Cats Books

According to John Coniglio, cats live the life we all wish we did -- a life of care-free slumber and simple pleasures while the busy world rushes by at breakneck speed. You probably can't find a better children's parable for relaxation, calm, and repose than in THE CAT WHO SLEPT ALL DAY. Read this to your kids every night before bed, and they'll sleep long and soundly, just like a kitty cat. Highly recommended!

My three-and-a-half-year-old grand-niece and -nephew can't get enough of this lovely book.

This is A GEM - The art just shoots off the page - FABULOUS!!!!

After reading this charming little tail, I gave it four paws for being an old fashioned wholesome story that all ages can enjoy. It is purrfectly delightful!

Such a sweet book. The art work is so beautiful. It jumps off the page with bright happy joy. My four ear old just loves this little gem of a book!!!!!

The pictures of the cats in this book were so cute. Any person owned by a cat will know that when the Christmas season arrives, cats seem to have this ability to leave a path of destruction wherever they go. The pictures in this book are really funny, especially to us cat people. On each page, there are a few words to describe the picture but the image says it all. Some of the best ones are a nicely wrapped mouse trap with cheese left right infront of a mouse hole. The 'forbidden fruits'.. all of your glass christmas baubles, reduced to tangled shreds. The Powder Room is my favorite. A cat stands beside a festive litter box. The pictures are so clever. Whether they're shredding your nicely wrapped gifts or attempting to reach the top of your tree, it's still funny. This is a book I'd recommend to anyone who has a cat. It's a really fast read but I'd keep it out on the table at Christmas for others to read.

Bought for a relative Christmas 2000. Cleverly done little picture book much appreciated!

Every once in a while a reviewer has to do something silly to keep from taking themselves too seriously. We get in the habit of waxing eloquent over the latest serial killer novel or thinking deep thought about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and we forget that folks like fun too.

So that explains why this reviewer is about to tell you about an out of print stocking stuffer entitled "Cat's Christmas." I received it as an early Xmas/Hanukkah present from a dear friend. Or rather, my cats did. For some reason they actually like the book and are hanging around now waiting for an opportunity to do their own version of reviewing.

I can tell you right now the book is unbearably saccharine, Starting right out with two sealpoint Siamese kissing under the mistletoe. From there, undaunted, it runs the gamut of silly cat jokes, menus, and sight gags. If your cat is one of the more philosophical kinds then he or she may find this booklet beneath them. I believe my female is making that comment when she sits on the volume.

But my male, the more softhearted of the two, is every bit as softhearted and sweet-tempered as are the cats in the book, so he is right here, helping me type this review. Hopefully we will all take the time this holiday to give little silly things as well as the big expensive toys. And not just to out cats.

This small, well-illustrated book is a must for friends of felines and would make a great gift! It contains hilarious cat thoughts!

Well, right on page 18, there are complete instructions for how to "spruce" up the litter box with snowy white litter peaks and fake fir trees.

Bruce Fogle is the author of The Encyclopedia of the Cat and realizes Christmas brings on a certain neglect of ones feline friends as we rush about buying gifts. So, to rectify this oversight, he and Malcolm Hillier created a sumptuous book reflecting the art of indulgence.

If you are looking for a hilarious stocking stuffer, look no further. For cat lovers, they will be amused to read:

Diary of Destruction: December 24

9:30 Taunted the dog from the safety of the garden fence 10:20 Created a crafty diversion and helped myself to the turkey from the kitchen table next door.....

and so on goes the frivolity....until pg. 29, where the cats sing "Peace on earth, goodwill to all dogs...for now."

Then don't miss out on New Year's Resolutions. "Pay attention to my owner at all times, not just before a meal." And then read up to 10 and see that they will NEVER happen.

A real sense of humor and cat paws clapping everywhere as their happy owners read them this feline Christmas fantasy. I love the "Cat-Tail Party" where you will find recipes for devilishly delectable paw dips, including "Salmon Supreme, Catnip Dip, Liver Mousse."

