The copyright page in a book is the page filled with random words, phrases, and numbers that are required to publish a book. It’s one of the first pages with the smaller text, and nobody pays attention to it. An author cannot publish their book without these things if they want to sell it legally or put their book in a library.
BUT there are words that authors put on their copyright page that are not required, but they do want you to notice them.
A dedication!
I finished illustrating my first book, Ollie the Octopus: Making Friends While Helping Others, and was about to work on the dedication snippet. I didn’t have to dedicate it to anyone, but I thought since it was my first book and a huge milestone in my life, I should. Throughout the whole book, I knew a certain someone was going to be included.
Meeko.
Who is Meeko?
Meeko is my Shih Tzu and very, very important. And that is a fact for all Shih Tzus! Their name translates to “lion” and they are the smallest, cutest, Tibetan “holy dogs.” They were gifted to Chinese emperors.
The purpose of a Shih Tzu was to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and bark when anyone approached.
They are basically ROYALTY.
Meeko was with me every step of the way, every single day. He never left my side, and was my one, true constant. He helped me talk through what I was trying to put on the paper.
“Meeko, we need to get Ollie from here to there, search for someone he can help, and start helping…in 10 syllables!”
Of course, my mom and dad helped me a ton, too. I couldn’t have done it without them. They listened to the story again and again and gave me feedback, advice, and endless encouragement. I remember talking to my mom – I wondered if I should dedicate my book to my parents since they were so supportive of my journey. She said she was honored that I thought of including them and they loved me so much, but that this book was meant for Meeko and me.
But what was I going to write? Meeko reminded me I needed to pace myself, take breaks (with him), and enjoy every minute of it. I wanted to write something that showed how much he meant to me.
“What about…for my little Meeko, my love for you knows no bounds…what, Meeks? Hmm…you’re right, that is too much.”
Meeko and I decided to go with something simple instead, and we celebrated together when I opened my first box of books!
So...sometimes it isn't just a copyright page! It can include a small, but important dedication. Yes, the copyright page is usually skimmed over...but if there is a dedication, that means the author wants the whole world to know how much that specific someone means to them.
Meeko
September 24, 2006 - October 21, 2022
Reference for Shih Tzu info: Shih Tzu for Dummies by Eve Adamson
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