"The Poetic Mews: Cats and Their Poets" by Elizabeth Wager (Proceeds to support International Cat Care (iCatCare) Guest Post

A brand-new poetry book 'The Poetic Mews: Cats and Their Poets' written by Elizabeth Wager, is being sold in support of the charity International Cat Care (iCatCare). 

Courtesy of iCatCare

Perfect for the literary cat lover, this beautifully illustrated poetry book, is a wonderful collection of poems which tell the story of some of history's literary giants through their cats, written in their own singular literary style. The resulting collection of 20 beautiful and highly entertaining poems, takes the reader on a historical romp from Beowulf to Dylan Thomas via the likes of Shakespeare and Milton. 

The book's author, Elizabeth Wager, is definitely not your usual kind of feline poet! She is a science writer with her own publications consultancy and has a self-confessed obsession with the English Language. And while cat poetry as a genre can occasionally lean towards sentimentality, Elizabeth's work stands out as stylish and witty, infused with both historical scholarship and a breathtaking mastery of poetry.  

Elizabeth-Wager at launch
Photo Courtesy of iCatCare

As you'd expect, Elizabeth is a serious cat fan. Her love for cats is not only evident from her poems, but she has also very generously decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of the new collection to International Cat Care, a charity that supports owned and unowned cats worldwide.

Elizabeth said: “I’m thrilled to be publishing this book in aid of iCatCare. I’ve been writing these poems for many years and sort of wondered if they might be publishable but, until now, always dismissed the idea. But seeing them in print is really exciting, especially with Gloria Cavicchioli’s lovely illustrations. And knowing the money will go to such a good cause makes the feeling even sweeter.”

On Thursday 18^th October, Elizabeth joined International Cat Care and poetry fans at Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium in Shoreditch to launch the book. There was also a launch at The Dukes Wine Bar in Elizabeth's home town of Prince's Risborough.

The book is available for £9.50 (UK price), from the International Cat Care online shop: https://icatcare.org/shop/publications/the-poetic-mews

 FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: We are trying to get iCatCare to send US  a copy to review...stay tuned!

Cat Humor: "I"M NOT SORRY: Poems By Cats" by Rosa Silva (International Give-Away!)

About the book

These cats have destroyed curtains, scratched couches, bitten hands, shredded toilet paper… and they are not sorry. Now they decided to celebrate their achievements in these insightful and funny poems written by themselves. 

With titles like “It’s 6 a.m., time to wake up”, “I hate the vet”, “Oops, I did it again”, “Let me in”, and “Red dot, red dot”, this collection of laugh-out-loud poems offers a cat's view on common wacky and exasperating feline behavior. It’s the perfect gift for crazy cat lovers who appreciate hilarious insights into the feline nature.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY:I am not sure if any of you know but today is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day.  After reading "I'm Not Sorry:Poems By Cats" by Rosa Silva, we have decided there should be a new holiday named after this book, "I'M NOT SORRY" DAY!

When Cody has done something particularly bratty or even a little bad, I will look at him after he has been reprimanded and marvel at how he is completely nonplussed that he has just been yelled at. He will either go right back and do what he got in trouble for to begin with, or go on to something else. The bottom line is he is definitely NOT SORRY. Truth be told, I bet most, make that ALL of your kitties, when they do something wrong, aren't sorry either!

When Author Silva extended the offer for me to review this witty book, after I saw the title, I knew it would be right up my alley and I was right! It is the purrfect book for you too!  

The poems are written by various cats with names such as: Mr.Fuzzybottom Stinkypants, The Third The Quatrain Master (I am hoping one of you will be honest enough to admit that YOU had to look up what a "quatrain" was too!!)

One of my favorite poems in this book was written by Petey O'Malley The Most Shameless Cat In The World:

It's 6 a.m., it's time to eat.

It's 9 a.m., it's time for a treat,

It's 11 a.m., it's time for brunch.

It's 2 p.m., it's time for lunch.

It's 4 p.m., it's time for a snack.

It's 6 p.m., I could eat a macaque.

It's 8 p.m., it's time for dinner.

I'm sure this diet will make me thinner.

Ok so I LOL'D AND MOL'D at this one! It is not only a peek into Cody's day, but I am pretty certain it is a peek into the day of one of YOUR cats too! That's what makes  "I'm Not Sorry: Poems By Cats" a delight, the humor is universal. Anyone and everyone who has ever lived with, loved (and sometimes hated) their cat, can relate to this book! Oh and guess what, our cats will readily admit that they sometimes hate us too! (By the way, who else had to look up the word macaque in the poem above? Please tell me you had to also!)

