Moonbeam Award Winner Shares the Personal Journey Behind a Beloved Three-Legged Hero

In this interview, Sasha Filipovich, author of Cal Has Three Legs, shares how her real-life rescue dog became the inspiration behind her first picture book. What began as simple, curious questions from children grew into a story about humor, self-acceptance, and approaching differences with openness.

“Tell the story you want to tell, and hold onto your vision.”

Sasha Milena Filipovich

Sasha talks about how her background in journalism, dance, and film influenced her storytelling, and how working closely with illustrator Dalia Vukmirovich helped shape the book’s visual and emotional tone. She also reflects on the patience and persistence required to bring a picture book to life.

She discusses what it meant to receive a Bronze Moonbeam Award and her experience publishing with Tellwell, and offers practical advice for authors creating their first children’s book.