Lil Bub's Lil Book Review

Lil Bub's Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life Of The Most Amazing Cat On The Planet

There's just something about Lil Bub. I experienced it when I met her at the Philadelphia SPCA in April, and marveled at the way she touched people, even causing them to cry in her presence. 

My friends at Catster recently hosted the feline phenom when she was visiting in San Francisco, and found that she had a similar effect on their assistant editor, Liz Acosta, who wrote:

"In person, BUB is quite possibly the most amazing thing I have ever seen. There is something beautiful and serene and perfect about her that feels like sitting on a beach watching the sun sink into the ocean or akin to listening to the rain while cozied up in bed. And her fur is even softer than I ever could have dreamed."

Earlier this month, the tiny triple-threat released her book, Lil Bub's Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life Of The Most Amazing Cat On The Planet, in conjunction with an online talk show and documentary. Two years old, and already a published author, movie star, and talk show host. And what have you been doing with your life?



If Grumpy Cat is the Jennifer Lawrence of the cat world, Lil Bub is its Lady Gaga, a castaway from the Island of Misfit Toys, encouraging those who are different, or who just feel different, to embrace and love the things that make them special. 

Much like Gaga, Bub also came down to Earth in a spaceship (from the planet Bub Ub Bub, natch), and has made it her mission to raise awareness about spaying and neutering pets. She also hopes to show how important it is to be compassionate toward those who are born different, and maybe even inspire someone to adopt and take care of a special pet of their own.


Henri, le Chat Noir lends a paw of support for his fellow feline.

The full-color book, with its purple, pink, and lime green cover, is as small and adorable as the cat herself, and was written by Bub with a little help from her notoriously humble dude, Mike Bridavsky.

In addition to space adventures, skateboarding, and an ongoing quest for fishies, the hardcover also features special appearances by some very famous friends like Colonel Meow, Henri, le Chat Noir, and Bub's very own boyfriend, Smoosh.


Colonel Meow's plot for world domination continues.

While you can expect more "Bub-isms" than an actual storyline, what the book lacks in plot it makes up for with incredible photography and fan art that captures the miracle of Bub, a creature who is truly content with just being her amazing self.



More than just an adorable interlude, it is a must read for fans of the online icon, but don't just take my word for it: As Lil Bub herself says, "This is the best book I have ever read or written." 

Lil Bub's Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life Of The Most Amazing Cat On The Planet, published by Gotham Books, is available now on Amazon and in bookstores everywhere.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for review, but all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Images courtesy of Lil Bub, unless otherwise noted.

Lil Bub's Lil Book Review

Simon's Cat Vs. The World Book Review & Giveaway!

Priscilla Cat vs. Simon's Cat vs. The World

Who isn't a fan of Simon's Cat? His videos have racked up hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, and launched an empire based off one mischievous puss.

After the release of Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos earlier this year, award winning illustrator Simon Tofield is back with the U.S. hardcover release of his newest book, Simon's Cat Vs. the World, due out from Akashic Books in October.


vs...HD TV

Unlike his previous book, which was a wordless black and white comic, vs. the World is a full color adventure that pits the naughty white feline up against some of his biggest foes yet, including snowballs, Saturdays, dogs, and of course, Simon's kitten!


vs...Pug

As a bonus, the 96-page book also includes a color sticker sheet, and how-to drawings from Simon on how to create a Persian cat, Siamese cat, Tabby cat, and squirrel.


vs...Camping

Tofield will be embarking on a national tour in support of the book in November, starting the 18th in Brookline, MA and ending on Nov. 25th in New York City. (Check out the full schedule of appearances here.)

I found the book to be a fun and fast read, and enjoyed how it brought Simon's Cat's online hijinks to the page! Great for bringing the laughs to you or the Simon's Cat fan in your life.

Enter To Win!



Akashic Books has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a copy of Simon's Cat vs. the World!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to pre-order the book, or check it out when it hit stores October 1!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for giveaway and review, but all opinions and whimsical quilts contained in this post are my own.

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Simon's Cat Vs. The World Book Review & Giveaway!