The book ends with an angelic looking cat with some nice fangs! All the still life photography is by Stephen Hayward and the cat photography is by Jane Burton, Dave King, and Marc Henrie.

~The Rebecca Review

Stephen Hanan played Gus, Growltiger, and Bustopher Jones in the original Broadway production run of Cats. Fresh from the London stage there was only an inkling that the show would be a great success and no true idea that it would be the longest running show in Broadway history. During the time he auditioned and through the rehearsals and opening week Stephen Hanan kept a very detailed diary of his experience as part of the first Broadway cast of Cats. A Cats Diary details Hanan's thoughts and experiences as he auditioned and the rigorous work that went into rehearsal and the production. He details the changes the show underwent as the cast, choreographer, and director tried to find what would work best for all involved and give the best possible show. As a fan of the show (I saw a very well done production at a regional dinner theatre and then the national touring production, the dinner theatre was superior), I found the behind the scenes look at one actor's experience of Cats to be fascinating. Unlike what I would expect from most diaries, Stephen Hanan is very detailed and writes out complete events and complete thoughts and writes well that there is a narrative that forms over the course of the hundred pages of diary entries.

My only real quibble is that footnotes are printed in a cursive font, as if Hanan had handwritten the footnotes into the book to explain people and things that wouldn't be obvious to the casual reader. The footnotes were difficult to read.

Hanan's strength is in the descriptions and that his personality comes through in the text of the book. A Cats Diary is a wonderful resource to those who are seeking to learn more about what goes on to produce a Broadway show and what some of the actors go through.

-Joe Sherry

This book is defenitely a must-read for any CATS lover. It answers questions such as "Why wasn't the Italian aria in the Original London show," as well as giving insights into the preparation, rehersal and immense effort that was put into the original Broadway production. Also wonderfully written are the relationships between the author and the rest of the cast and production team. This book is a CATS fan's dream!

This is a specialty item for the fans of the Broadway production Cats: A Cat's Diary follows the author's daily involvement with the popular production, from rehearsals to finished audience product. Especially involving for drama students, who will receive specific insights into the making of a Broadway production.

Thoroughly enjoyable. The pages flew by. You get a real appreciation of how close the company grew, and how grueling the rehersals were. It is amazing how much was done in a relatively short rehersal period. I saw the show and loved it. I do not know if that made difference, but I would think that for anyone interested in the theater, this would be a wonderful book.

    Seven Tony Awards. Box office receipts of more than a billion dollars. A Broadway run of nearly 8,000 performances. And yet, if I asked you to name the actors and actresses who became stars because of "Cats," you'd probably be stumped.
   Okay, Broadway buffs, so you recall Betty Buckley, for singing "Memory."
   Next?
  In fact, although this was the ultimate ensemble piece, there was one cat who outshone the others. His name is Stephen Mo Hanan, and in the original Broadway cast, he played Bustopher, Asparagus and Growltiger. "Hanan is fantastic," purred Clive Barnes in the New York Post. And the Times, Wall Street Journal and New Yorker agreed.
    Hanan's had to wait two decades for his next plum role --- this Spring, he stars as Al Jolson in an off-Broadway production --- but he's going to be immortal for a slim little book that he never intended to publish: "A Cat's Diary." Written during the rehearsal period, these nightly entries are l00 pages of delight and insight.
    DisneyWorld has spoiled us --- people disappear into animal costumes and goof around and we find them charming, in a sentimental, how-can-you-not-like-this way. But being a cat in a musical inspired by T.S. Eliot and directed by Trevor Nunn?  Not so easy. Hard physical work, in fact. And that's just the outside preparation --- as Hanan tells it, there's immense psychological inquiry and tons of improvisation.
     Although the diaries tell us a great deal about the technical challenges of mounting this musical, there's a strong human narrative (the march toward opening night) and one heroic figure (Trevor Nunn). Mostly, Nunn stands on the sidelines, watching. When he makes a comment, it's rarely what you'd expect --- before an actress does a song in rehearsal, he asks, "But are you having fun?" And, as it happens, that innocent query opens her up to deliver a terrific performance.
      Hanan, for his part, also serves up terrific little insights: "What is the acting approach? Everyone had an opinion, and I began to understand why it took so long to set up the protocols for the Vietnam peace talks." He doesn't shrink from self-deprecating anecdotes: "Trevor said, 'You've got to look like nothing anyone has ever seen before, which is easy if you're Steve Hanan, but for the rest of us....'" And, boy, does he ever show us how the griity, unglamorous work of acting takes its toll: "I come home so tired I can hardly find my way to bed."
      As the cast becomes an extraordinary performing unit, Hanan --- who is pre-disposed to a lovely hippie-esque spirituality --- doesn't fail to get the larger point. He's amazed at how far he's come, he's constantly on the verge of tears. Trevor Nunn makes the spiritual lesson less overtly. "You must remember what the greatest power in the theater is," he tells the company. "It has nothing to do with sets and special effects. It's what's going on in your minds, and how that affects the minds of the audience."
     Hanan's account of opening night is appropriately triumphant. And, because this actor is as emotional as he is analytical, you'll tear up when it's time for Nunn to leave New York and go on to his next production. Fifteen months later, with a Tony nomination on his resume, Hanan also left "Cats." To the indelible performance he gave during his stint can now be added this slim but potent book. "Cats" lovers will enjoy it. Actors, if they are smart, will turn it into gold.

