Book Reviews | Cat Pause

The Magic of Cats… Because We Could All Use a Little Magic Right Now

July 16, 2020 By Joi

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats

I’ve always loved the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and have always gotten excited when a new one hits the shelves (or in the modern era, Amazon). I’m EXTRA EXTRA excited about the newest book, The Magic of Cats, for three distinct reasons.

First Reason… 2020

2020 has been trying, to say the least. Every single day, we read about (and pray for) people who are sick or families who have had to say goodbye to loved ones they were in no way ready to say goodbye to. You simply can’t see these gut-wrenching real life events DAILY without them affecting you. The more empathetic you are (I’m a solid 10 out of 10 on the scale, myself), the more you feel each loss and sympathize with each tear.

This year, as much as any year I can remember, has caused me to focus on one of my favorite “focal” words: BALANCE. We have to make a point of balancing the negative with as much positive as we can and we have to respond to the ugliness with as much beauty as we can find or muster.

My favorite ways to bring balance into my world are prayer, family (which includes our cats, of course), inspirational reading, cooking, old movies, flower gardening, and classic television. Balancing acts such like these keep what’s out there from eating you alive from the inside out.

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are incredibly inspiring and uplifting. Each book is a collection of stories that remind you that, often… very, very often… good ultimately wins and love is the most powerful emotion of all. I honestly feel like these books could be prescribed as effectively for stress and anxiety as any medication on or off the market. They fill you with hope and happiness and, could we ever use a daily dose of those right now??!

“Eddie” Hard at Work on a Puzzle

Second Reason… Cats

Okay, I have a cat blog, so it’s no secret here that I am obsessed with and completely in love with cats – all cats… big, small, domesticated, feral, fat, slender, long hair, short hair, no hair, yours, mine…. All cats. I don’t only approve of the title of this book, The Magic of Cats… I applaud it with a hearty “AMEN!”

Earlier, I was having one of those busy human moments – wondering what I was going to make for supper, when I’d have a chance to finish this very post, how I could convince the dishes to do themselves… all while basically going around in circles as the neck tension began to gain momentum. I happened to glance at one of our cats, Guennie, looking especially beautiful and peaceful soaking up the afternoon sunshine. Instantly… literally instantly… the tension melted away.

Obviously that doesn’t happen in every instance and certainly not for everyone – but it happens regularly for me with my cats and I’m sure you can relate.

There is a certain magic to cats and you’ll never convince a cat lover there isn’t.

Eddie, Wondering if He’ll Be Required to Sign Autographs

Third Reason… and the Biggest Reason, if We’re Being Honest…. Emily!

Who’s Emily? She’s Emily Dill – my beautiful oldest daughter… and recently a first time mother of a human baby (she and her husband have had cat babies for years.. awesome great pre-game). She is a writer and her story about their cat, Edgar Allan Poe (Eddie, for short), is one of the stories in the book.

As her mother and Eddie’s MiMi, I am unspeakably proud of both of them!

Eddie’s story (he insists I call it that, since he is, after all, the star) is in the chapter about cats that “choose” their forever home and, more importantly, their forever family.

Emily and Dill (her husband) had recently moved into their home, with their “princess” Janie, a gorgeous shiny black cat who has been a real character since day one. She was adopted as a tiny kitten and had run of the house since day one.

Eddie showed up one day, on the brink of death (literally – I don’t exaggerate) to their home. He may or may not have realized it then, but he had just chosen his forever home and forever family and could not have done a better job. I’m still convinced that Princess Janie consenting to accept a brother was an answer to prayer. If you knew this little girl like I do, you’d know it couldn’t have been anything but Divine intervention.

I hope you will buy the book to read all of Eddie’s story – as well as the many, many other heart-warming and uplifting stories. So many (including Emily’s story… I’m sorry… including Eddie’s story) moved me to tears – fortunately, I know by now to always sit down to the beautiful Chicken Soup books with a box of tissues. These stories are so beautiful… so precious… so MAGICAL.

Cats bring a certain amount of magic to our homes and to our lives and this wonderful book is an extraordinary reminder.

The Magic of Cats is available on Amazon and would make the most amazing gift for cat lovers imaginable. Just be sure to package it with a box of tissues to catch all of the happy tears.

~ Joi

P.S. Chicken Soup is just as healing as it ever was.

Eddie… Living His Best Lives!

Pippin No Lickin’ – Adorable Children’s Book the Kids (And You!) Will Love

February 12, 2019 By Joi

I have an especially cute book I want to tell you about today – Pippin No Lickin’. I was sent a copy in exchange for telling you all about it and I couldn’t wait to do just that.

