Vincent said he likes to keep his books focused on more realistic stories, as he finds that many kids books these days have a fantasy element to them and he likes to focus on real people and characters.

“The Awesome Pet Giraffe” is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a giraffe at the zoo and the reactions of the people in her life as she tells them about her fantasy to own one herself.

“I’ve written three books prior to this one and I thought it would be good to include my three other grandchildren, and include the three grandchildren from the first books in cameos,” Vincent said. “It’s a legacy. I felt inspired by the story that really happened a long time ago with one of my granddaughters but I made a few changes. I think it will really resonate with kids.”

Vincent thought people would enjoy the book because it is humorous and “has its own charm”. He added that there is also an important moral to the story that is based on the circumstances and plot of the book. It’s a message that he thought would resonate with kids, and that fans have also expressed the same.

“The Awesome Pet Giraffe” is based on a real story that happened to one of Jim Vincent’s grandchildren, but with a few changes. Submitted photo

“I’ve worked really hard on it and I want people to be able to share it with their children,” Vincent said. “It’s not only entertaining but I think it will mean something to them. The moral is to appreciate what you have and count your blessings, which I think is important for kids to learn.”

In the future, Vincent said he would not say he would not write another book, as he never originally planned to write a fourth. If he gets inspired or has a good idea, a fifth book may be in the cards.

Vincent, as a retired art teacher from Falconer also illustrated the book.

“The Awesome Pet Giraffe” is available now at the local bookstore, Good Neighbor Bookstore, and online at places such as Amazon and Barnes And Noble.

“Give the book a chance,” Vincent said. “I think kids will like it and you will get a couple of chuckles out of it.”

Pictured is Jim Vincent and his recently published book, “The Awesome Pet Giraffe”. Submitted photo