Author’s Answer to Michele’s 10-Year-Old Daughter is One for the Books!

My little Shaylee, who is 10 years old, LOVES the "Warriors" cat book series.

Last year, her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Downs, had the class write their own books, including illustrations. Take one guess what Shaylee wrote about. Yep ... you got it: "Warriors."

Mrs. Downs had the books printed and bound -- like real books! -- and we were given the opportunity to order more for a cost. I ordered two more. One for my husband and I, and Shaylee wanted to send one to the "Warriors" authors. (Six authors write under the name of Erin Hunter for the series.)

I asked Shaylee which of the six authors was her favorite. Then, I took those names and found the address. Three of her favorites are in London, so I sent the book and enclosed a letter Shaylee had written.

As I mailed the book and letter, I thought to myself, "I hope she at least gets a generic fan club letter back, because she would be heartbroken if she got nothing."

When we returned the other day from a trip out of town, a package addressed to Shaylee was waiting. As she opened it, I held my breath.

Enclosed was her original book with a personal message handwritten on the outside.

Plus a little cute message inside one of the pages -- Shaylee had written to Erin Hunter, "If you read this I'm going to die." The author wrote back: "Please don't die."

A brand-new "Warriors" book with another personal inscription was on the inside. There was also a Q&A page in regard to the "Warriors" cats and a personally written letter to Shaylee.

I thought my heart was going to explode from seeing the huge smile come across her face as she read everything in the package and tried to take it all in. I know how something like this can make a difference or inspire a young child. Heck, anyone for that matter!

So as a mom, thank you "Warriors" cat author Vicky for inspiring the light to keep on shining in my little girl.

Have you ever received something special from a celebrity or fan club?