"Shortcuts only take us further from our destination. Therefore, the only way to live without regret is to do your best." Epicello is a leopard who appears to have everything - a supportive family, friends throughout the animal kingdom, and a lioness who is in love with him. He has been given all that he needs without ever having to work for it. This to Epicello seems like the perfect crime, but his laziness and selfishness soon lead to division between him and his family and friends. Soon, Epicello finds himself alone and unable to provide for himself. Epicello must return to the lessons he once ignored to prove to those around him and more importantly, to himself, that change is possible. Spots Before Stripes is a story for anyone who has ever struggled with self-identity, for anyone who has ever wondered where they fit in the grand scheme of things. Told through beautiful prose and humor, it explores the hurdles that stand in the way of our happiness, hurdles that are often of our own creation. However, in our pursuit of fulfillment, we must remember too what our obligations are to others, or our success is without meaning.