First of all, a little encouragement about something very, very near to my animal-loving heart. When children are very small (whether they’re our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins… or simply children we feel blessed to have in our lives), we should make a concentrated effort to expose them to the wonders of animals. When they grow up reading about and hearing about animals being treated with respect and kindness, they will be more apt to grow up and live out what they’ve grown up with.

My grand-baby is just a little over 14 months old, but he already has a huge book collection. He has so many of us buying books for him (his mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles) that he will need his own library one day! Many, many of these books involve animals. Some of the best children’s authors appear to be animal lovers, too.

The author of this particular adorable children’s book Pippin No Lickin’ is no exception. In fact, I feel confident in saying everyone involved with this book is blatantly familiar with cats. The words, the illustrations, and the overall feel of the book in general leaves no doubt about it – there were feline fans behind this work of art!

Pippin the cat wouldn’t take a bath. Because he wouldn’t, all kinds of funny (and stinky!) things start happening to him. In hilarious and unforgettable ways, Pippin is challenged with realizing his actions not only affect himself, but others, too. Will his parents and classmates get him to change his mind?

Pippin, No Lickin’ addresses the consequences of personal actions with young readers. This colorful and endearing story establishes with children that parental wisdom is for their own health and safety and helps them develop an understanding of selfishness. Pippin’s adventures even teach colors to very young readers along the way! Parents and children alike will enjoy this introduction to an immediately classic and memorable character in Pippin the cat.

The book’s illustrations are absolutely adorable and the story, itself, is a real joy to read. There is humor, involved, which always holds a child’s attention.

I also love that there are lots of different colors involved. Whenever I read to my daughters AND now, when I read to my grandson, I love to be able to “sneak in” lessons on colors and shapes while we’re looking at the book.

Whether the child or children in your life are reading on their own, learning to read, or being read to (not sure there’s a sweeter feeling in the world than holding a baby you love while reading to him/her), they will love, love, love Pippin No Lickin’. You can find Pippin on Amazon by clicking through any of the links. While he is available for Kindle, I’d definitely recommend the paperback.

Much easier for little hands to hold and examine.

Pippin No Lickin’

Great Book for Cat Lovers: You Need More Sleep (Advice from Cats)

March 29, 2017 By Joi

Like any cat lover worth an ounce of catnip, I love books about cats… whether they’re humorous, touching, informative – or a little of each – I grab them up and devour them cover to cover.

You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats is an especially fun book for cat lovers.

A few of the adorable (and, let’s face it, true!) nuggets of wisdom include:

show you care with homemade gifts…
don’t be nice to unpleasant people…
never let anyone dress you…
trust the person who feeds you regularly….

An enjoyable and entertaining read, this is a book you’ll want to read again and again. It also makes a perfect gift idea for the cat lovers in your life – if that describes your mom, dad, or an upcoming graduate, this is the time of year to grab each one a copy!

Fun Gift Idea for Cat Lovers of All Ages: Adult Coloring Book Starring Cats

November 30, 2016 By Joi

All You Need is Love... and A Cat Adult Coloring Book

All You Need is Love and a CatIf you’re still trying to figure out what to get the cat lovers in your life for Christmas, here’s a really cute and unique idea – “All You Need is Love and a Cat is a relaxing, fun, and even inspirational adult coloring book that’ll give any cat lover hours and hours of enjoyment.

From the Back Cover:

All you need is love… and a cat shares 50 doodle art images of inspiring proverbs, quotes, and sayings printed on one side of the page for all ages to color.

Quotes from famous authors include Robert Byrne, Charles Dickens, Robert A. Heinlein, Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allen Poe, and Mark Twain. The book also includes proverbs and sayings from “Behind every great person is a great cat,” “Dogs have owners, cats have staff,” and “If stretching were wealth the cat would be rich” to “The cat is magical and the bringer of good luck” and “You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats.”

Each doodle art image has been carefully selected to provide plenty of enjoyment, inspiration, and relaxation.

I love a lot of things about this adorable adult coloring book, starting with the title, “All You Need is Love and a Cat.” How purrfect is that?! More things to love…

Adult coloring books are wonderfully relaxing. If you’re stressed, anxious, or simply had a busy day, sitting down with a great coloring book and coloring pens (they’re so much more vivid than coloring pencils!) makes the cares of the world melt away.
They’re fun! Sure, they’re relaxing – but the best thing about them is the fact that they’re good old fashioned fun.
The quotes are just perfect. Some are humorous, some are inspiring, and all are enjoyable.
All You Need is Love and a Cat celebrate cats… it doesn’t get any better than that!

