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
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