London is calling! KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London (Story by Shannon Jones, Illustrations by Casey Uhelski) is coming!

"London is calling! Buckle up and get ready to explore in KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London, the 5th picture book in the award-winning series!!! " The book is coming on NOVEMBER 19th!

What? You don't know who KeeKee is? KeeKee is the adorable and adventurous calico kitty who travels the world in her hot air balloon. She's been to Paris, Rome, ( I am honored to say that KeeKee included a line from my review: "Vibrant, colorful and bursting with PURRsonality!" it appears on the back cover of "KeeKee's Big Adventures in Rome, Italy" ), KeeKee has also been to Athens, and Amsterdam and Cody and I have been lucky enough to join her! (Well, in a matter of speaking, we have featured ALL of KeeKee's travels on our blog and if you click on each of those cities mentioned above  you can see our posts!).

Now KeeKee's adventures have taken her to London, England!! 

There is a formula to each of the books in the KeeKee's Big Adventure series  that makes the series a wonderful learning tool for children and adults alike and KeeKee's Big Adventures in London, England follows the same fun, enriching and educational formula:

1) KeeKee makes new friends
in KeeKee's Big Adventures in London, England KeeKee's tour guide is, (get ready, this is hilarious!) Willamb Sheepspeare !!!!!  She also meets "the lady in the big blue hat" who I could swear is none other than Queen Elizabeth!

Enjoying a proper British Tea Party

2) KeeKee learns new words/sayings in the language of the places that she is visiting--in the back of each book is a handy guide that shows the proper way to pronounce the words that are featured.
The London book features words such as, "hark" (old-fashioned word for "listen."), "good dawning" (from Shakespeare's time, "good morning".), and I learned that the word "circus" as in Piccadilly Circus actually refers to a traffic circle! I never knew that!

3) KeeKee eats YUMMY food
oh yes!! In London KeeKee feasted on Bubble and Squeak, (boiled potatoes and cabbage), Teacakes (light sweet buns with dried fruits), and scones (small biscuit-like cakes). YUM!!

4) KeeKee visits super cool places! There is always a super-cool map of all of the places that were visited in each book

Hopping a double-decker bus outside Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.

As always, the illustrations by Casey Uhelski are charming and delightful! (I love how there are little tidbits that adults are sure to get a chuckle out of that are placed in some of the illustrations, so much fun!) The illustrations are sure to engage the little ones and are wonderful discussion starters for adults reading the book to children.

From the Publisher:Join KeeKee, the globe-trotting calico kitty, on her latest brilliant adventures in London. Along with her friend Willamb Sheepspeare, she whisks readers through the majesty of England’s capital city—from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to a proper English tea. (Pass the scones, please!)

Explorers big and small will have a jolly good time trying out fun British expressions, peeking into royal culture, and navigating London’s beautiful streets on a double-decker bus.  

  

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London arrives just in time for the holidays—the perfect for kids and families who are ready to soar and explore!

Pre-Order currently available for customers: kkba-london-book $16.99 (also available on Amazon)

Be sure to get your copy today!! "Cheerio" dear furiends!!!

Shannon Jones, Author

For Shannon, her love of travel began at a young age. It opened her eyes and ears to the world. As a grownup, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with her husband Paul and kitty KeeKee, the idea for KeeKee’s Big Adventures was born. After twenty years in the marketing field, Shannon is launched on her new adventures, following her passion for writing and excited to be helping kids in their quest for learning and discovery. She lives in Sarasota, Florida.

Casey Uhelski, Illustrator

Casey graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. As a little girl, she loved books, doodling, and daydreaming. She’s never outgrown these early enthusiasms, and has happily gone on to pursue a career as a children’s book illustrator. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

KeeKee's Big Adventures Winners!!

Thanks to all who entered our latest KeeKee's Big Adventures Give-Away!!!!