Don't let the size of this book fool you, it might be small, but the content is purr pure genius! It's not easy for these kitties to convey their mischief as poems and they are purrfectly written. Cody and I give this book a resounding 4 PAWS UP! Author Rosa Silva obviously is adept at understanding not only HER kitty muse, but she has a PURRFECT understanding of cats as a whole. Wait til you read the "O Christmas Tree" poem, you will see for yourself!  For More info visit:

 http://catladyconfidential.com/cat-poems-book/ 

You are in luck! Rosa has generously allowed me to do a give-away! One person who is 18 and over and who is located ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, can win a copy! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT THAT CLEARLY STATES THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED. IF YOU DO NOT SAY YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTERED! The give-away is open now and will end on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4TH 2018, AT 5PM. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OR AROUND APRIL 6TH, 2018. GOOD LUCK!

About the Author

Rosa Silva is the author of “I’m Not Sorry: Poems by Cats” and “Stop Meowing and Go the F*ck to Sleep“. When she’s not working on her next book, you can find her reading, travelling, or writing the next post for her blog Cat Lady Confidential. She shares her home with (surprisingly) just one cat.

Cat Book Review and Give-Away:Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz

Books and cats. The "purrfect" combo. Like peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and chocolate, coffee and cream, (you get the idea!), books and cats just go together "purrfectly". "Cats are cultured, stately, curious, and like to seem as though they know everything. Cats and books go paw-in-paw." Today it is my pleasure to present Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz.

From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,

published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

I have always loved when I have walked into a retail establishment and was surprised to find a cat who couldn't wait to greet me! I used to have a favorite store that sold bird seed that had a hefty, handsome tabby mancat who would greet me every time I visited. There is also a quaint boutique near my home that has a gorgeous kitty working long retail hours. It is a no-brainer that a shop that has resident cats is going to be one I will return to (and purchase from), again and again.

"Around the world, bookstores continue to prove that cats and books belong together...the bookstore is a place to enter quietly, search endlessly for inspiration, then dive into something unknown for no solid reason other than to satisfy an itch. In essence, it's where humans act like cats."

With e-readers taking over and forcing many bookstores large and small to close their doors, I have yet to find a bookstore near my home in Michigan that has a resident cat. But those stores DO exist!  You will read about many cats who reside in bookstores throughout the U.S. and Canada in Bookstore Cats by Brandon  Schultz. While reading I found myself daydreaming, wishing I could go and visit these cats in their establishments.  Roadtrip anyone?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:"Bookstore cats are an international phenomenon and this wonderful investigation has turned up the curious cats running bookshops worldwide. Now, for the first time, some of the world's most beloved bookstore cats are collected together in one adorable directory, making the perfect gift for cat lovers, book lovers, shoppers, and the generally curious worldwide. With personalities and histories as varied as the books they tend, each cat has a story worth telling."

Curl up, grab a kitty or two on your lap and a cozy beverage  and meet some of my favorites from the book!

"Gatsby" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Former shelter cat. Loves stealing pens. Loves treats and petting. He can be found at The Book Man, in Chilliwach, British Columbia.

"Scout" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Scout likes birds, warm computers and hot sauce. Scout does not like manicures, ceiling fans, or vacuums. Her favorite author is Maurice Sendak. She can be found at Books With A Past in Glenwood, Maryland.

"Hodge" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

.

Hodge is "Chicago's most famous cat." Hodge is the subject of his own book! He can be found at Selected Works in Chicago, Illinois.

"Amelia" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

I was first drawn to Amelia because my Grandmother whom I adored was named Amelia and my husband worked for many years at Amelia Earhart Middle School. The "Amelia" featured above has her own holiday!! It coincides with Independent Bookstore Day, and The Spiral Bookcase bookstore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania celebrates Amelia Cat Day annually. Amelia suffers from feline hyperthyroidism and requires quite a bit of medical care and testing. Customers at the bookstore often donate to her medical fund. She thanks them by giving them cuddles and comfort.

"Shiva"  From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Shiva is 7 years old and is the head of "what may be the largest feline bookselling workforce in the world!" There are often 15 cats in the store! She is located at Cat Tales in Portland, Indiana which is operated by Midwest Pet Refuge to help fund the rescue.