About the Author:
Samantha Snyder has been doodling her whole life. While teaching elementary school, she often drew up coloring pages and printables for her students and fellow teachers. She decided to start sharing her creations and in 2008, Doodle Art Alley was founded. Doodle Art Alley is dedicated to giving those squiggly lines the proper credit they deserve. Who would have thought that such a small and simple idea could possess so much potential? There are lots of fun art activities, tips and information to read through and enjoy. Visit www.doodle-art-alley.com for hundreds of exciting doodles.

See “All You Need is Love and a Cat for more information!

Review: Call of the Cats (What I Learned About Life and Love From a Feral Colony)

October 25, 2016 By Joi

Call of the Cats: What I Learned About Life and Love From a Feral Colony by Andrew Bloomfield

Call of the Cats: What I Learned about Life and Love from a Feral ColonyBefore I tell you more about a book all cat lovers will want in their life asahp (as soon as humanly possible), let me give you a glimpse into my everyday life (it’ll help you understand just how fast I jumped at the opportunity to review this book):

First thing each morning, I feed my inside furry baby, Alexa (the stereotypical long-haired, chubby, spoiled-rotten cat who rules her domain) and provide her with fresh water (yes, from a bottle in the refrigerator). Then I turn my attention immediately to my outside children: Feral cats and “reformed ferals” who are now fat, spoiled housecats who happen to live outdoors. They’re fed and watered, while obscene amounts of attention and love are poured upon them. Those that allow it are held and told how precious they are while those who don’t allow me to even touch them are told the same words from a distance. This love fest is repeated throughout the day.

I keep both eyes peeled for arrivals throughout the day and, naturally, greet them with treats and salutations. Oh, and photos… so many photos are taken!

Call of the Cats: What I Learned about Life and Love from a Feral Colony has inspired me to write more about my own beloved feral cats (who are, at this point, simply known as family). I’ll be adding more pictures of these special little family members regularly to Cat-Pause, as well as stories from here on out and I have this incredibly beautiful and fun to read book to thank for the inspiration.

{Book review continued below….}

From the Back Cover:
When aspiring screenwriter Andrew Bloomfield moved into a bungalow in Southern California he soon discovered that he shared the property with a large colony of feral cats — untamed, uninterested in human touch, not purring pets in waiting. But after a midnight attack by predators that decimated yet another litter of kittens, Bloomfield decided to intervene. He began to name and nurse, feed and house, rescue and neuter. Drawing on his time living in Asia among spiritual teachers, he takes us on the contemplative, humorous, and poignant journey of saving these cats, only to find it was they who saved him by revealing a world of meaning beyond his unrealized Hollywood dreams.

While Call of the Cats is an especially riveting and heart-touching book for those of us who care for (and love unconditionally) feral cats, the book is a must read for all cat lovers. Even if the only cats in your life are the ones now lying on your bed, you will be touched by, amused by, and affected by this beautiful book and the author, Andrew Bloomfield’s Texas-size heart.

Editorial Reviews

“With humor and wit, Call of the Cats illustrates the perils and rewards of rescuing animals that live at the margins of human society. If you have ever cared for an animal, this book will resonate with you.”
— Marty Becker, DVM, America’s Veterinarian and author of Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual

“Andrew Bloomfield’s heartfelt memoir is not just about his unconditional love for the feral-cat colony that he came to know and adopt. It’s also a much larger portrait of how we can live with, and gently support, animals, who are all at our mercy.”
— Patrick McDonnell, creator of MUTTS and illustrator of Guardians of Being

“Great writing is great storytelling, and Andrew Bloomfield is a great storyteller. This book is, in a word, stunning!… Buy it for every cat lover you know, as well as every ‘not yet’ cat lover. If this book doesn’t win them over, I don’t know what will.”
— Amelia Kinkade, author of Straight from the Horse’s Mouth

“Call of the Cats is like Born Free in an urban backyard, full of remarkable detail about the wild life around us and the extraordinary emotional attachments that can exist between human beings and the untamed animals that occasionally share our lives.”
— Bruce Joel Rubin, Academy Award–winning screenwriter of Ghost

About the Author

Andrew lived the better part of two years in Nepal where he followed a 17th century pilgrim’s guidebook to research spiritual sites around the lower Himalayas. He has worked as assistant manager and book buyer for East West Books in Manhattan, and for Snow Lion Publications in Ithaca, NY. He wrote Learning Practical Tibetan (with MP3s) for Snow Lion. In Seattle, he opened his own bookstore, Infinity Books, in Pioneer Square, where he hosted many public events, including appearances by renowned Tibetan lamas, Hindu saints, and Zen masters. He moved to Los Angeles and wrote How to Practice Vedic Astrology (with CD-ROM) for Harper Collins, subsequently published by Inner Traditions.