All of the winners were chosen by random.org

The THREE lucky winners of an autographed copy of:

Emma from MY GBGV LIFE

FUR EVERYWHERE

Sammy from ONE SPOILED CAT

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

ONE LUCKY WINNER OF 

KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam PLUS a POSTER is

MOMMA KAT AND HER BEAR CAT

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

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF

 ALL FOUR BOOKS IN THE

KeeKee's Big Adventures Series

AND THE POSTER IS

Jan K. from

 WAG AND WOOF PETS!!!!

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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!

BECAUSE I AM HAVING 

HUGE EMAIL PROBLEMS AGAIN, 

I CHECKED, AND ALL OF THE WINNERS

 ARE ON FACEBOOK!!!

 WINNERS!! PLEASE PRIVATE MESSAGE ME

(TO MY PERSONAL PAGE)

 YOUR COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS

 ON FACEBOOK TO BE SURE THAT I RECEIVE IT!!! 

THANK YOU!!!!

Globe-Trotting Cats! Enter to win the Children’s Picture Book: KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands and the ENTIRE KeeKee's Big Adventures Series!

It is an immense pleasure to share Book Number Four in the KeeKee Adventure Series: KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The KeeKee "Big Adventures" series is a complete delight and I am honored to have reviewed each and every book in the series! Before I share KeeKee's latest book:KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands, let's take a trip with KeeKee and visit the other fabulous books in the series, shall we? C'mon!!

The first book I reviewed in the KeeKee Adventure Series was:

KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France ,  followed by KeeKee's Big Adventures in Rome, Italy , (I had the enormous honor of having one of my quotes on the back cover praising the Paris book!)

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France, was a Silver Winner in The Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children’s/Young Adult) category at IBPA’s 2014 Benjamin Franklin Awards. Visit ibpa-online.org for more information.

Covers courtesy of http://www.keekeesbigadventures.com/

I was super excited for the release of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Athens, Greece  for a number of reasons, an important one is I have always been fascinated by the Greek culture. The food,  music, climate, history, architecture and so much more. I minored in Philosophy in college and majored in Rhetoric, (I intensely studied Greek Rhetorical theory), so I might have been just a tad biased about this book!

There is a formula to each of the books in the KeeKee's Big Adventure series  that makes the series a wonderful learning tool for children and adults alike:

1) KeeKee makes new friends

2) KeeKee learns new words in the language of the places that she is visting--in the back of each book is a handy guide that shows the proper way to pronounce the words that are featured.

3) KeeKee eats YUMMY food

4) KeeKee visits super cool places! There is always a super-cool map of all of the places that were visited in each book

I am now thrilled to present to you the latest book in the KeeKee's Big Adventure Series:

From Author Shannon Jones: This great adventure begain on a KLM Airlines flight in 2006 moving to the wonderful city of Amsterdam with the real-life KeeKee. Amsterdam was our home for four years, and our travels across Europe led us on the path to launching KeeKee's Big Adventures. We dedicate this book to those inspirations.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: When I was a little one in about first grade, I was COMPLETELY obsessed with drawing windmills and tulips. Why? I have no clue, but a shrink would probably have a field day trying to figure that one out! Imagine my complete delight when opening KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands when the first things I saw were windmills and tulips! I felt myself returning to my childhood!

Adults will be drawn in to yet another KeeKee charmer, they will learn, along with their children things such as:

"Windmills are factories that turn wind into power" as explained by Jasper, a new friend that KeeKee made in the Netherlands.

Klompen means wooden shoes that are still worn today by gardeners, farmers, and road workers.

Fietsen means "bikes" there are more of them in Amsterdam than people! 

The Bloemenmarkt is the city's famous flower market. The stalls float in the canals!!

You will also learn that Kaas means cheese, thanks to Jasper taking KeeKee to the Kick & Faas Kaas shop.

"Did you know that Amsterdam has more canals than any other city in the world? The buildings along them are houses and shops." 

There is sooo much more that you will learn, but I don't want to ruin your journey by revealing the entire book! You have to see for yourself!