Your New Favorite Book: A Street Cat Named Bob

A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life is an international best seller for a reason. Originally released in the UK last year, it finally arrived stateside in July, and promptly found a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List. Unlike stereotypical animal memoirs that can be plagued by sob-inducing endings where the owner has to say a tearful goodbye to their beloved pet, Bob is an uplifting story of hope, love, and undeniable proof that the human-animal bond does exist (also: no one dies at the end!).

I've known about the book since last year, but somehow still hadn't managed to read it. Then, I received it for review from the publisher a few months ago...and shamefully put it aside. Well, I kick myself for doing that, because as soon as I picked it up last week, I breezed through the 279-page story in the course of a few nights, even forcing myself to stop at some points, just so the experience wouldn't end.


Bob celebrating his U.S. debut.

I was immediately engrossed in the story of how James Bowen, a former heroin addict, nursed Bob back to health, and the deep and spiritual connection that formed between these two lost souls, who ended up saving one other by adding meaning and purpose to each other's lives. 


James's life changed forever the first time Bob followed him to work.

In 2007, Bowen was living in assisted housing, enrolled in a drug dependency program, and scraping by with money he earned by singing Nirvana, Oasis, and Johnny Cash songs on the streets of London. Then, he found Bob, an injured orange cat living in the stairwell of his building. He spent almost all of the money he had nursing the sick tabby back to health, and an immediate bond was formed between the two -- although, this was no overnight love story. 

In fact, part of the joy that comes from reading the book is learning how their relationship blossomed, as the two form an understanding and learn how to trust one another (or more aptly, as James learns to put his trust in Bob). The story interweaves James's personal history and fatherly feelings towards Bob, along with anecdotes about their time working on the streets, where Bob gains a huge following, and shows he truly is an extraordinary cat. 

He also makes a point of explaining how living on the streets is a dehumanizing experience, but how Bob's presence made him visible to the world again, writing, "It was as if my Harry Potter invisibility cloak had slipped off my shoulders." After a troubling incident puts his busking career on hold, Bowen is inspired by Bob to get his life together by becoming a licensed magazine seller and kicking his drug habit once and for all. 


Meet a Street Cat Named Bob

Since its initial publication, a children's version, Bob: No Ordinary Cat, has been released, followed by a sequel, The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Street-wise Cat. There are also rumors that a movie adaptation is in the works, although no official word has been announced just yet. 

Thanks to his newfound fame, James and Bob no longer have to live rough, but still spend time meeting with fans at book signings, and engaging with them through their popular Facebook and Twitter pages. 

I absolutely adored this book, and highly recommend it to all cat lovers. A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life is available now on Amazon, and at fine bookstores near you.

Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book for review, but all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own. Meow!

Your New Favorite Book: A Street Cat Named Bob

Book Review: Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst-Filled Cat

"Though sitting in the box brings momentary feelings of contentment, it is, in the end, an illusion. My ennui cannot be contained." - Henri, le Chat Noir

On any given day, my favorite internet feline changes. One day it might be Lil Bub, and the next it could be Tardar Sauce. But one figure who stole my heart right from the start was Henri, le Chat Noir, the philosophical French feline from Seattle who has gained thousands of fans (and millions of YouTube views), for dishing out his existential musings to the delight of bored house cats everywhere.

Although he seemed to appear out of nowhere, Henri's sudden rise to fame was not exactly an overnight success. His first video, Henri, was released six years ago, but it wasn't until filmmaker William Braden released the follow-up, Henri 2, Paw de Deux, in 2012, that the world finally began to take notice. The video, which has gone on to inspire several sequels, garnered over 7 million views, and also won the coveted Golden Kitty award at the first ever Internet Cat Video Film Festival in Minneapolis. Late film critic Roger Ebert declared it "The best internet cat video ever made," and I tend to agree.



As part of his growing empire of ennui, which also includes popular Facebook and Twitter profiles and a line of merch (a portion of the proceeds go to charity), last week saw the release of the world's first and foremost feline philosopher's book debut, "Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst Filled Cat."

Although the cover credits William Braden (aka the "thieving filmmaker") as the author, the introduction makes it clear that the book was not a collaborative effort, as Henri himself writes: "Now I am finally able to put forth my unedited thoughts without interference. Though my search for answers has, thus far, been fruitless, perhaps somehow I will provide you with a new insight. If not, at least this will make you look smart if you leave it on your coffee table."