When writing book reviews on any of my websites – whether it’s a cookbook review on my food blog or an inspirational book review on my self help blog, I always like to tell why I loved the book, what my first and last reactions were, and (most importantly) what my readers will get from reading the book. I try to accomplish all of this without giving away anything within the book that I want future readers to discover for themselves. A book reviewer should, in my opinion, set the tone for the book without giving anything away.

When I enjoy a book as much as I did Call of the Cats: What I Learned about Life and Love from a Feral Colony, it’s especially hard. My words get so worked up and excited that they trip all over themselves – like a litter of kittens all trying to get to “milk time” first.

My reactions to this book were the same at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end: I realized that I was in the presence of a kindred spirit. The author’s compassion for cats, love of each one, and overwhelming drive to help make each one safe and protected speaks to every inch of my being. When I saw that he, also, named feral cats, I even said out loud, “My kind of human.”

Below are a few questions and answers with this Andrew Bloomfield (“My kind of human”)

Why did you begin feeding these cats when you knew they would become dependent on you?

Initially the impulse to feed the cats was in response to watching on of the cats die from choking on a bone it had scavenged from a neighbor’s trash. That was the impetus for making sure the cats were well nourished. Imbedded in that was the tacit understanding that we were making a commitment, to always be there for them. Or if not, to find someone to take our place – which is what happened. The thought of their dependence on us was a secondary consideration, and for us not as important as making sure they were getting safe, nourishing food. Dependence has somewhat of a negative connotation, and perhaps having wild cats depend on us was wrong. I have no way of knowing. But from our point of view it would only have been wrong if we were inconsistent with our care-giving.

Why did you spend money on these cats when you could barely support yourself?

None of this was very well thought out ahead of time! But I’ve come to learn that truly helping really has no self-reference. As I mentioned in the book, I once heard a spiritual teacher comment that the mantra of stupidity is “what about me?” It’s been my experience in life that whenever I’ve tried to self-protect or wonder “what’s in it for me,” I end up with less. What I tried to hold onto for myself slipped through my fingers like sand. Also, whether I fed the cats or myself with my last dollar didn’t much matter. Either way I was going to be broke.

How do you know that Trap Neuter Release Really Works?

In my case I can only share my experience from one colony of cats in my back yard. As a result of TNR we went from 50 cats to 6 over time. The colony naturally and organically grew smaller as older cats died off and weren’t replaced by others, as no other litters were possible. So in our case the results were textbook, just as described.

Obviously most won’t be called to care for cats. Can you shed any insight into how others might find their life’s purpose?

I do believe one key in discerning one’s true purpose is simply by doing the thing right in front of your face. The thing closest at hand.

Our civilization is skewed toward unease. An unease born of not looking like, having, or accomplishing whatever an advertiser deems to be indispensable at the time – or what the idol-of-the-day embodies. Thus many strive to look like, or be like, or have the things we’re told will bring us satisfaction. But what is lost in that search is authenticity. Authenticity is being true to oneself – being comfortable in our bodies and content with our skill sets. I’ve met parking garage attendants who take great pride in their work and are more fulfilled in their lives as a result, than some Fortune 500 CEOs.

{Book review concluded below….}

Beautiful Cover Model of Call of the Cats!

I believe he really nailed it when he used the word fulfillment. The happiness that comes from being fulfilled with what you are doing is unlike happiness that springs from any other source. Caring for cats gives cat lovers a great sense of fulfillment. When the happiness that comes as a result meets the love that flows from cat to human – it’s simply a breathtakingly beautiful thing.

I chose to end this article with the precious picture above – the one that graces the cover. I don’t think a more apt or perfect picture could have been chosen for this book because this is, quite frankly, the face of the feral cat. You can see pride in the eyes – because no animal is more proud than a cat! – but you can also see a need to be cared for. There’s a hint of vulnerability in every cat, whether she admits it or not. There are so many things (some with fur, some with not) that have the potential to harm cats and when we take it upon ourselves to help them dodge harm, we do a great, fulfilling, and even beautiful service.