Well KeeKee, I want to thank you for yet another charming and educational journey!!! The illustrations are darling as always, and each book in the series is adorably written. It is a delight to read a book series that is not only entertaining, but is EDUCATIONAL to boot!!!

I can hardly wait to see where your travels take you next!

Author Shannon Jones discovered her passion for travel when she took her first international trip in the fifth grade. It opened her eyes and ears to the world. As a grownup, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with her husband Paul and kitty KeeKee, the idea for KeeKee’s Big Adventures was born. After twenty years in the marketing field, Shannon is launched on her new adventures, following her passion for writing and excited to be helping kids in their quest for learning and discovery. She now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with Paul, KeeKee, and little sister kitty Luna.

Illustrator Casey Uhelski  graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. As a little girl, she loved books, doodling, and daydreaming. She’s never outgrown these early enthusiasms, and has happily gone on to pursue a career as a children’s book illustrator. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Awards Won:

Foreword Review Indiefab Book Of the Year Finalist

Mom's Choice Award-Gold Recipient Medals

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards-Best First Book Silver Winner

GIVE-AWAY!!!!

Our generous friend KeeKee is offering:

THREE people will  in the GREAT prize (an autographed copy of the book)

ONE PERSON WILL WIN THE  ARTSY prize… which is a copy of the book + a “poster”

ONE PERSON WILL WIN THE  GRAND prize… which is a copy of all four books AND a poster

Because there will be multiple winners we are NOT using Rafflecopter this time around. If you would like to enter, simply leave a comment saying that you WISH TO BE ENTERED in the give-away. Easy-peasy! The give-away is open to everyone who is 18 and over. The give-away will end Sunday, October 23rd 2016 at 5pm EST. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on or about October 26th, 2016. GOOD LUCK!!

ISBN:978-0-9886341-9-0

All photos used in this review are courtesy of keekeesbigadventures.com

Published by CalithumpianPress.com

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands in exchange for my always honest review. I am proud to be one of the original reviewers of the KeeKee's series!

Happy Birthday To YOU Dr.Seuss!

This post first appeared on our blog on March 2nd, 2013....I decided to have it  make an appearance on EVERY Dr.Seuss Day! 

Today is the day,

it's truer than true,

today is the day 

we tell Dr.Seuss

"WE LOVE YOU!"

We GRATEFULLY
THANK GLOGIRLY DESIGN
FOR DESIGNING OUR GRAPHIC!
YOU CAN HAVE ONE TOO BY CLICKING HERE

Mom first discovered Dr.Seuss

as a child of age 4,

When she would "read"

The Cat In The Hat

she would shout

"I want MORE!"

March 2, 1904

is a date to be remembered

evermore! 

Write it on your wall!

It is  the birthday

of probably the most

popular children's book author of all!

courtesy of cracked.com

He wrote Mom's faves,

oh how she  LOVES those green eggs!

Mom's first long word,

that she ever read,

was "Bartholomew" 

it was in one of Seuss's books

and at age 6,

 Mom figured it out

just by using her head!

It is only appropriate on this

most special day,

that we wish 

Dr. Seuss the
 HAPPIEST

of BIRTHDAYS!!

A "Wordless" Book for Wordless Wednesday! "Mr.Wuffles" by New York Times Best-Selling Author David Wiesner

"What happens when a haughty feline crosses paths with a group of tiny extra terrestrials-who have just crash-landed in his living room? Mr. Wuffles thinks he's discovered the ultimate cat toy, but these outer space visitors may have some tricks up their sleeves-and some friends in unexpected places."

Cody says:
SUPERB ILLUSTRATIONS!
FULL OF DETAILS BUT----- WORDLESS!
FUN!
COLORFUL!
PURR GENIUS!
STUNNING!!
CATABULOUS FANTASY!

