Growing Up

About the Book

Almost all the stories for this book are based on real-life incidents. In the children’s stories section, a large number of stories are the direct result of what my children asked me when they were growing up and my responses. Some of the stories are based on the questions that our friends’ kids asked. One story is based on my daughter’s friend’s child. All the pet stories are based on my/our pets in recent years. I’ve always had pets—some very unusual. Most of the photos are from my family archive—where not otherwise specified and source acknowledged. I hope you enjoy the stories and accept them in the spirit in which I offer them to you.

About the Author

Sophia Kovachevich is and has been at different times, among other things, a lecturer, a teacher, a lay preacher, a peace activist, a counselor, a playwright, and a poet. She has a master’s degree in English literature and language and a master’s degree in English linguistics. Sophia also has an incomplete PhD degree spanning the disciplines of literature, linguistics, theology and ecology. She also has numerous other degrees, diplomas, advanced certificates, and certificates in various subjects. She has lived in seventeen countries in five continents. She is widely travelled and has been to at least fifty countries around the world. Sophia speaks eight languages in varying degrees of fluency. She loves animals and believes in justice and fair play for all, irrespective of race, religion, color, or creed, and is always fighting for the underdog. Sophia has about a hundred birds in her yard (living freely), three cats, and two dogs at the moment. All the animals and birds mix freely and never hurt each other or attack each other. She also often has other dogs and cats visiting.