Priscilla wonders how Henri feels about older women

The hardcover features several never-before-seen black and white photographs of the handsome tuxedo kitty (including an adorable kitten pic, as well as a centerfold shot that Priscilla particularly enjoyed), as well as new and classic quotes, culled from his extensive videography. Fans are also treated to guest appearances from the white imbecile, Henri's simpleminded feline roommate who doesn't share his deep thoughts.


Henri 6, "Cat Littérature"

Braden recently released a new video in conjunction with the book, where Henri delves into his distaste for sharing the spotlight with a "bald buffoon" who "doesn't even own a tuxedo." If you're looking to capture the magic of Henri in book form, human and feline fans won't be disappointed.

"Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst-Filled Cat" is available now on Amazon, or through any of the booksellers listed here.

Henri, je t'aime!

Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book for review, but all opinions and philosophical felines contained in this post are my own.

Book Review: Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst-Filled Cat

Charlie's Bookshelf: "Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos"

Charlie was anxious to check out our advanced copy of "Kitten Chaos"!

Simon Tofield created the original Simon's Cat video, "Cat Man Do," in 2008, when he was teaching himself to use animation software. 

In the five years since then, Tofield has gone on to release dozens of other "Simon's Cat" videos, which have drawn over 280 million eyeballs to date. When you think about it, that's an especially impressive feat, considering that each short clip is simply illustrated in black and white, with no text or dialogue, except for Tofield himself, who provides the cat's signature "Meow." The English animator, who was once told to quit drawing and get a "proper job," now has his own design team, and a growing empire, which includes books, calenders, t-shirts, cat beds, and more. 



His third book, "Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos," will be released in paperback and digital format in the U.S. by Akashic Books on April 16. The spirit of the animated cartoons is evident in the book of illustrations, which just like the films, uses images to tell stories, without any words needed.


Simon's Cat in Double Trouble

"Kitten Chaos" expands on the storyline (as seen in shorts like "Double Trouble") of Simon bringing his new kitten home, and the immediate conflict it causes with Simon's Cat. Throughout the course of the book, the two cats fight, play tricks on each other, and generally cause mayhem, in a way that will be hilariously recognizable to anyone who has ever had to contend with two pets who don't get along.


Charlie tries his paw at the drawing tutorial.

The U.S. edition includes bonuses such as a sheet of color stickers, along with directions on how to draw all of the characters, including Simon, his cat, the kitten, a mouse, a hedgehog, a rabbit, and more.  


Stickers!!

Some interesting things I learned from the background info I received: Simon Tofield actually has four cats, named Jess, Maisie, Hugh, and Teddy. He draws on inspiration from all of them when illustrating the cartoon, however Hugh is the one considered to be "Simon's Cat." Another interesting fact? While Simon's Cat is portrayed as a plump white puss, Hugh is actually a black kitty! As Tofield told The Guardian back in July, "It had to be white to make the graphics work."

"Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos" is available for pre-order now through Amazon, and will be in bookstores everywhere on April 16. To learn more about Simon's Cat, visit the website at SimonsCat.com.



Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review, but all opinions expressed in this post are mine (and Charlie's). 

Charlie's Bookshelf: "Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos"

Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts Book Giveaway!

Bookend and Stamp

Jen Curry owes her kitty craft business to her cat, Lucy. In 2007, Lucy, 17, was experiencing health problems, and Jen was focused on keeping her happy and healthy. She made a toy mouse that Lucy loved, and the idea inspired Curry to dedicate her life to "all things Cat." Shortly after, she started her business, Kitty Jones, which creates feline-friendly products that "kitties love, and humans love to step over."

Feline-friendly projects

Five years later, Jen has released a book, "Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts: Beautifully designed projects for a cat-friendly home." The crafty tome features inexpensive, cat-inspired DIY projects, plus some super adorable kitty models, including Jen's current muse, a ginger tabby named Peachbunny.

Tray

The book is divided into two sections, Play and Home. The former consists of projects to keep your cat happy, like a scratching pad, toys, and a bed, while the latter includes ideas to help catify your decor, such as a lampshade, bookends, stamps, and much more.

Check out my handiwork!