I can't wait to read another one by Thrasher.

Despite being "amiably pro forma", as the Kirkus review puts it (and I generally tend to agree with the Kirkus reviewers), this is a fun, well-written mystery, with a charming, believable hero who has made something of his life and overcome some major hurdles yet continues to make occasional mistakes, all of which makes him very human and made me want to meet him again in further installments. Interesting characters, some witty dialogue and some thoughtful insights make this a balanced story, surprisingly lighthearted even though a lot of it takes place among the sad, bleak world of street children. A thoroughly satisfying read.

I literally could not put this book down. Characters where well developed and new twists to the plot kept me at the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next one!

I read this book about two years or so ago and immediately added Thrasher's name to my list of favorites. Loved the characters and wanted to - needed to visit with them again. Nice to know another's on the way.

it's been a few years since I read the book. and it ranks up on the top of my list to reread. Cant wait for the next one by LL THRASHER . Keep up the good work. thanks for my two cents worth.

I came across this book by accident and I found it so page-turning that I could not put it down and I didn't want it to end! The stories of the cats and other animals of the Thistle Hills farm are so heart-warming and touching - they made my eyes welled up with tears and they also made me smile. This is indeed my favorite cat book of all - and I have read many cat books! The Thistle Hill farm is my idea of heaven, not just for the animals who lived there.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a very warm and tender true story about all the cats and other animals that live on Mr. Caras's farm. I can hardly wait to read another of his many books.

Roger Caras, a very talented writer and animal lover, takes us on a tour of Thistle Hill, his farm in Northern Maryland. Anyone who loves cats, dogs and other animals will love this book. Its gentle humor and compassion are quite absorbing. I must confess to a certain amount of jealousy, though--I would love to have a home like Thistle Hill Farm!

In the Cats of Thistle Hill, Roger Caras writes a story that is like reading about the peaceful environment of Ann of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island, animal version. Besides feeling the peaceable nature of Thistle Hill and its environment, you read about the lives of different cats living at Thistle Hill, their personalities, and finally if you have ever thought about the philosophy of cats, you will have that conversation with Roger Caras in this book. Especially, note Teddy, a scarred cat rescued from the streets of San Francisco, who won't have anything to do with other animals until he discovers Emmy. Teddy goes on to become a single parent father of three kittens whom he mothers, protects and loves Teddy's story not only is an interesting true story, but it makes the point that animals have feelings. There are other equally beautiful stories of cats, a llama, dogs, a burro etc. in this book.

This is an outstanding, well written, entertaining book. Cat and animal lovers should all enjoy it. The book has a beautifully illustrated cover and nice pictures inside of various animals. The book covers not only various adventures of different animals but also shows their intelligence and emotional natures. Roger Caras, the author, writes in a clever, down-home, folksy way. The author also shows his deep caring, respect, and understanding for his many 4-legged friends.