It’s the cat’s pride that is always at the front of my mind when caring for all of my cats (inside, outside, tame, wild, feral… they’re all family!). My family and I always seek ways to help the cats help themselves by providing food, water, and shelter. One of my sons-in-law builds “cabins” for them and my husband buys heating pads for the cold months to place inside the cabins.

My youngest daughter and I find blankets, sleeping bags (so thick and comfortable!), and even pillows to make their lives more comfortable.

Caring for cats is an honor and one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever known.

If you love cats, trust me, Call of the Cats is the next book you want to read. It’s inspiring, uplifting, heart-touching, and often downright hilarious.

Cats are such characters!

It’s a highly entertaining read and one I highly recommend. It would also make an EXCELLENT gift idea for the cat lovers in your life… a gift they won’t soon forget.

Review: I Draw on Cats!

June 27, 2016 By Joi

You are looking at fun just waiting to happen. I Draw on Cats: A Connect-the Dots Activity Book by A.R. Coffett is almost as fun as an actual cat. The book (which fans out, allowing several people to draw at once – see the picture below) includes a lot of especially cute pictures of cats in all their larger than life glory.

The pictures, alone, make the book more than worth it!

Since the dawn of time, humans have looked into the enigmatic faces of cats and wondered who are you? In this collection of connect-the-dots adventures, expert illustrator and cat motive decoder A. R. Coffelt takes us into the secret worlds of our feline friends— complete the puzzles and solve the mystery of what each adorable cat is really up to!

I Draw on Cats: A Connect-the Dots Activity BookEach picture becomes a live-action scene when you take pen in hand and connect the dots. Suddenly the adorable cats are superheroes, super divas, and knights! This adorable, made-for-people-who-adore-cats book would make any cat lover’s day – seriously, any age. It’s actually pretty darn relaxing to sit and doodle, connecting the dots along the way.

I Draw on Cats: A Connect-the Dots Activity BookI’m thrilled to add this to my cat book collection and everyone who has seen it has gotten a huge kick out of it. A perfect conversation starter, there isn’t anything about this book I don’t love.

From the Inside Cover: For centuries humans have looked into the enigmatic faces of cats and wondered, “Who are you?” Join expert illustrator A.R. Coffelt in this collection of connect-the-dots adventures and transform a cat into a detective, a kitten into a wizard, and a feline into a rock star just by completing the puzzles.

About the Author: A.R. COFFELT is an artist living in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family and their very handsome cat, Bob.

Find I Draw on Cats: A Connect-the Dots Activity Book on Amazon for yourself and grab one as a gift for a fun loving cat lover in your life!

Note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. The opinions are entirely my own.

Cooking for Two: Your Cat and You! (Review)

December 17, 2015 By Joi

Alexa and Her First Cookbook

“Dogs eat. Cats dine.” – Ann Taylor

My cats and I were sent a beautiful cookbook to review on the cat blog a few weeks ago: Cooking for Two–Your Cat & You! We’ve been enjoying it more than I can even tell you. Not only are the recipes are fantastic (whether or not your cat actually shares with you), the book is filled with adorable cat pictures, quotes about cats, and fun “cat facts.”

Speaking of which, did you know that only about half of all cats have any sensitivity to catnip? (page 65)

One of the Adorable Pictures Inside the Cookbook

Recipes Include:

Mini Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable Stir Fry
Baked Chicken (my cats’ favorite)
Vanilla Sundae
Tuna Salad
Salmon and Steamed Broccoli
Deli Rollups
Scrambled Eggs with Rice
Chicken Soup with Carrots
And more!

“If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.”- Mark Twain (page 61)

There’s also a great “No No List” of foods you should never feed your cat. You’ve probably heard how dangerous it is to give chocolate to a cat, but did you know that avocado, citrus, garlic, fruit seeds, grapes, mushrooms, and nuts are very bad for cats? Also, salt and sugar in excess are also bad.

From the Inside Cover:
Cat lovers can forget about eating solo, and cats no more have to look longingly at the meals their caretakers have prepared in hope of getting a bite. Now, with the help of Cooking for Two: Your Cat & You, felines and their friends can share a meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

In this new two-species cookbook, Brandon Schultz has adapted dozens of unpretentious recipes for “people food” to fit both the palate of humans and the dietary limitations of cats. He covers what foods are and aren’t safe for our furry companions, suggests resources for making day-to-day cat food, and gives tips on making food for special occasions appetizing for both human and cat. Each recipe has instructions and ingredient lists for both types of diners.