Being a paper craft enthusiast, I decided to try my paw at the Kitty Silhouette cover project. Curry's directions are easy to follow, and best of all, there are templates in the back of the book to help get you started. For my silhouette, I just had to trace the template, cut and glue. The hardest part was picking out what paper I wanted to use from the craft store!

Enter To Win!

One Peace Books has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a copy of Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts: Beautifully Designed Projects for a Cat-Friendly Home by Jen Curry!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.). The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Wednesday, September 26 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit Kitty Jones to get the scoop on Jen, and to purchase some of her beautiful, eco-friendly cat products!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review and giveaway, but all opinions and floral print cat silhouettes expressed in this post are my own.

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Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts Book Giveaway!

Review: Two Cats Magazine: The First Magazine For Cats, By Cats

Two paws up for Two Cats Magazine!

Longtime readers may know that I'm a huge fan of Hey Pais, the internet's only journal comics written by a cat. Paisley is a 9-year-old girl kitty who lives in Chicago with her humans (who she affectionately refers to as "The Girl" and "The Guy"), along with a three-year-old white cat named Boo Radley, who they adopted last year.

Pais did me the honor of being one of my first celebrity cat interviews back in 2010, and gave me some insights on being a formerly (semi) feral cat, and what inspired her to start a comic about the real and make-believe adventures that make up her day-to-day in her life.

Cats-in-Chief: Boo Radley hogs the bed as Paisley looks on

More recently, Pais and Boo Radley decided to take on the challenge of creating Two Cats Magazine, the first magazine for cats, by cats. She's kind of like the feline version of Anna Wintour - just with less coffee, and more catnip (plus when she wears fur, it's totally ethical!). Pais and The Girl graciously sent me a copy of the magazine to check out, and I have to say, this ain't your mama's Cat Fancy.

Catnip mice (available from the Hey Pais Etsy shop) catching up on all of the latest celebrity cat news

As soon as it arrived, Two Cats Magazine had me buzzing with excitement before I even turned to the first page. The inaugural issue is handsomely bound, and features letters to the editor (Sample query: "My girl and guy keep talking about how they want to get another cat or something called a puppy. Should I be worried?"), an expose of what's really going inside the utility closet, a fashion editorial including looks from "Forever 2" and "Urban Mousefitters," a recipe for catnip treats, parody advertisements, an exclusive interview with Charlene Butterbean of the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee ("For an indoor cat, I lead a very interesting life"), and much, much more!

I really enjoyed reading the book, and appreciated the clever writing and illustrations, all done from a humorous cat's perspective. It's also easy to admire all of the time and hard work that went into creating the 52 page magazine, that was completely lettered and drawn by hand (er..I mean paw, right??).

If you'd like to pick up a copy of Two Cats Magazine (and I certainly hope you do!), it's available from the Hey Pais website for purchase in print and digital editions, suitable for your iPad or e-reader. In addition, I also recommend following @heypais and @radleycat on Twitter to keep up with all of their latest comics and daily musings on all things cat!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Two Cats Magazine to review, but all thoughts, opinions, and construction paper cat paws contained in this post are my own.

Review: Two Cats Magazine: The First Magazine For Cats, By Cats

Book Review: ZooBorns Cats! The Newest, Cutest Kittens And Cubs From The World's Zoos

I'm a daily reader of the ZooBorns website, so I was super excited when Simon and Schuster offered to send me a copy of ZooBorns Cats!: The Newest, Cutest Kittens And Cubs From The World's Zoos to review!

While the website focuses on the newest and cutest (they aren't kidding) exotic baby animals of all kinds, the latest book by ZooBorns founders Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland focuses exclusively on wild cat kittens and cubs born at accredited zoos and conservation programs around the world.

Right off the bat, one of the most interesting things I learned was that there are thirty-six different species of wild cat! Sure, everyone knows knows about lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, and leopards, but are you familiar with the Oncilla? Kodkod? Or how about the rare Japanese Irimote Cat?

The book is so in-depth, that it reportedly represents the "largest number of juvenile feline photos from different species ever assembled in one publication," and as I was reading through, I kept "Aww-ing" before exclaiming, "Ok, this one is my favorite!" only to change my mind a few pages later when greeted by Yapahuwa the Rusty-Spotted Cat (as seen on the cover), or Aguapo the teddy-bear faced Jaguarundi. It's also fun to see how some of these baby big cats look A LOT like their domestic cousins, especially the kittenish Black-footed Cat, and the Asiatic Wildcat, whose most significant threat, sadly, is interbreeding with domestic cats.

