The Lucky Winner of "Cat and Crow: An Amazing Friendship" -by Lisa Fleming, Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Ohhh Mom and I had a good chuckle when we entered the entries for this give-away into www.random.org. The kitty who thought they were not eligible to win, is the WINNER!!

That kitty is:

our dear friend Austin

from the wonderful blog:

Please click here to visit Austin's blog! We are certain you will more than enjoy your stay and you will return again and again!

CONCATULATIONS TO AUSTIN!!

You are going to LOVE this book!

THANK YOU to all who entered!

Austin, please tell your Mom to email my mom at cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com with your complete mailing address so that Mom may give the information to Lisa!!

Love, Cody

Book Revew: "Cat and Crow: An amazing friendship" By Lisa Fleming, Illustrations by Anne Marie Dominik-Harris. ENTER TO WIN A COPY!

One of my favorite parts of blogging, (if not THE most favorite part), is the books that are sent to me to review either directly from the publisher, the authors themselves, or those that were sent to me via recommendations from dear friends.

 I am delighted to share with you:

Cat and Crow An Amazing Friendship  (published by Collage Books Inc.), was written by Lisa Fleming. One of my dear cat blogging friends, (Layla Morgan Wilde of the Pettie nominated Cat Wisdom 101 and her other inspirational blog, The Boomer Muse), referred Lisa to me knowing that I would be greatly touched by this inspirational gem, and that I would enjoy featuring it. She couldn't have been more correct.

This black cat was the FIRST
cat to give a "4-paw" review!
We couldn't agree more!
Photo courtesy of Lisa Fleming

Cat and Crow is based on the true story of a cat, (Cassie), and a crow, (Moses), who, in spite of  their obvious differences, became the best of friends.

When compiling a list of "must read" Children's books, be SURE that this one is on your list!

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming's Facebook Page
To Visit, Please Click Here

The story originates at the home of Ann and Wally Collito who witnessed this phenomenon take place and watched in joy and wonder as  they first noticed the crow (Moses), feeding a worm to the black and white kitten (Cassie). It is believed that the crow saved the kitten's life and decided to designate itself as the kitten's mother, playmate, guardian angel and best buddy.

Every day for four years the Collito's watched the amazing display of friendship with complete awe.

Look carefully!
If you look at the door you will see
Moses' head peeking in
looking for Cassie!!
He would tap at with his beak every morning
until the Collito's would let Cassie out!
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming

How could two animals who were not in the least connected genetically, and who were supposed to be mortal enemies,  become the best of friends?

Moses and Cassie "hug"
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming

When Lisa Fleming first saw the cat and crow friendship on  YouTube she knew she had to share this inspirational and awe-inspiring story with the world.

From Lisa: "I knew in my heart that I wanted to share this true story with the world. When I contacted the Collitos, they welcomed me into their home and encouraged me to write the story of these two incredible animals. I have since formed a special connection with this family and their beloved cat, Cassie."

Lisa Fleming, Wally Collito and "Cassie"
The book is also dedicated in remembrance of
Ann Collito
Photo compliments of Lisa's Facebook page
to visit click here

Lisa wrote this enlightening  Children's book (which is charmingly illustrated by Anne Marie Dominik-Harris),  in an attempt to "help educate future generations on being part of the solution for helping feral and stray cats."







If a crow can adopt, care for, love and protect a feral kitten, without "seeing" physical and genetic differences, why can't some of us do the same for feral kittens as well as for each other?

I couldn't help but be reminded of the Paul McCartney song "Ebony and Ivory" when reading this book.  How ironic that Moses the crow is black and Cassie the cat is black and white? Something to think about.



In addition to the heartwarming story as written by Lisa,  the back of the Cat and Crow has an update about Moses and Cassie, charming photographs from the Collito's, various newspaper clippings, a section called  Feathers (Fun Facts About Crows) with information provided by Bernd Heinrich, Ph.D (professor emeritus in the biology department at the University of Vermont), and a section entitled Fur (Fun Facts about cats) with information provided by Nancy Peterson, Cat Programs Manager for the Humane Society of the United States.

The story of the Cat and Crow is a story of complete trust, acceptance, loyalty, protection, devotion, having the capability of being able to love and nuture  another completely,  in spite of  obvious  differences.

Wally Collito believes that if it hadn't been for the loving care of Moses, Cassie, who was a feral kitten (before she was taken in by the Collito's) would have died.  Lisa informed me that Cassie just turned 13 this past June!!! 

