Former Gov. Nathan Deal knows cats are great teachers

Many politicians who leave public office can't wait to name drop world leaders and trumpet their accomplishments. Former Gov. Nathan Deal first wanted to tell people about Veto, his beloved cat.

Why it matters: Deal, who served two terms as Georgia governor from 2011 to 2019, releases his children's book " Veto, The Governor's Cat " Wednesday.

Zoom in: The book geared toward children ages 7 to 10 chronicles the adventures of Veto and his brother Bill, two cats whose quiet life on a farm was upended when they were moved to the governor's mansion to chase away chipmunks.

• Along the way, the two meet a motley crew of talking animals including a possum who fancies himself a Shakespearean actor and learn lessons about resiliency, empathy, kindness and loss.

Catch up quick: Deal told Axios he wrote the book at the request of his late wife Sandra. As first lady, she visited more than 1,000 Georgia schools to read to classrooms and advocate for literacy.

• Roughly one year after making the request, Sandra was diagnosed with cancer, and Deal was compelled to write. She read the original draft, Deal said, and gave him a thumbs up.
• Sandra Deal died in Aug. 2022 .

What they're saying: Writing the book was cathartic for the former governor after Sandra's death, he said.

• "It helped me get through my period of grief. I'm still not over the grieving part, and maybe I won't ever be, but that's OK," he said. "It's all dedicated to her, her memory and her legacy."

Fun fact: Portions from the book's proceeds will fund the Deal Foundation to continue the first lady's mission of childhood literacy.

What's next: Deal, whose legacy as governor includes criminal justice reform and improving the state's relationship with Atlanta City Hall, plans to criss-cross the state promoting and signing the book.

• He'll appear at the Georgia Center for the Book in Decatur on Aug. 20 at 6:30-7:30pm. Get your tickets here .