In addition to featuring beautiful full-page color photographs, the book also includes information about each of the kittens, as well as their breed status throughout the world. Seeing that so many of these amazing creatures are vulnerable, threatened, or near endangered puts a furry face on the serious issues these cats are up against. Not just a cute diversion, the book also serves as an important tool for promoting conservation efforts, and I'm happy to report that every sale of ZooBorns Cats! supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Endowment Fund.

ZooBorns Cats! The Newest, Cutest Kittens And Cubs From The World's Zoos is the purrfect treat for feline lovers of all ages, and is available now for pre-order on Amazon, and in bookstores everywhere tomorrow, November 1st!

ZooBorns Cats! Book Trailer

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of ZooBorns Cats! by the publisher for review, but all of the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Book Review: ZooBorns Cats! The Newest, Cutest Kittens And Cubs From The World's Zoos

Priscilla Reviews "The Meowmorphosis"

I recently reported on a new book called "The Meowmorphosis," a mash-up of Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and, well...cats. Since I've had a lot on my plate lately, I asked Priscilla if she'd mind stepping in to provide a review of the latest Quirk classic, and after much negotiation over a bag of Temptations treats, she begrudgingly agreed.

What do we have here?

At first she was dubious.

"I can really relate to Gregor Samsa's struggle of waking up as a cat."

Then I gave her some more treats she really got into it.

"Zzzzzz"

She also tested it for comfort, in case of an unexpected nap attack.

Final verdict: Two paws up!

"The Meowmorphosis" is available now online, and at a bookstore near you!

The keen observer may notice that several pictures of Priscilla now have been staged in the same spot (See: here and here). No, that doesn't mean she's bound to her faux sheepskin bed, but rather that I've found the best time to elicit her cooperation is when she's half in the bag, i.e. during her afternoon nap.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, however they did not tell me what to do with it or what to say about it. All thoughts and opinions expressed by my cat are her own!

Priscilla Reviews "The Meowmorphosis"

Book Review: I Like Cats (And You Should Too!)

"Fat cats, brat cats, grinning cats, sunny cats, cats with scowls and cats with jowls.."

Described by the publisher as a book, "That will delight art lovers, cat lovers and artsy cat lovers!" I Like Cats by Anushka Ravishankar & Various Artists is a picture book for both adults and children all about the diversity and loveliness of cats. Featuring a gallery of "irresistible feline characters from some of the best-known tribal and folk artists of India," I Like Cats succeeds in bringing together the quality of a hand made product with the accessibility of a widely available book.

What really sets the book apart for me, is the handmade bookmaking process that takes place before it ends up in your hands. When it arrived at my house, a seal indicated that it had been "silk-screen printed and bound by hand, on handmade paper." I felt like I was unwrapping a special gift as I carefully removed the cellophane wrapping!

Knowing all of the work that goes into it makes it feel a lot different than just any old book you would pick up at the store. Flipping through the pages, the quality and craftsmanship is evident. The paper has a substantial thickness to it, and the vibrantly colored screen printed kitties are irresistible! (I was particularly taken by the prints done in red.)

I Like Cats is a product of Tara Books, an independent publisher based in Chennai, South India. I was intrigued by the idea of a company that produces a high volume of handmade books, and was happy to read in the literature I received that, "The handmade book workshop is run on fair trade practices, and the workers live together as a community." Furthermore, Tara prides itself on creating items that are "affordable for an average book buyer," while "supporting a sustainable community enterprise."

As an added bonus, the hardcover limited edition also comes with your very own framable screen print. The book already feels like a mini piece of art on its own, so it's nice to have the option of moving a print out of the pages and onto your wall without feeling guilty! Mine came with a bright orange variation of the "Slow cats" image seen above!

Overall, the book would make a nice treat for yourself, or the artsy cat lover in your life. More than just a simple picture book, it's something you'll discover new details in with each viewing, and will want to go back to admire in the future.

I Like Cats is available now at bookstores everywhere, and online at Amazon or Powells.com.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to review, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review: I Like Cats (And You Should Too!)