Wally Collito also states in the video on YouTube:

 "One important lesson is that two strangers need to get along with each other."
If they do, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

To that I offer a resounding Amen.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming's Facebook Page
To visit, click here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Fleming, a former newspaper columnist and freelance writer, is passionate about animals and wildlife. She is dedicated to helping those in need, by creating ideas that inspire charitable endeavors in her Southwest Florida community. She does many elementary school visits, helping to educate future generations about feral and stray cats.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Anne Marie Dominik-Harris, a University of the Arts graduate and Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship recipient, is a high school art teacher in Southern New Jersey, who also enjoys a freelance career in illustration.


ISBN 978-0-938728-23-8
www.collagebooks.com

GIVE-AWAY OPEN TO EVERYONE!
One lucky reader is going to win a copy of Cat and Crow An Amazing Friendship!

 TO ENTER:
Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this book. (Be sure I have a way to reach you should you be the winner)

BONUS ENTRY: "like" Cat And Crow on Facebook by clicking here and let me know in a separate comment that you did so.


CONTEST DEADLINE: MONDAY JULY 30, 2012 AT 11PM EASTERN. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1, 2012.


GOOD LUCK!!

Winner Of "My G-r-r-r-r-eat Uncle Tiger" Written By James Riordan, Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Hi Guys!! We are posting the winner of our book give-away a little early because we have a super special birthday to celebrate on May 23rd!!

The winner of:

As Chosen By

www.random.org is:

FOUR  PAW SAVINGS!!

They also have a blog which you can visit right here!!

CONCATULATIONS!!!

Mom is sending you an email so that she can get your address and send you the book!!! Knowing Mom there will be a few other goodies sent along with it!

Thanks to all who entered!!

Love, Cody

Children's Book Give-Away! "My G-r-r-r-r-eat Uncle Tiger" Written By James Riordan, Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Your little ones will delight in the brightly-colored, charming illustrations as they join Marmaduke the tabby and his kitty friends (Billy, Bertha, Matilda, Smudger and Albert) on Marmaduke's search for his long-lost relative.

Marmaduke had seen a picture of a Tiger and he decides that because they both have yellow eyes and stripes, well, they MUST be related!

Marmaduke and his friends head off to the zoo where they encounter all sorts of animals, the BIGGEST surprise of all is Marmaduke's "G-r-r-r-r-eat Uncle Tiger!"

This book is purrfect for children ages 2-6.

The animals that Marmaduke and is friends encounter would make a great learning game by having the children point to the animals and telling the reader what type they are.

This book would make a great bedtime or anytime story!

GIVE-AWAY- Open to EVERYONE! Just leave a comment at the end of this post with a way for me to contact you should you be the lucky winner! ENTRY DEADLINE: MONDAY MAY 21st, at 11PM EASTERN. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, MAY 23rd. GOOD LUCK!

• 
  

• ISBN: 978-1-56145-110-4
• Total Pages: 32

Book Review: Jekyll Says...Volumes I & II: Written By: D.C. Blackbird, Illustrations By Christine P. Flores, Graphic Design By Leah Frieday

Just who is Jekyll? Sit back, put your kitty paws up and rest a spell and I will tell you!

Jekyll is a unique-looking black and white kitty that was born in North Carolina in 1999. He was found as a baby in a dirty ditch because, although it is difficult to fathom, NOBODY wanted him!

Jekyll has a unique marking on his face and as he tells it, special markings mean that "great things await those who have them!" A marking like Jekyll's meant that he was destined to be blessed with good fortune and he would develop miraculous skills, talents, and gifts. Through the love of the two humans who adopted Jekyll, those "miraculous skills" came to light through the writing of both of his books!

In Jekyll Says...Good Deeds Cats Do, That You Should Too, Jekyll shares his unique feline wisdom through adorable and "cat"-chy poems which to me are somewhat reminiscent of Dr.Seuss's style and are meant to be read out loud and S-L-O-W-L-Y).  The book is peppered with colorful and lively illustrations that are a delight to the eye.

Some of the poems/wisdom that Jekyll shares in this book are:

Wake Up Happy!












Be Clean!









One of my favorite poems in this darling book is:

Be Proud Of Who You Are


Jekyll says, "Be someone's hero"
and you'll never be a zero.
No need for outfits or some capes.
Don't get in any kinds of scrapes.


Defend the helpless all the time.
Help those in need and heed this rhyme.
Be brave, be strong, and be your best.
Stand up! Put bullies to the test!