My vet loaned me her copy. I like it so well I plan to buy my own copy and also one for a friend. I look forward to reading other books by Roger Caras. He has written over 60. Nancy Allen, Ada, Oklahoma

I recieved this calender as a wonderful gift and have brought it to my place of work in a hospital. All my co-workers love it and we have lots of fun looking at the photos, imagining ourselves there with the cats. This of course between dashing off to care for another patient. Thanks for offering this great year long enjoyment.

Even though cats often make willing subjects, they can be challenging to photograph in unique and interesting ways. This calendar combines the beauty of Venice and the undeniable charm of cats in a perfect setting. Well done! I look forward to more of the same next year.

I got this calendar for myself since I almost always get a cat calendar. This one did not disappoint. The images are a far cry from most cat calendars out there today. Yes there are many cute cat pictures, but there are also Venetian pictures - the canals, bridges, piazzas, churches...and the cats just look like naturals! There are 3 additional photos on each calendar page, each very good. I highly recommend the calendar for cat owners or Italophiles.

I bought this calendar because I love Venice and adore cats! I
received my copy today and was pleased right away with the thick glossy paper and packaging. Once inside, I turned the months and found each main image very unique. None are quite the same, each having a certain feel that captures Venice and at the same time brings out the cat's adorable nature. It also has an addded touch by providing an additional 39 photos. Very good photography. I highly recommend this for any cat lover.

If you are like me, a cat lover dreaming to go to Venice, you will love this calendar. Buy it for anyone you know who enjoys cats and beautiful scenery. It is sure to bring smiles throughout 2003.

This lovely little book is the perfect gift for friends, family, and yourself. The authors combine words and pictures with wit and wisdom, and the artful felines embody sensuality and fun. Keep this book nearby to lift the spirits when feeling blue.

My husband and I received this book as a gift, and are inspired to order copies for people we know who will be touched and amused by it. The topic is romance but the message is love. It was easy to award it five purrs--I mean stars.

This book is for all those romantics in the world. It says everything about love and relationships, and in such a beautiful way.

This gift was the perfect mix of adorable, tasteful, artistic, and reasonable price. I gave this book to my girlfriend, and it has been a huge hit! These cats are the cutest little creatures (and I am usually a dog person!) and the subtitles for the pictures are classics. I've seen Lisa Roy Sachs photography at shows in New York, and she is the real deal.

Oh my god, these cats are so cute!

I'm not exactly a cat person but bought one for both my wife and sister, who are. They both love it! I never understand how photographers get animals to stay in those poses, but Ledger and Sachs have done a beautiful job.

This book is adorable! The pictures are beautiful and the sayings are cute. Great little present.

This is a great book for cat lovers, or animal lovers.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

This book had an amazing ability to pull my six year old (and the rest of the family) into the story! My son begged to go to bed early, so he could read two more chapters!!! ... If your child has not "caught the fire" for the love of reading yet, BUY THIS BOOK! ... We all wanted to see what Charlie would get into next.

This kitten's perspective on the world is so real. If you have ever caught yourself putting words into a pet's mouth before, you will howl (no pun intended) when you read this book! ... Finally, a book that is so vivid in a child's imagination that he can understand what "painting pictures with your mind" means. This book is a fresh breakthrough and a serious weapon against the multi-media inspired "dumming down" of our kids! Bravo!

If you are an educator, or just care about education, buy this book for the classroom! I promise you will be soon coming back at the demands of the students to purchase Charlies next adventure!

This book had an amazing ability to pull my six year old (and the rest of the family) into the story! My son begged to go to bed early, so he could read two more chapters! We even began using chapters as rewards for good behavior, which was an amazing twist of a win-win situation for us parents! If your child has not "caught the fire" for the love of reading yet, BUY THIS BOOK! I have to say that even the parents here were starting to jockey for position at reading time. We all wanted to see what Charlie would get into next.