For more info visit: www.davidwiesner.com.
ISBN HARDCOVER 978-0-618-75661-2
E-BOOK 978-0-544-15147-5



Cody and I were not compensated for sharing this book with you! We were sent a copy for review purposes.



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Book Review: "A Cat Called Ian", By Wolfren Riverstick

One of the many things I love about blogging, are the people that I have been blessed to connect with along the way. One of the ways that I have met some truly wonderful folks has been through my book reviews. Sometime in 2012 I was contacted by author Wolfren Riverstick (is that name not the BEST??!!), asking if I would be interested in reviewing his self-published book: A Cat Called Ian. If memory serves me correctly, Wolfren lives in the UK but he has a Michigan connection, I believe he has family here and that is how he first discovered my blog, but don't quote me on that!

Book Cover
Courtesy of
 www.crazywolfbooks.co.uk

Wolfren was supposed to mail me his book late last year, well," best laid plans," it didn't arrive until MAY of this year. SOME things are worth waiting for, and A Cat Called Ian is one of them

Wolfren's target audience for his books are children ages 9-12, but the lessons learned in A Cat Called Ian are lessons that the most "seasoned" among us could use some reminding of.

A Cat Called Ian begins with "The Boy" being cruel to his sister (Ellie). "The Boy" has a mouth that never ceases spewing vicious insults, which bring his sister to tears. "The Boy" also has a distaste for cats, particularly tortoiseshell cats.

After a particularly vile exchange with Ellie, "The Boy" takes off and ends up by a giant great white oak tree which is rumored to be haunted.

From A Cat Called Ian: Legend had it that the tree was haunted, perhaps possessed by evil spirits, although nobody knew for sure."  "The Boy" has always wanted to climb this tree, but had never attempted to. 

When "The Boy" attempts to take on the great white oak and climb it, an Alice-In-Wonderland -esque adventure ensues.

"When a young boy decides to climb the magnificent oak tree on top of Sunrise Hill he discovers that there is much more to it than first meets the eye. After mysteriously stumbling into the mystical world of Catland, the unruly ten year old is whisked into a courtroom where he is punished with the Sentence of Nine Lives in an attempt to make him change the error of his ways...."

"The Boy" is turned into what he loathes, A CAT, a tortoiseshell cat at that! In order to return to the mortal world, he has to repent for the multitude of evil things that he has done. The question is, will he?  You will have to read the book to find out.

I was surprised at how engrossed I was while reading A Cat Called Ian. It was a quick read, both in length (155 pages) and in the suspense that lies within its pages. I read it in one sitting which was just a few hours.

A Cat Called Ian is lively, imaginative, humorous, sensitive, fun and  packed with lessons about how to treat others, (as well as how to treat animals) and is a worthwhile read indeed!

Visit Amazon to purchase A Cat Called Ian or any major bookstore.

Visit www.crazywolfbooks.co.uk

Winner of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France

Hi and happy Wednesday every furry! In the spirit of Wordless Wednesday, and because you have heard way too much from Mom and I the past two days,  there is NOTHING worse than more than 2 blog posts from one blog per day, ya know? But wait, I digress.....I am gonna keep the announcement of my winner  short and sweet!

Thanks to all who entered my give-away !!

THE  LUCKY WINNER OF:

as chosen by www.random.org

IS:

JULIA WILLIAMS

FROM THE BLOG

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

CONCATULATIONS!!!!

You will love this book!

Mom and I liked that you said

"you wanted to win because

you are between 4 and 7 in spirit!"

Please email my Mom

your COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS TO:

catchat at mi dot rr dot com

Children's Book: KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France! Story by Shannon Jones, Illustrations by Casey Uhelski

Hi every one it's Cody and you are going to LOVE the book that I am featuring today! I don't know what it is with me and Paris, France lately, but I am starting to think that I am destined to visit!

If I am able to visit, the prospect of taking off in a hot air balloon like my new furiend KeeKee in

Artwork courtesy of http://www.keekeesbigadventures.com/about-me/

is one I would find to be pawticularly exciting!

