DAILY LEADER/ KATIE WILLIAMSON / Katherine Shell, 16 holds her kitten after presenting her children’s book, “Toby the Tabby,” at the Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library last week.

Katherine Shell, 16, presented her children’s book, “Toby the Tabby,” at the Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library on Tuesday. Shell researched, wrote and designed the feline-friendly book.

The book and presentation are part of Shell’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive. The award requires a time-intensive effort to improve local communities.

Shell has been working with Brookhaven Animal Rescue League to spread public awareness about adoptable cats. She will continue her award project by painting a mural and building a ramp in the cat room of the shelter.

Shell says she thought of the idea because she has adopted cats from BARL in the past and wants to help promote the organization and general feline awareness.

Shell’s presentation was accompanied by brochures and a poster that answered questions about cat adoption such as cost, spaying/neutering, food and general feline care.

“After reading and learning all this information about cats, it has really helped me become a better caretaker for my cats,” said Shell.

BARL is a no-kill animal welfare group run by part-time staff and volunteers. The league serves Lincoln, Franklin and Copiah counties. Their mission is to “humanely care for shelter animals while contributing to community activities that reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public health and safety and promote the human-animal bond.”

For more information about local cat or dog adoption visit www.barl.net.