This kitten's perspective on the world is so real. If you have ever caught yourself putting words into a pet's mouth before, you will howl (no pun intended) when you read this book! My son is also now excited to try other "chapter books" which he previously avoided because of their lack of pictures. Finally, a book that is so vivid in a child's imagination that he can understand what "painting pictures with your mind" means. This book is a fresh breakthrough and a serious weapon against the multi-media inspired "dumming down" of our kids! Bravo!

If you are an educator, or just care about education, buy this book for the classroom! I promise you will be soon coming back at the demands of the students to purchase Charlies next adventure!

Charlie's Great Adventure is one of the funniest books I've ever read. Charlie is this amazing cat, and he tells the story in the first person, so you feel like you are Charlie. Imagine seeing what the whole world looks like from down on the floor where a cat is. Charlie manages to get into all kinds of trouble, and how he gets out of each situation is what is so funny. I liked it so much that I read it to my 5 year old brother, and he actually rolled on the floor he was laughing so hard.

This is a great book. I definitely recommend it to everyone.

This is a thoroughly entertaining and enriching book for all children. Throughout Charlie's comedic and engrossing adventures every child will be captivated until the last page. This is an enjoyable read for all ages. Everyone will instantly fall in love with this curious and adorable cat! I can't wait for Charlies' next adventure!!!!!

This book won both the 2001 Ruth Schwartz Award for Excellence in Canadian Children's Literature and The Mr. Christie Award for best Canadian Children's book for children ages 7 and under published in 2000.

This is a lovely story about the power, energy and wonder that love can create. It has been shortlisted for the 2001 Ruth Schwartz Award for Excellence in Canadian Children's Literature.

A truly charming story, with illustrations to match. This book is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of children young and old. I look forward to future books by this gifted author. This book is a `MUST HAVE' for every home and classroom

The Chicken Cat is a delightful fantasy picturebook tale about an old hen adopting a lost kitten. Stephanie McLellan's charming, entertaining story is wonderfully showcased by Sean Cassidy's lively and realistic artwork. The Chicken Cat will prove a welcome and popular addition to any school or community library picturebook collection for young readers!

I have 8 grandchildren and am constsntly looking for books they will enjoy. What a pleasure Chicken Cat is! My grand children insist it be read constantly and the older ones read it to their younger siblings. They love the magic of it all and realise you can do anything you really want to.

I hope this author continues to provide us all with her imaginative stories. The illustrations are fun!

This is a story of two friends who only grow closer over time. Every adventure has a different twist on how whatever they do, and no matter if they fight, they are always friends in the end. This teaches kids at a young age that friends are important and that they are always there for you in every situation. This teaches kids to always keep friends close and never forget them in the end, they are always there!

in elementary school i checked this book out from the library so much the librarian actually made it a rule that i had to check out another book, and the next time i came back i could get chloe & maude, then another book, etc. i havent seen a copy since i moved from that town (1992), but i still remember the three stories, and the pictures that went along with each. this is a great book! considering the popularity of Boynton's other books, im surprised chloe & maude hasnt been 're-discovered' and printed again. i remember it so well! i even remember the page that was torn and taped with scotch tape - the first page of the third story, about the crack in the ceiling! and now the more recent generation of kids is missing out on it. tsk tsk.

This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I used to have it, but it somehow got lost. I highly recommend it and am surprised that it is out of print. If you find it, hang on to it or give it to me!

My daughter (Chloe) and I got this book from the library years ago; unfortunatly another borrower lost the book and we have been searching for it ever since! We both loved this book!

I found Chloe and Maude in a bargain bookstore and it has become one of my son's favorite books! This book tells three tales of the experiences of Chloe and Maude, who are two young cats that live in the same neighborhood. The Art Lesson shows how these "kids" blend their different talents; Chloe, Maude and Sophia is a great lesson about pride; and Overnight is the story of a first sleepover at a friend's house. The dialogue between the two kids is authentic, the emotions are heartfelt and the action scenes are often an opportunity to practice acting out the characters' situations with my son. A great book for 4-8 year olds! Please reprint it!!