If you click through and order from Amazon, you can actually have this beautiful book in time for Christmas – whether as a gift to another cat lover or a gift to you and your cat. See Cooking for Two–Your Cat & You! for more information.

I am absolutely smitten with this beautiful book – front to back – and I know you will be too.

Review of a Book I’m In LOVE With – Furry Logic: A Guide to Life’s Little Challenges

November 14, 2014 By Joi

The book shown here, Furry Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Guide to Life’s Little Challenges, is honestly too adorable… to clever.. to witty.. to perfect… to do justice to with a book review, but I’m going to try.

First of all, are you at all familiar with Jane Seabrook’s work? Allow me to just say, right up front, she’s a genius. A creative, talented, animal-loving genius.

My favorite kind of genius!

The Furry Logic books are filled with the most adorable paintings of animals you’ve ever seen. Each time I flipped the page, I thought “I want a larger version of this to hang on the wall…” By the time I reached the end of the book, I’d made plans for every room in the house.

I haven’t looked yet, but I can only hope these adorable paintings are available on coffee mugs, calendars, art work, etc.

I’ll spend a fortune, but my home will be one smile waiting to happen after the next.

The pictures, themselves, would be enough to make this adorable little book a MUST HAVE for cat lovers and animal lovers, but it’s also filled with wonderful humor. Each “character” (and they really are characters!) comes with a wonderful quote or quip. Some make you think, some make you laugh, and all make you fall just a little bit further in love with the book.

The thing that really impresses me is how the artist (you know, the animal-loving genius) manages to capture the emotions of each quote with a painting. Somehow she manages to create furry (or feathered) characters that perfectly convey the emotions – and it’s all in the eyes. Any cat “parent” can tell you that animals most definitely have expressions and Jane Seabrook captures them perfectly.

About the Furry Logic Series:

The adorable and high-profile Furry Logic series celebrates its 10th anniversary with a menagerie of illustrated animals and hilarious sayings about life, love, and everything in between.
No one understands the ups and downs of life’s little challenges better than the frisky critters of Furry Logic. The inspirational and tongue-in-cheek advice from series creator Jane Seabrook and her plucky animal characters will tickle the fancy and the funnybone of readers everywhere. Each intricately illustrated spread features a member of the animal kingdom with a unique take on life, from the adorably grumpy owl who advises “Smile first thing in the morning. Get it over with” to the fluffy hawk who admonishes, “If at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished.” So join the original flock of penguins, bears, frogs, and more in celebrating a decade of wit and wisdom with ten new illustrated spreads for fans looking for fresh inspiration.

About the Creative Animal-Loving Genius:

JANE SEABROOK is the creator and artist of the Furry Logic series. Known for her paintings of wildlife, Jane cares for her own furry menagerie of two cats and a dog with help from her husband and two children.

There are other Furry Logic books available on Amazon as well – I highly recommend all of them. There’s just something incredibly relaxing and enjoyable about curling up with these books. I’ve shared them with and recommended them to everyone I know. While the Furry Logic books ARE available for Kindle, I’d definitely suggest getting a physical copy.

This is a “hands on” kind of book!

You’ll definitely want to go check out Furry Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Guide to Life’s Little Challenges on Amazon. This book is less than $10 and would make a PERFECT gift for any animal lover on your list. It’s one of those rare gift ideas that’d be ideal for just about any age. From teenagers to senior citizens, everyone loves to smile and everyone’s looking for their next laugh.

Just be sure to grab a copy for yourself – why should you miss out on the fun, right?!

“You’ll always be my best friend…. you know too much.“

Note: I received this book from theBlogging for Books program in exchange for this review. The opinions are entirely my own.

Purrfect for Cat Lovers:

Purry LogicAn all-new, all-feline collection of adorable illustrations, humorous sayings, and unadulterated cattitude from the creator of FURRY LOGIC.

Filled with wry witticisms to perk up even the most finicky cat lovers, PURRY LOGIC puts a distinctly feline twist on Jane Seabrook’s popular FURRY LOGIC books. This delightful collection presents cuddly cats offering purr-worthy pick-me-ups like, “My only purpose in this life is to rest and recover from my previous lives,” “If you didn’t make the rules, just ignore them,” and “When fat, arrange yourself in slim poses.” Watercolor-painted in loving detail, Seabrook’s sleek and sassy kitties remind us that the best things in life are furry. – Louisville Courier Journal