Don't ever start a donnybrook.
But when you're needed-take a look.
Let others know you're not afraid.
To help all those in need of aid.

Jekyll continues sharing his words of wisdom in Volume II: Jekyll Says More! Lessons & Trends For Felines & Friends


In this book you will find poems such as:


Care For Those You Love


Read Each Night & Day


and one that I definitely need to put into practice more:


Find Time To Play!


Jekyll says to "Find time to play."
Each and every wonderful day.
Don't let your work cloud up your mind.
Sometimes you need to just unwind.


Stop and smell roses as a plan.
Swim in the water. Kick the can.
Play with friends or when you're alone.
Enjoy silence. Get off the phone!


Go spend a whole day without words.
Riding a bike or watching birds.
Go play somewhere that is hush-hush.
Spend time wisely and do not rush.


So? What do you think?

If you are like me you will not be able to read these lovingly crafted, lively poems without  smiling.

The lessons conveyed in each poem are not only invaluable to children but to adults as well.  Sometimes we can all use a gentle and fun prod to remind us of what REALLY is important in life! Each poem that I read made me  pause and THINK!


I am certain that you and the special children in your life will share some educational and meaningful conversations as a result of the wit and wisdom that is shared throughout the pages of both of these books.

Jekyll indeed WAS blessed with "miraculous skills, talents and gifts."  He possessed the gift of sharing life's lessons in a light-hearted,  sometimes downright silly and cheerful way that is certain to delight you and the children in your life as much as it delighted me!

So...put a little wit and wisdom in your day,
 invite Jekyll the cat and his poems into your head and heart
 where I am certain they will stay!!


(See? Jekyll even rubbed off on me!!)

ABOUT D.C. BLACKBIRD: "D.C. Blackbird is an American poet, songwriter, and author. D.C. is an advocate of animal adoption, care, liberation, rescue, rights and welfare, as well as a proponent of Veganism. D.C. works closely with domestic and farm animals and wildlife around the world, and is dedicated to telling stories about their experiences and adventures in Humanland, as well as their own Homelands."


"Profits from the sale of this book benefit animal adoption, care, liberation, rescue and welfare organizations. If you know of any such organizations that would like to sell this book as part of its fundraising efforts, please contact the Publisher at WelcomeToKittyland.com"


To purchase these books please visit WelcomeToKittyland.com


I was not compensated for this review. I was sent both books to read/review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Cats Vanish Slowly" Poems by Ruth Tiller, Paintings By Laura Seeley

When I was a child of about 4 or 5 I remember one of my favorite bedtime books was a book of poems written by Robert Louis Stevenson called "A Child's Garden Of Verses."

I loved it so much that I had the entire book memorized and would delight in "reading" it to anyone who wanted to listen.

The illustrations were exquisite, so exquisite that I am able to vividly envision them in my mind today.

Cats Vanish Slowly is sure to become one of a child's favorite poem books in childhood and beyond. It is a book of poems about cats that live at "Grandmother's Farm." Children will delight as they follow these cats throughout the twelve poems in this book.

Some of the cats that they will meet are "B.P." a "bad penny" but he is completely loyal, Mama Gray (who bears a striking resemblance to Cody!) and her kittens and Buddha "the cat who might be a mystic, or might just be a cat."

From the publisher: "Poet Ruth Tiller captures the personalities and moods of each of her cats in clear, concise language easy enough for young readers, but with evocative imagery and varied rhythms that will engage the interest of older readers as well."


"If you've ever loved a cat, you will understand why Ruth Tiller echoes a famous Cheshire Cat passage from ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND for the title of her book. The cats of CATS VANISH SLOWLY will remain in your heart and mind long after you finish this magical book."


There are a number of full page illustrations (paintings) which were done by Laura Seeley that  will make you want to snip them from this book and put them in frames to display. (No! Don't really do that! You don't want to cut a book, but they ARE superb and you WILL want to frame them!)

Suggested Ages 6-10

• ISBN: 978-1-56145-106-7
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 8 x 12

To purchase click here

or visit Amazon.com here


I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of Cats Vanish Slowly to read/review.

Book Revew: Grady the Gray Cat Gets Adopted AND Grady the Gray Cat Gets a toy Fire Truck, Written by Lori A. Moore, Illustrations By Justin Stier

I wish Grady would come
out of this book so we
could play!

Happy Monday everyone! It's Cody and I am so excited to tell you about a book that I read this weekend with my Mom! Actually the COOL THING is it's "TWO, TWO, TWO BOOKS IN ONE!!" Wait a few and I will tell ya!

