award for Favorite Local Author.
Although her four-legged co-author, Cadie, couldn’t attend the gala, this special recognition wouldn’t have been possible without Cadie’s inspiration and the beautiful hand-drawn illustrations of Chris Schwink.
Book Proceeds
Awesome Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog: Donations were made to Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue on behalf of Cadie/Natalie and to CopLine on behalf of Chris.
Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog: Donations were made to Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue on behalf of Cadie/Natalie and to American Legion Riders, Post 18 on behalf of Chris.
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog: A donation will be made to a dog rescue on behalf of Cadie/Natalie and Chris.
Why Fun Farm Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog Won a Gold Booky Award
Best Conversation-Starter for Families
Highlights from the Judge’s Reasoning:
Judge Brooke Hayes praised Cadie’s lovable personality and unique perspective, noting how her curiosity makes learning about farm animals and farm life both entertaining and memorable for young readers.
The judge particularly appreciated how educational information flows naturally through Cadie’s curiosity rather than feeling like a textbook lesson. Children discover fascinating facts because Cadie herself wants to know more.
The review also recognized the book’s gentle lessons about responsible pet ownership, its message supporting animal rescue and adoption, and its engaging read-aloud style.
Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Review
