Cat-Lady's Last Call

When Garrison Brown’s Grandma (the neighborhood cat-lady) dies, he must fulfill her last wishes and place her six felines in the “right” home. Interviews and home visits are required make sure the cats are happy.  In order to do this, Garrison spends the holidays in his old neighborhood. He reacquaints himself with some old friends and is introduced to some new ones. While he gets involved fixing up Gram’s house and finding homes for the cats, Garrison does some soul-searching to decide what he really wants. The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson is a sweet little read for Christmas or anytime. DB

The Kitties Are Coming!

Inspired by her popular blog of the same name, Laurie Cinotto's adorable and entertaining book, "The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee" follows the adventures of the many (over 40!) kitten litters she has fostered over the past 7 years.  In addition to some beautiful -- and oftentimes hilarious -- photography, Cinotto also provides helpful tips and tricks that she's learned over the years, such as how to kitten proof your home, best practices for mealtime, and even how to create your own kitten toys out of cardboard.  A fun and worthwhile read!  HM

Meow!

Are you a cat lover?  Check out this gorgeous book, The Elegance of the Cat, comprised of a history of various breeds from antiquity through modern day.  Accompanying the text are beautiful photographs that show up-close details like fur texture and markings.  A great book to take home and flip through.  HM

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...

Lost CAT: a True Story of Love, Desperation and GPS Technology by Caroline Paul is not just for cat lovers. If you are a lover of animals, small children, straying teens, etc. this book will provide an amusing look at what our loved one does when we’re not around. While Caroline was recuperating from a nasty accident, her cat Tibia, the timid one, got lost. Caroline was depressed, dejected and desperate. Her partner Wendy tried to understand and offer support, even when Caroline insisted on measures beyond putting up flyers and consulted a psychic. Five weeks later, the wanderer--Tibby reappeared looking pretty good. Where had he been? What had he been eating? Why was he gone so long? Where was he disappearing to? Thus begins the real quest and the venture into GPS devices, Cat-cams and getting to know your neighbors. This is a short, funny, beautifully-illustrated read! DB  

Must See Photo Books

What's not to love about photo books of kittens? Of puppies? Of dogs doing funny things under water?  If you get a chance to stop by the library take a glance at some of the cutest books I've ever seen. The first is Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness by Rachel Hale.  The photos of kittens in adorable poses and settings include little sayings sure to get you inspired and give you an all around good feeling.  Rachel Hale has won numerous awards for her animal portraits and we own another prime example - Snog, another book of photos but this time of puppies!  (Check out our previous blog about Snog, October 2012).  What really got me wanting to write about these cute photo books is Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel.  You will laugh out loud at this book...I have never seen anything so funny.  Casteel has taken photos of dogs underwater, usually as they chase balls.  What results from the dog leaping into the water are bubbles, bared teeth and popping eyes in adorable dog faces. They say visiting with animals alleviates depression and stress.  If you want a 'visit' without the fur you can get it from these books.  There are plenty of images of Hale's work online and check out this link to some photos of Casteel's underwater dogs. SG

Make Your Own Furry Pal

Have allergies? Maybe your landlord doesn't allow pets? If you're handy with the knitting needles (or know someone who is), pick up Knit Your Own Cat: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. From Persians to Torties, and everything in between, this book provides simple instructions for creating your very own new best friend. Litter box not necessary. HM

Gotta Love Dewey!

You don't have to be a librarian to appreciate Dewey's Nine Lives, retired librarian Vicki Myron's second tribute to her library's beloved cat Dewey Readmore Books. Here, Myron tells new stories about Dewey's antics that didn't make the cut for the first book. Also included are tales (tails?) about six other extraordinary cats that are sure to give you a case of the warm fuzzies. If you are a cat owner, this heartwarming read will make you want to track down your feline friend and give him or her a cuddle. And if you don't have a cat, perhaps this book will inspire you to make the trek to the nearest animal rescue and adopt a new best friend. Either way, a wonderful read. And it would make a wonderful gift for the animal lover on your holiday shopping list!

Better than Garfield!

His popular Youtube videos have taken the internet by storm and caused millions of LOLs worldwide. Now Simon's Cat brings his antics to the literary world with his first ever self-titled book. Through simple yet effective black and white drawings, London-based animater Simon Tofield brings to hilarious life the daily adventures of an unnamed cat as he attempts to catch birds, pesters a neighbor's dog, plays with a yard gnome statue, and, as always, finds new and creative ways to demand more food from his hapless human. Although Simon's Cat's behavior is somewhat exaggerated at times, it is obvious Tofield took his inspiration from genuine cat behavior--and tried to remain true to that inspiration as much and as often as possible. This is one of the many reasons Simon's Cat's adventures remain fresh and funny long after Garfield's biting sarcasm has gotten old. A quick read that will have anyone even remotely familiar with cats ROTFL (rolling on the floor laughing).

Homer's Odyssey

Extraordinary dog stories, while fun and heartwarming, have become as common as kibble (Honestly, does anyone really care to hear how Lassie rescued little Timmy from a watery grave in the old well--yet again). Extraordinary cat stories, however... Well, these are a bit more unusual. Perhaps because felines themselves are a bit more selective in their actions, a bit more discriminating in their desire to please.

One such amazing cat is Homer, the hero and title character of Homer's Odyssey, by Gwen Cooper. Blind as a result of a kittenhood illness, Homer was adopted by Cooper out of pity for his seemingly helpless condition. However, Homer soon distinguished himself as not allowing his condition to slow him down and proved himself to be among the most extraordinary of extraordinary cats. Whether catching a fly mid-flight or defending his owner from a burgler, Homer is a shining example of not allowing a disability to diminish one's life in any way. Truly an inspirational and positive read! --AJL