I love you Grady,
you are GRAY like ME!

One of the reasons I was excited to read these books is because the star of the books is, what else? A GRAY KITTY!! A gray kitty named "Grady!"

The first book I read was Grady the Gray Cat Gets Adopted
Hey!  I'm gray and I was adopted!!

"Grady is a little gray cat,
Whose home was a cage in a store where he sat.
He wanted to live with a mom and a dad.
'Cause living alone made him very sad."

I remember when I lived
in a cage and was sad too.

Mom and I loved this book because it reminded us of the day that Mom adopted me and I went to live with she and Daddy. The story is about Grady being adopted and going to live   with his new Mom and Dad and his kitty sisters and realizing just how much he is loved. It talks about all of the fun things that he does during the day which is shown in beautiful illustrations done by Justin Stier.

Then, when you finish that story you see:

And...look on the bottom right corner of the cover!

See? I told ya it is TWO BOOKS IN ONE!

The second book is Grady the Gray Cat Gets a toy Fire Truck, it also has catabulous illustrations created by Justin Stier.

"Grady's uncle is a fireman, and he brought him a new toy.
His uncle liked to bring things for his little nephew boy.
His uncle's name was Andy, and he was a fire captain.
He would tell Grady stories about the fires that had happened."

Grady learned all about what fire trucks do  and he would pretend he was sliding down a fire pole!

I loved these books because of the gray kitty Grady, but Mom especially loved them because they both have a distinct message about kindess, being good and feeling loved. They are written for children ages 5-8 and make the pawfect bedtime story because they are a super fast read. Don't let the "fast" part fool ya though, they are fun, thought provoking and charmingly engaging!

Here is a special treat for you! This is the ACTUAL Grady that the books were written about!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Lori A. Moore lives in Kentucky with her husband and their three cats. She never imagined she would be a published author. She worked 25+ years in "Corporate America" and she serves as an adjunct professor for several universities, both online and in the classroom.


ISBN: 978-1-61739-048-7
Cover and Interior Design by Chris Webb
Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC
www.tatepublishing.com


In full disclosure, my Mom and I were not compensated for this review. We received a copy of the book to read/review. All opinions are our own.

Book Review: "The Cheshire Cheese Cat:A Dickens of a Tale" Written by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright, Ilustrations by Barry Moser

A cat who prefers dining on cheese instead of mice? That's the secret that Skilley, a cat from the streets attempts to hide when he seeks to become the "Head Mouser" at "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese".

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of the grandest of London public houses. It is a place where people and esteemed writers such as, Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, and Charles Dickens, among others, go to eat, to drink,  or in the case of Charles Dickens, try to think of an opening for their book.

Once settled at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Skilley meets Pip, a mouse with a penchant for words (the longer the better) and penmanship (he is quite adept at calligraphic creations created by merely using the tip of his tail!).  He also has a few secrets of his own!

Skilley and Pip make a deal that Skilley will protect the mice that reside at the inn in exchange for the "cheese, glorious cheese!" that Skilley desires most.

With a writing style reminiscent of  Charles Dickens,  slight tinges of sly humor,  character development which showcases the hardships of the working class and names of characters (Nell, Pip, Oliver that have appeared in various Charles Dickens classics),  the story draws us in ever further,  as we vicariously experience various and dire conflicts that Skilley and Pip are required to overcome in order to survive.

Throughout Skilley and Pip's challenges, all the while trying to pen the proper opening of his book,  Charles Dickens functions as their secret ally.

The charming illustrations by Barry Moser are rendered in  realistic style;  wonderfully captivating in their detail.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale teaches that lessons of a great friendship can be learned by even the most unlikely of friends.

This story is sure to become a  favorite of both children and adults!  Like fine cheese, it will  only get better with age. It's definitely appropriate to have "Great Expectations" of this gem!

I was received no compensation  for this review.

 I was sent a  copy of this book marked "UNCORRECTED PROOF" to read/review. 

• Hardcover: $16.95
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-595-9
• Total Pages: 256
• Size: 6 x 8
• Language: English
• Rights: World, except Korea and audio
• Status: active

Book Review: "No Dogs Allowed!" Words & Pictures by Anne Davis

Kitties! (Doggies too!) Cody here! Mom and I received a fun book in the mail for us to review. It is called  "No Dogs Allowed" by Anne Davis, and it is super  cute!

Cookie the dog with Gabby and Bud

I know some of you kitties live with doggies like I do. Some of you just live on your own and wonder what you would feel like if a doggie came to live at your house. Some of you USED to live on your own and then had a doggie move in.  This book is for all of you!

