The characters HoneyBear and Manny are very real. HoneyBear-Sheila's own best buddy-was adopted from a rescue shelter and is, in her words, "truly sweet and a little bit naughty." Manny is her "grand-cat," gifted to her son, Antar Yusef (also an author), who affectionately says, "Manny is sweet and naughty, too." This story is inspired by their real-life adventures. Though HoneyBear and Manny remain playful archenemies, the family continues to hope that, one day, the two will become true friends.