The cats featured above are just a small sampling of the MANY cats featured in this charming book!

"This playful collection, featuring whimsical color photographs of each cat, delivers unforgettable, swoon-worthy moments of the feline employees in their respective shops. Combined with timeless poetry and literary cat trivia, these tales paint an emotional, endearing, and adorable portrait of the lives of cats in their happiest of homes."

About the author:

Brandon Schultz loves cats, bookstores, and especially bookstores run by cats. Among other things he is a book publisher, travel writer, and ice cream enthusiast. This is his fourth book, and he lives in Brooklyn, New York, with a cat named Lucy who has previously authored her own book.

ISBN 13: 978-1-943876-52-5

160 pages, 6 x 7½", hardcover with ribbon marker

50 4/c photographs

Bookstore Cats is a book that should definitely be on your coffee table or in your home library.  There is even a ribbon attached to the book that serves as a handy, stay-put bookmark! It is the "purrfect" gift for cat lovers and book lovers! And...you are in luck! We have a:

GIVE-AWAY!! 
One lucky winner who is 18 and over and who resides in either the U.S or Canada will receive a SIGNED, PERSONALIZED copy of Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz. (An approximate $20 value).  THERE IS NO RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY!! ENTERING IS SUPER EASY! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST THAT CLEARLY STATES THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED!! THAT'S IT! The give-away is open NOW and will end on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2017 AT 5PM EST. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2017. GOOD LUCK!! 


In full disclosure: We were sent a copy of Bookstore Cats in exchange for our always honest review.

Cat Lady, A Narrative Poem Book Dedicated to the Feral Cats of Rome by Author/Poet Mary M. Schmidt --Give-Away!

Cat Lady is a narrative poem about the pines, fountains and stray cats of Rome.

ABOUT CAT LADY:To the average tourist in Rome, Maria may be just an old lady, (gattara), who feeds the city's stray cats and thinks that she can talk to them, yet things are rarely as they seem. Her powers are incredible! She CAN talk to cats! And they talk back!! (It helps that the cats are enchanted too!),  and to those who truly love, and seek her assistance, the impossible is only an illusion.

A few will snort and call her geezer;

Friend, they say, to Julius Caesar.

Others turn way and mutter

"Strega," cross themselves and sputter.

Old Maria's heard it all,

Can't hear, or care, what names they call.

She has her work to do, and that's 

To feed the city's feral cats.

Cat Lady by Mary M. Schmidt Author/Poet, is dedicated to the feral cats of Rome and Friends of Roman Cats.

"Your family is a splendid scene,"

Maria tells the feline queen,

"How goes it on this day for you?"

Queen Bast then sighed, "If you but knew!

I feel as if I could just drop!

These kittens here? They never stop!

The Coliseum, in it's day, 

Did never see such a display!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They have no concept of decorum, 

Running wild all through the Forum,

Through the Senate! Round the column!

Thanks to them, there's nothing solemn,

Earth the noble Caesars trod,

Is now home to a kitten squad!

They even pounce, with rapid spurts, 

Those tourists, in Hawaiian shirts!

A "PURR" Delight! The story is told in 44 pages and each page of the story is a poem consisting of eight lines. The cadence flows beautifully  and the sentiment will be deeply appreciated by those who dedicate their lives to helping feral cats. That being said, it is a narrative poem for ALL cat lovers. I hadn't known about the feral cat population in Rome prior to reading Mary's book and I thank her for the beautiful way she has honored  them. 

About the Author: Mary M. Schmidt was a student in Rome during the 60s and came to know of the many feral cat colonies in the Eternal City. She is an author of prose, poetry, and was a member of Poets Against the Iraq War. She currently lives outside of Washington DC with her cat, Graycie.

ISBN-13:

9781483436104

Publisher:

LuluPublishing Services

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

VISIT ON FACEBOOK

GIVE-AWAY:TWO OF OUR READERS located anywhere in the world will each win a copy of Cat Lady by Mary M. Schmidt. (An approx $10 value). The give-away is open now and will end at 5pm EST on Thursday, October 1st. Winners will be announced on or around Saturday, October 3rd. 

TO ENTER:Just leave a comment stating that you would like to be entered to win a copy.

 Good luck!

In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Cat Lady in exchange for my honest review.