For Amulya Veldanda Vadali, the writing of her new book I’ll Be Your Friend Forever was an emotional and healing process. Written after the passing of her beloved golden retriever, Cosmo, Vadali took to the project out of love for her departed companion, and as a way to understand the loss.
The heartfelt work resonated deeply with readers and I’ll Be Your Friend Forever has since received a Silver Medal in the 2024 Moonbeam Awards in the Animal Non-Fiction category.
We had the opportunity to talk with Vadali about what winning a Moonbeam Award meant, channeling loss into creative work, and the enduring hope that comes with celebrating a loved one.
What Winning a Moonbeam Award Means
For Vadali, writing I’ll Be Your Friend Forever was a deeply personal endeavor, and receiving a Moonbeam Award for that effort has been rewarding. “It was such an honor to win a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award,” she says. “The recognition served as a beautiful reminder that my words can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.”
Beyond personal accomplishment, the added accolade has also helped with the promotion of her new publication. “I include the award seals on all books that I sell at events, which attracts the attention of shoppers,” she says. “I was also recently featured in several news articles, in which my award win was highlighted as a major accomplishment.”
Inspiration for I’ll Be Your Friend Forever
The inspiration for I’ll Be Your Friend Forever is rooted in transforming sorrow into something positive. Vadali had just lost her golden retriever, Cosmo, and dealing with the loss was proving to be painful. “It was one of the hardest losses I’ve ever experienced,” she says.
Vadali began writing as a way to understand the loss and it became a form of catharsis. “Writing the book was a way of processing that grief,” she says. “I imagined what Cosmo would say to comfort me if he could—and the words for the book just poured out. I even cried while writing it when I read back drafts to myself.”
Themes of Loss, Love, and Friendship
Closely tied to the recent passing of her companion, the themes of Vadali’s book are all about her enduring affection and connection with her dog Cosmo.“The book celebrates good times, acknowledges the grief of saying goodbye, and offers comfort and hope for the future,” she says.
In addition to the touching story, Vadali’s book includes other elements to help children and families deal with the sadness and strong feelings that accompany the loss of a pet. “It includes a dedication page in the front so families can honor their pet,” she says, “It also includes ideas in the back on ways to celebrate a pet.”
Adding to the heartwarming words are also a few illustrations provided by readers also dealing with loss. “Several children drew pictures of their departed pet for me to include in the end pages,” she says. “This makes the book even more special.”
Vadali also notes that her book and its topics have even resonated with a royal reader! “I sent a copy of the book to Queen Camilla (Queen consort of the United Kingdom) in January after her pup passed away,” she says. “She sent me a personally signed card thanking me for the ‘very helpful book.’”
Looking Toward the Future
Readers will be pleased to hear that Cosmo will still be a prominent character in Vadali’s upcoming works. “I have written a Diamond in the Ruff series about Cosmo that consists of funny adventure stories.” she says. And beyond-high spirited tales, Vadali’s fun-loving golden retriever is also returning to offer some educational advice. “Currently, I’m trying to start a middle grade series featuring Cosmo that uses funny stories to teach kids about nature and science.”
Along with these projects, Vadali is also tackling some serious topics. “I also recently published a book called Defenders of Diversity to help children celebrate their differences,” she says. Vadali also hints that some of her upcoming work will be catered towards adults as well. “I’m also working on a satirical adult picture book to help adults process a common, but stressful aspect of adulthood!”
Learn more about Amulya Veldanda Vadali and I’ll Be Your Friend Forever here.
Take the Leap — Turn Your Story into an Award-Winner
Asked about the value of submitting for a Moonbeam Award, Vadali points to the credibility of the accolade. “Make sure you look for awards that are reputable and highly respected and recognized in the industry!” she says. “If you win an award, you want to know it means something!”
Vadali’s journey goes to show how channeling difficult emotions into creative work can be healing, and connect with others. Her heartfelt tribute to Cosmo, and themes of love, loss, and hope are something we can all relate to.
Think you have a touching story worth sharing? Consider submitting it to the Moonbeam Awards! You never know how your earnest words may help others also heal.
