CAN WE BE FRIENDS?
A chance encounter between a legend and a member of a local society evokes raw emotion, notable differences, similarities, acceptence, problem solving and eventual friendship.
It doesn’t matter what species you are.
We can come together with mutual respect and understanding, to preserve our lands and waterways.
This is the story about Oggy the Ogopogo, and Benny the little brown bat.
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About the Author
Kari Streleoff
My name is Kari, and I currently reside in the Okanagan Valley. I have 2 cats Dott and Bob, and I love to travel. I am both the author and illustrator of “Can We Be Friends?”
The inspiration/creativity for this story arose from life experience.
I attended a vendor event in Peachland, with swag depicting whimsical activities of the Ogopogo and Dragon boat racers.
The organizer of this particular vendor event, is associated with the BEEPS society in Peachland. The same place where the legend of Ogopogo was born.
At this particular vendor event, I was shown an illustration depicting the legend as an ominous and evil creature. I wanted to change that perception.
How could I marry two iconic entities, provide some local history, and bring awareness to an unpopular species?
Most artists are viewed as being different! Emotional, vulnerable and humble are just a few of these characteristics. I identify with both Oggy, Benny and at times, even the worms!
To add a fun fact, I lost my sunglasses off the end of a dock when visiting my cousin in the spring of 2024.
Bring all these experiences together and you have “Can We Be Friends?”
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