Thursday, November 29, 2012

Lucky Cats Paper Dolls-Maneki Neko-by Maggie Swanson

Many of you are familiar with the Legend of the Maneki Neko, but for those of you aren't:

From Lucky Cats Paper Dolls:

Literally translated as "the beckoning cat," a Maneki Neko is easy to recognize by its raised paw. This traditional symbol of prosperity originated in Japan and can be found around the world especially in shops and restaurants."

Illustrator Maggie Swanson has created a paper doll activity book  starring two of her own cats,"Tommie" and "Gracie" who are based on her own cat family. They are her "lucky cats."

Why?

 When Tommie was about 6 wks old he walked out of the woods by Maggie's house and "into her arms." She considers him to be a "gift from Mother Nature."

Gracie was adopted from the PAWS animal shelter in Norwalk, Connecticut where Maggie volunteers. She also has a blog: Sundays at the Shelter where she photographs and blogs about the "adoptables" that she meets there. Maggie considers Gracie to be her "reward" for all of the litter boxes that she cleans there.

I have to tell you, when I opened this paper doll book the illustrations are breathtakingly exquisite. In my opinion, they are too captivating to take out of the book!

Invite good fortune into your life with these adorable lucky cats!

The above photos are just a teaser of what you will find in this stunning and unique book.

You (or your little ones) can dress up Tommie and Gracie in Egyptian Pharaoh costumes, you can dress Gracie as a Geisha replete with a fan (for friendship, good wishes).

There are more than 40 costumes and accessories in this book that can be put on Tommie or Gracie, each costume has various "lucky" symbols such as:


  • A cowboy costume with a lucky horse shoe
  • A fisherman costume with a shark's tooth for protection and strength and a fish for abundance and faith.


There is a darling "gardening" outfit that comes with the meanings of various "lucky" flowers:


  • tiger lily-wealth and prosperity
  • golden rod-success
  • clover-good luck
  • cattail-peace and prosperity


Near the back of the book you will find a 11x17 poster featuring some of the most unique, captivating and colorful "lucky" kitty stickers that I have seen.

I feel that this is the sort of book that no review or feature can adequately do justice. You must purchase this book and EXPERIENCE it. The illustrations must be SEEN to be appreciated. It would make a wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike! Who can't use a little good luck in their life? Children will be enthralled with the kitties and their costumes, while adults will be inclined to display the dressed up kitties in various locations in their home or office to encourage good luck!

It is geared for those in Grades 3 and up (ages 8 and up)

Maggie Swanson has illustrated OVER 100 children's books for many different publishers. Check a few of  them out here

You can purchase Lucky Cats Paper Dolls for the most affordable price of $9.99 on the Dover Publications website by clicking right here

Visit: Maggie Swanson Illustration here
Vist Maggie's blog Sundays at the Shelter here

ISBN 10:0486486826
ISBN 13:9780486486826



34 comments:

  1. What a talented lady! This is now on my shopping list.

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  2. I used to love paper dolls when I was a kid. I can't say that I've really seen any when looking at toys. Those are really cute though. I also didn't know the story behind the japanese kitty, although I've seen them before.

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  3. Aren't these just the cutest!!! What a good job she has done! :)

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  4. Ha-ha, you have NO idea how my human was scrolling down anxiously, hoping really hard that there was going to be a giveaway! Definitely, she suffers from arrested development.

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  5. How cute. Reminds of those dress up paper dolls from yesteryear. Have a terrific Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. me too Molly only these are so beautifully illustrated, NOTHING like when we were growing up. You have a terrific Thursday too!

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  6. Wonderful review, Caren, and we totally agree! Maggie's book is AMAZING. Maggie is so talented, and we are honored to be her friends and to volunteer with her at PAWS. :)

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    1. I have to tell you...your PAWS ROCKS!! I am completely blown away by Maggie's talent! And...THANK YOU!

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    1. not just for kids...adults too. I am going to dress my kitties up and display the stickers....hoping it brings some much needed moolah my way!

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    2. True. My human found an online store selling cute lucky cats and she bought a couple (for presents and... for herself!)
      Purrs

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    1. Brian so was I...these aren't paper dolls from when we were growing up..these are little works of art. Her talent is just incredible!

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    2. Awww.. thank you!
      Brian, you know I'm one of your biggest fans! You are so generous with your time and attention.
      xxoo
      Maggie

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  9. I have been a Maggie Fan for a long time! Her work is exquisite! Makes me wish I could paint watercolors!
    Nellie's Mom

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    1. Nellie's Mom: we sooo agree with you about Maggie's work being "exquisite" Don't you agree that these are just too beautiful to take out of the book? lol

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  10. thanx mew for de ree view cody...R mom loves de Maneki Neko...her haz 4 in de houz.....

    sum one we noe tuna who we wont men shun any names tuna breaked de black neko, tuna... sew then her wuz like...

    dont come hollerin ta me if ewe see evil spirits heer N we wuz like

    ......ok then...we wont

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    Replies
    1. you are welcome! Oh nooo! Someone broke the black one? Ouch!!! lol about the evil spirits...don't worry, there won't be any!

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  11. Maggie is a super person and that book of hers looks terrific. How wonderful for kids. Great review. Take care.

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  12. Oh, that looks so cool!
    Somehow it does bring the child up in me, hihi.

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  13. These are just precious and very affordable! I think I may get these for my little human sister for Christmas! Thanks for the tip!

    Your pal, PIp

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  14. Wow, these are amazing, Caren! I absolutely love wonderful artwork, and this looks beautiful. A few copies are now on my shopping list, too... :)

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    1. Wait til you see them in person! The colors, the illustrations have so much charm. I also love wonderful artwork and these are just beyond endearing! So happy you are going to order some! Yay!

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  15. Dover publishes the greatest books! And we had no idea Maggie was so very talented! We are hopping over there now. We have Tommny's Paw of Approval on our blog, but it looks like he's short a couple toes on the paper doll version. Just an insider kind of thing, a first for us!

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    1. Oui Oui you know what? I never made the correlation between Maggie and her blog and the book until I was working on the blog post! I felt like the biggest jerk! I didn't realize she was so talented either! Her talent is just unreal! Boy are you ever observant!

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