Mom and I love Twitter because we meet some of the coolest people (and cats) there. It was through twitter that we met Shannon Jones the author of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France. Mom said I could review Shannon's book because it is geared towards those that are ages 4 to 7 and as luck would have it, I am 6!!

Mom and I would love to visit France one day, but until we can, we thought it was delightful to join KeeKee  as she traveled in her hot air balloon,  exploring the "sights, sounds and tastes" of this magical city!

I bet you are wondering, just who is KeeKee?

The REAL KeeKee is a calico kitty, (Mom and I like that she prefers to refer to herself as "a colorful cat." )

Her real-life pawrents adopted her from a shelter in Seattle, Washington, but she spent four years in Europe!  While living in Europe she traveled in her hot air balloon visiting all sorts of places while her pawrents were at work!

One of them was Paris, France!

Mom and I purred while reading about KeeKee's adventures, because the illustrations done by Casey Uhelski are vibrant, colorful and are just BURSTING with purrsonality!  We followed KeeKee and her new furiend Elliot the seagull who acted as KeeKee's tour guide, as she visited the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and we couldn't wait to see the "Meowna Lisa painting" with KeeKee! There are many other Parisian places that KeeKee visited, but we don't want to tell you them all! We want you to read the book so you learn about them yourself! There is even a "charmingly illustrated map of Paris!"

That brings me to another point. Mom said this book isn't just for those who are between ages 4 and 7 because there is history, presented in a FUN, not a BORING way, and the back of the book even has a Pronunciation Guide & Glossary for French words and places that were mentioned in the book!

Examples are:

• Bienvenue  (be-awn-vuh-NEW) which means "welcome"
• Croque-monsieur (croak muh-SYUH) which is Grilled ham & cheese
• Miaou (mee-yow) which means....what else? MEOW!

Just to name a few!

So, not only are you and your little ones going to enjoy the story, but you will all learn something at the same time!

Heck, MOM learned some French words that SHE never knew! Me? I'm kinda suave and "Magnifque" so I already knew some of them.

YOU CAN LEARN THESE WORDS TOO and share KeeKee's Big Adventure in Paris, France  with her!

ENTER TO WIN: Shannon has offered to send one reader (LOCATED ANYWHERE!!)  a signed copy of this precious book (A $17.00 value)....you must be 18 and older to enter.

HOW TO ENTER:leave a comment telling me that you would like to enter and be sure I have a way of contacting you should you be the lucky winner!
EXTRA ENTRY: "like" KeeKee's Big Adventures on Facebook , and or Twitter, tell them Cody from Cat Chat sent you, and leave a comment here telling me that you did that.

THE GIVE-AWAY IS OPEN NOW and will end on TUESDAY, JULY 16TH at 5PM EASTERN. The winner will be chosen by www.random.org and will be announced on WEDNESDAY, JULY 17TH.

If you can't wait: you can purchase the book here
It is published by Calithumpian Press

For more information, book tour info, etc.,  visit http://www.keekeesbigadventures.com/

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: For Shannon Jones, her love of travel began at a young age. It opened her eyes and ears to the world. As a grown-up, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with her husband Paul and kitty KeeKee, the idea for KeeKee's Big Adventures was born. After 20 years in the marketing field, Shannon is launched on her new adventures, following her passion for writing and excited to be helping kids in their quest for learning and discovery. She now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with Paul, KeeKee, and little-sister kitty Luna.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Casey Uhelski graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. As a little girl, she loved books, doodling, and daydreaming. She's never outgrown these early enthusiasms, and has happily gone on to pursue a career as a children's-book illustrator. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Good luck,
 Merci beaucoup, and
 Au revoir, 
Cody

Holiday Pet Safety Checklist From Moo Kitty Finds A Home

A FABULOUS gift for the holidays

Cover Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/

 read our review of Moo Kitty Finds a Home here

Book Review: New Friendships: The Adventures of Lily & Ava by Gordon Briley

The first of what will be a series, New Friendships, The Adventures of Lily & Ava begins with Lily watching her soon-to-be-new- best- friend's parents moving into the "creepy" old house next door.

