Community Corner
Cat Lover, Somerset County Author Pens New Children’s Book
South Bound Brook author Apara Mahal Sylvester's new book, The Chinese Cat, is about a man who makes a new friend after his wife's death.

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NJ — Self-proclaimed cat lover and children’s book author Apara Mahal Sylvester has released her newest title, The Chinese Cat, which is a charming story about an elderly gentleman in China who makes a new friend after the death of his wife.
"The days can prove to be lonely for so many. Mr. Chen is definitely one of those people. While he is very thankful for his home and his friends in the area, something was still missing. He was an artist and attended markets as often as he could. While attending a market one day, something wonderful happens. What could it be that happens? Does Mr. Chen find a friend? Perhaps he finds something to do with his favorite subject to paint. Follow along with Mr. Chen to see what makes him very happy and not as lonely anymore," according to the book description.
The book is geared towards ages 4-10.
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Living in South Bound Brook with her cats, Sylvester is an avid author, freelance writer, and artistic photographer. Her debut book, Angel Child, was her first memoir. A subsequent memoir is Chaplaincy: A Hospital Chaplain Intern's Journey.
Sylvester has since become inspired to write children's books. She penned her first children’s book, "Down By The River Where Dreams Come True," in 2019. Read More: Somerset County Author Publishes First Children's Book
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Down By The River Where Dreams Come True, her first children's book, is based on her love of her own cats and cats everywhere. Several of her subsequent books feature cats as her main characters, including Mousie’s Way Home, which focuses specifically on the plight of feral cats. Read More: An Abandoned Cat's Rescue By Somerset County Author Featured In Latest Children's Book
Apara is a member of the Cat Writers Association and has won several Certificates of Excellence from the association for her published written and photographic works.
All of Apara Mahal Sylvester’s books can be found on Amazon.com or via her website aparamahalsylvester.com. Or follow Sylvester at instagram.com/aparamahal or facebook.com/aparamahalsylvester.
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