I remember the day that my doggie brother Dakota moved in. I had been happily living with Mom and Dad having fun and wallowing in all of their attention until... BOOM! They surprised me with Dakota.

I wasn't very happy. I hissed at him once.  I circled his crate to let him know who was boss and from that moment on we had an "understanding." It's "my way or the highway!" But, this isn't about me, this blog post today is about "No Dogs Allowed" a book that made both me and my Mom grin as wide as a Cheshire kitty!

In "No Dogs Allowed" Bud and Gabby are two kitties who are happy to be living the good life on their own. That is until Cookie the dog happens on the scene.

Buddy the Crabby Cat!

Bud is a crabby sort of kitty and he wants no part of Cookie. He tries to have Gabby take part in various activities to shut Cookie out.

Gabby is a nice kitty and wants to share with Cookie.

Bud wants no part of it!

He makes Cookie leave the house! He kicked her out! Suddenly, a big storm pops up. Ohhh nooo! What will happen to Cookie since Bud made her leave?

I can't tell you. You will have to read this colorful and fun book to find out! It is purrfect for human children who are ages 3-7. They will love this book!

Anne Davis not only wrote the book but she did vibrant and FUN illustrations as well! She also has a greeting card company that features a wide assortment of doggies and kitties! You can visit her online at www.annemadecards.com


"No Dogs Allowed" is published by HarperCollins. Click here to purchase it online.

We received no payment for this review. We only received the book to read and review.

Book Review:"Morning Miss Moo" (story of an ornery cat) by Carrie Dow, Illustrations by Roxanne Macke

"Miss Moo"

"Ever been bossed around? Been told what to do? That's Miss Moo!"

"Morning Miss Moo" is  based on Carrie Dow's own cat, a stray found behind the garage.

Anyone who has been "owned" by a cat can relate to the infamous scene that occurs in most households, where before the sun has even had a chance to rise, our feline food machines are at-the-ready, game plans for how to awaken us ingrained in their crafty kitty craniums. This event is the crux of "Morning Miss Moo", author Carrie Dow's first children's book, .

The book, for me, a tad on the short side (approx 10 pages), but possibly purrfect for the 4 and under crowd's limited attention span) focuses on Miss Moo's quest for her breakfast,  and how she is going to waken her "blonde" (Mom) in order to to accomplish this task.

Once fed, like any kitty worthy of calling itself a cat, Miss Moo pretty much wants nothing more to do with the "blonde" other than to return to the "blonde's" bed after eating, curl up beside her and  go to sleep.

The illustrations by Roxanne Macke of Broomfield, CO. are quite good. Macke is a graphic artist and she was able to use digital photos of Miss Moo and put them into her illustrations.

Carrie Dow is hoping to turn the book into a series, an excellent idea. While being a cute, pleasant read, in my opinion "Morning Miss Moo (story of an ornery cat)" didn't quite show me enough of why Miss Moo is ornery. Tapping her "blonde's" face and chin to awaken her is far from "ornery" to me.

When attempting to awaken my husband for his breakfast,  Cody turns on the printer and knocks anything off of the bedroom dresser that he can get his paws on to make sure our feet hit the floor in short order! THAT'S "ornery!"

Children in particular love to read about silly and mischievous behavior (especially when it is an animal exhibiting objectionable behavior), that they can associate with, learn from and giggle like crazy at.

I would have liked to have seen Carrie Dow tie into the book (if it IS the first of a series), how she came to acquire Miss Moo and how Miss Moo earned her name. It is mentioned on the press release that the "Dows named her Miss Moo because instead of saying "meow" like other cats, she says "moo".

It is my hope that Carrie Dow DOES continue with the series. The title "Morning Miss Moo (story of an ornery cat) is great, but there was something missing in this story for me. More development of the actual story is needed, show us just how  "ornery" Miss Moo really is!




Miss Moo has her own blog. Read it at www.missmooblog.blogspot.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Carrie Dow is a freelance magazine writer who lives with her husband in Lakewood, Colorado. Along with Miss Moo, she also has an orange tabby Snickers, and a black English Labrador named Jasmine.


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:Roxanne Macke is an environmental artist/graphic designer. She lives with her husband, their two dogs, Yorkiepoo Frodo and a black Labrador mix, Brodie, in Broomfield, Colorado. www.2roxstudios.com


The book is currently available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. ISBN 978-1-4269-1 879-7.