Cover courtesy of
 The Adventures of Lily & Ava on Facebook

Lily is sure that nothing good will come to pass because she has heard that the house is haunted.

When Lily's parents want her to accompany them to greet and welcome the new neighbors Lily's fear of the haunted house takes over and she says "No way! How about good-bye!"

Lily ends up joining her parents, and soon meets her soon-to-be-new-best-friend, Ava and her 6-toed cat, Tink.  Tink's grand escape from Ava's arms is the catalyst that creates fun, laughs and a new friendship.

The story ends with an unexpected surprise, and a positive lesson is learned.

Children will fall in love with the fact that this book rhymes. As a child, books that rhymed were my favorites!

Author Gordon Briley, who just happens to be a fellow Michigander, takes his love of rhyme and adventure and creates laugh-out-loud fun that is perfect for the toddler and younger-grade elementary school set. Gordon's  own daughters Lily and Ryan are the inspiration behind his writing.

The book is hardcover, 32 pages, and is the perfect size and length for a read-aloud-bedtime-story. It would make a great gift for a special little one for the holidays!

The colorful and fun illustrations, created by Jim Dombrowski, are sure to delight the the tiny tots,  who can see the REAL Lily and Ava by visiting

http://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresOfLilyAndAva

ISBN-978-0-98602 14-0-4

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 And Give-Away: "I Am Tama, Lucky Cat" Written By Wendy Henrichs, Illustrations By Yoshiko Jaeggi

I have long been intrigued by the culture and customs of Japan. I was thrilled to receive a copy of I Am Tama, Lucky Cat to read and review.

This delightful and visually appealing (the illustrations have a wonderful watercolor-like quality about them) children's book is based on the Japanese "beckoning-cat legend", I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.

In Japanese legend when a cat raises it's paw it means "Come to me!" The cat is beckoning you closer which is considered to be good luck.

Tama is a stray cat who beckons a monk who shows pity on Tama and takes him in, in spite of the fact he has little food to eat himself.

The monk "had learned through Buddha's teachings to be happy in easing the suffering of others."


"He never considered his own hunger, but looked with compassion upon the hollow cheeks of his people and the protruding bones beneath my coat."


"It was for me and the temple worshippers that he wanted more food...more warmth...more comfort."

Tama is grateful and promises the monk he will bring good fortune to him and to the worshippers who come to his temple to pray.

"In Japan, it is also believed that when a cat washes its face, a guest will arrive."

Does Tama succeed? How did he earn the name of "Lucky Cat?" You will have to read this wonderful book to find out.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat "is a timeless story of friendship, generosity and kindness", something we all can never have enough of in our daily life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  "WENDY HENRICHS was lucky enough to grow up in a house full of dogs and cats. The inspiration for I Am Tama, Lucky Cat came to her shortly after adopting two cats. One had a habit of raising her paw while sitting,  just like a Japanese Lucky Cat figurine. Curiosity about the legends behind Lucky Cat led Wendy to the story of Tama."

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: "YOSHIKO JAEGGI was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art. She is the illustrator of My Dadima Wears A Sari and Monsoon Afternoon." Visit her at www.yoshikojaeggi.com

• I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
• A Japanese Legend
• Written by Wendy Henrichs
• Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi
• Age 5-9

• 
  

• Hardcover: $16.95
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-589-8

To thank all of YOU for your "friendship, generosity and kindness" I am going to give-away one copy of I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.

How can YOU be the "lucky cat" to win this charming story? Just leave a comment below by Monday, August 29th, 2011 at midnight EST. One winner will be chosen at random. (CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!) The "lucky cat" who wins this special book will be announced Wednesday, August 31st, 2011