Andrea Lane was inspired to write her first children’s book, Abby the Crabby Tabby, when she discovered the power of gratitude.

Her young son loved to be read to, so Lane read to him regularly, focusing on rhyming books to help with language development. She found that she really enjoyed the sound of rhyme, and later, the act of writing it, too.

When Lane and her husband brought their second son home from China, Lane was overwhelmed with the joy of adoption, a day she had long dreamt of. She felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the blessings in her life and wanted to share that feeling with her two boys. How best to do that?

Inspired by her beloved tabbies at home, Abby the Crabby Tabby was born when Lane decided to write a rhyming children’s book, merging her values of gratitude and love of all animals. She worked as an animal advocate until her first son was born.

“I had recently discovered the power of gratitude and wanted to teach it to my sons,” said Lane. “I hope to offer all children a fun way of thinking about gratitude and a light-hearted way for parents to talk to their kids about it.”

Expressing gratitude for all you have is one of the principles of Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing. Lane, who credits Reiki with changing her life, is a certified Reiki master.

For several years, the practicing vegan worked as an advocate for animal protection in public policy, and she continues to support organizations that advocate for the humane treatment and protection of all animals, from cats to cows. A percentage of the proceeds from Abby the Crabby Tabby sales will benefit Furkids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats, and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. Abby the Crabby Tabby will be released on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day – April 30th.

Lane was born in Los Angeles and raised in Atlanta, where she trained as a competitive gymnast. Later, she studied dance at Atlanta’s Northside School of the Performing Arts and danced with a professional company. After an ankle injury curtailed her dance career, Lane returned to school and earned a bachelor’s in political science from Georgia State University and a JD from Emory Law School.

Lane is also the founder of an interior design firm and co-founder of the jewelry line, Chatwal Lane.

Today, Lane lives north of Atlanta in Johns Creek, Georgia, where she writes whenever she has time in her “office” (her bed.) She is grateful for the life she shares each day with her husband, two children, three loving and entertaining cats… and many, many rhyming books.