Children's Books:Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie's Best Friend By Kristen Mott

"For Odie, because sometimes the smallest ones
become the biggest inspirations"

Odie the Stray Kitten is a charming book about a little orange and white kitten who lost his family on a cold winter night. He never expected to find a loving forever home in a horse barn. Not only did he find a loving, forever home, he also found hope, new friends and a name.  His name happens to mean "inspiration", which is no coincidence. Odie the Stray Kitten is not only an adorable read for little ones, but it shows that out of something that initially seems like a bad situation, something GOOD can come out of it!

"For Bandit, because every animal
has a story to tell"

Odie’s Best Friend is the second book in the Odie the Stray Kitten Series. It focuses on the story
of Bandit, a gray and white cat, and his journey to find a forever home. His adventures take him
through an animal shelter and life as a stray before he finds a home on the farm with Odie and
their girl. This is the follow-up to 2013’s Odie the Stray Kitten, which was a 2014 Next
Generation Indie Book Award Winner, 2014 Purple Dragonfly Children’s Book Award Honorable Mention, and 2014 Recipient of the Children’s Literary Classics’ Seal of Approval.

Both Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie's Best Friend were lovingly and skillfully illustrated by Lowell Hildebrandt. The illustrations are vibrant and delightful, children of all ages will enjoy them!

Are you ready? Odie and Bandit are based on REAL cats!

Odie and Bandit
This photo came from
Kristen's Facebook Page

Author Kristen Mott has loved animals since she was a child. She graduated in 2008 from the
Indiana University School of Journalism. She now lives on a small farm in Indiana with her
husband and son where they care for two cats, Odie and Bandit, and two horses, Dorothy and
Jace.

Kristen strives for her writing to encourage children to read, write their own stories, and have
compassion for animals. The idea for this book was developed from a response to an article the
author read about the devastating statistics of animal life and death in local shelters. That
response was then spun down and edited into a story suitable for children about how the author
believes Bandit ended up on her farm.

Odie and Bandit
Photo from Kristen's Facebook Page

 The story is a good means for parents to talk to their
children about animal shelters, the reasons they exist, and what they do. It is also meant as a
springboard for questions and discussion about the issue.

These books would make wonderful bedtime stories and would be perfect for pre-school teachers and elementary school teachers (the lower grades), to share with their classrooms.

For more information about the Odie the Stray Kitten Series please visit:

www.kristenmott.com
www.animalstoriesforchildren.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/odiethestraykitten

Or you can contact the author directly:
kristenmott@gmail.com

Both Odie the Stray Kitten and Odie’s Best Friend are available on Amazon.com, BN.com,
AuthorHouse.com, and other online retailers.

I was not compensated for sharing either of these books with my readers.

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!

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• 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 REVIEW: "A Cat Like That" Another Winning Book By Author Wendy Wahman

Think about your best friend. What are the qualities you would like your best friend to possess? Wouldn't you like a best friend who understands you? One who knows just the right things to do to keep you smiling? One who understands your mood when you haven't even uttered a word? Someone who respects you and gives you your space when you need it but is there to have fun with you as well? Someone who treats you with consideration? We all would love our best friend to have these qualities.

What does a cat want in a best friend?

Cats want their best friend (YOU) to treat them with consideration, courtesy, thoughtfulness and respect as well.

Wendy Wahman knows what cats want in their best friend and conveys this charmingly through her words and  vibrantly colored, endearing illustrations.



"A Cat Like That" is geared towards children ages 3 to 8, however I have known adults who are so  clueless when it comes to how to relate to a cat, that they certainly would benefit from reading it as well.

 "A Cat Like That" would make a superb bedtime story. The message of how to approach and behave towards a cat is certain to start a dialogue between the child and whomever shares this story with him.  The message of treating an animal (in this case a cat) with respect, thoughtfulness and consideration  won't be lost when the lights are turned out and the child is cozily tucked in their bed, rather, it is a message that will be remembered and hopefully put into practice during childhood and beyond.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: WENDY WAHMAN lives in Washington State with big poodles, old cats and a husband named Joe. She has won many awards for illustration, but her greatest joy is loving the two, three and four-legged animals she has known.  My Sheltie, Dakota, reviewed her first children's book:

 "Don't Lick The Dog, Making Friends With Dogs" on his blog "Dakota's Den" you can read his review of that book right here

You can find Wendy here:

Website: http://www.wendywahman.com

Facebook: 

http://tiny.cc/9m5hu

Macmillan: http://us.macmillan.com/author/wendywahman

I was not compensated in any way for this review. I was given "A Cat Like That" to read and review. All opinions are solely my own.

"The Familiars" Written by Adam Jay Epstein And Andrew Jacobson

CAT CHAT is pleased to present THE FAMILIARS, "the first in a series of adventures for the animal companions of magicians in the land of Vastia."

What exactly is a "Familiar?"

They are "the animal companions of wizards and witches or any spellcaster. It was common knowledge that familiars assisted their humans in tasks both remarkable and mundane. That they possessed magical powers of their own was known only by those who had a firsthand encounter with a familiar"

It features Aldwyn, an adorable Tuxedo kitty who is "street smart" after living the life of an alley cat. After a series of mishaps, Aldwyn meets Jack who is actually a "wizard in training".


There is also Kalstaff who is Jack's wizard master mentor, and two other novice wizards who have their own familiars, Skylark, a blue jay and Gilbert a tree frog.


"The Familiars" is geared toward children ages 8-12.

You can visit

 "The Familiars" authors online at

 http://www.thefamiliars.com/

"The Familiars" will be produced for film by Sam Raimi and Sony Animations.