Catsparella: cat book

Showing posts with label cat book. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

"Cat vs Human: Another Dose Of Catnip" Book Giveaway!

Cat vs Human: Another Dose of Catnip

Yasmine Surovec is on a rock 'n' kitty roll! In September, she followed up the release of her first Cat Vs Human book (based on the popular webcomic of the same name), with her debut children's book, "I See Kitty."

Now, the prolific feline illustrator is back on bookshelves again, with her second collection of comics, the appropriately titled, "Cat vs Human: Another Dose of Catnip." The adorably hilarious book includes 140 comics from her blog plus 21 new, never-before-seen comics created exclusively for the book!

"Cat vs Human: Another Dose of Catnip" is available now on Amazon and at fine bookstores near you!

Enter To Win!

Yasmine has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a copy of her new book!

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, Nov. 19 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can participate too! One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit the Cat Versus Human website and like CvsH on Facebook for updates on all of Yasmine's latest comics and kitty related projects!

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

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Monday, November 11, 2013

Meet Simon's Cat Creator Simon Tofield On His U.S. Book Tour This November

Simon Tofield

Simon Tofield, the award-winning illustrator behind the enormously popular Simon's Cat films, is about to embark on a U.S. tour in support of his latest book, "Simon's Cat vs. The World"!

I am excited to announce that Akashic Books has invited me to moderate the New York City stop of the tour, which will be at the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the New York Public Library (455 5th Avenue) on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm!

The event is cosponsored by City Critters, Inc. and the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. You can RSVP on the event's Facebook page here.

I hope you will come out and join us for what is sure to be a fur-tastic evening of fun! If you're not in the NYC area, don't fret; Check out the full list of tour dates below and visit the Akashic Books website to see if Tofield is making a stop in a city near you.

Nov 18, 2013 – Brookline Booksmith, Boston, MA
Nov 20, 2013 – The Book Cellar, Chicago, IL
Nov 21, 2013 – Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH
Nov 23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International – Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Nov 23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International, Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Nov 24, 2013 – Politics & Prose, Washington, DC
Nov 25, 2013 – New York Public Library, Mid-Manhattan Branch, New York, NY
Nov 26, 2013 – Clinton Book Shop, Clinton, NJ

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

"Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book" Review & Giveaway!

"I Wrote A Book Once. It Was Awful." - Grumpy Cat

If you're a reader of this blog, you probably already know the story of Grumpy Cat. The millions of online fans, television appearances, licensed merchandise, and movie deals, that have all worked in tandem to propel the small town kitty into an international sensation.

Her appeal is universal, and after meeting her in person, I can attest that she possesses that elusive "It" factor people always talk about. I even caught my dad laughing out loud while reading my review copy of her book, which hit stores over the summer.

The 96-page hardback, "Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book: Disgruntled Tips And Activities Designed To Put A Frown On Your Face," includes some of the most popular Grumpy Cat memes, new and classic pictures, and games and activities, designed to put you in a terrible mood.

Forecast for your life: Not looking so good.

You'll also get to experience some of her grumpiest moments, learn questionable facts about puppies and laughing babies, and be treated to special appearances by her brother, Pokey and others.

Grumpy Moments

While Grumpy Cat claims the book was written to put a frown on your face, I'm glad to report it has quite the opposite effect. Admittedly, I'm still riding high after meeting the pint-sized starlet last week, but still have no qualms about recommending this cleverly composed gift book to any fan of the famous feline.

"Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book" is available now through Amazon, Apple iBookstore, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, and in a bookstore near you!

Enter To Win!

Chronicle Books has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a copy of "Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book"!

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, Oct. 29 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 Grumpy Cat's website, and follow her on Facebook to find out what she's up to next!

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

Disclosure: Chronicle Books provided me with a copy of this book to giveaway, but all Grumpy Cat worship expressed in this post is my own.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Win A Copy of "I See Kitty" By Cat Versus Human Illustrator Yasmine Surovec!

"I See Kitty" by Yasmine Surovec

I'm a longtime fan of illustrator Yasmine Surovec, who is best known as the talented and creative cat lady behind the wildly popular internet comic, Cat Versus Human (if you aren't familiar with her work, I suggest you check it out ASAP!).

Kitties can be anywhere you look!

Surovec, who put out her first book of cat comics in 2011 (and is set to release a follow up shortly), recently released her debut children's book, that's suitable for cat lovers of all ages.

I See Kitty Book Trailer

"I See Kitty" is a 40-page picture book in Yasmine's signature, adorable style, that tells the story of Chloe, a cat loving girl and future Catsparella reader:

Chloe loves kitties. She wants a cat so much that she sees Kitty everywhere she goes: at the bus stop, in her backyard, in the starry night sky, even in her dreams. From debut children's book illustrator Yasmine Surovec comes a story so adorable that if you don't already love cats you will by the time you're done reading it.

Even the inside cover is adorable!

"I See Kitty" is available now on Amazon, and in bookstores near you!

Enter To Win!

Yasmine has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a copy of "I See Kitty"!

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, Oct. 15 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can participate too. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit the Cat Versus Human website and like CvsH on Facebook for updates on all of Yasmine's latest comics and kitty related projects!

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

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Catmopolitan Vintage Cat Parody Magazine Giveaway!

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the 80s phenomenon known as cat parody books and magazines (see also: Vanity Fur and Cat High: The Yearbook), so it shouldn't be a shock that on on a recent sweep of my bookshelf, I came across an extra copy of the 1987 feline sex and fashion opus, Catmopolitan by Ilene Hochberg.

Much like its namesake, Catmo (which I originally featured here), fearlessly delves into important feline topics like getting your claws into Mr. Right, and the catastrophe that is catnip addiction. The best part, though, is the meow-out-loud worthy ads for brands such as Estée Longhair, Clawnique, Maidenfur, Espurrit, and more, which are displayed alongside articles on "Cathletics and Feline Fitness," "Colorful Collars To Catch His Eye," and "The Cat's Out of the Bag - He's Been Pussyfooting Around."

Enter To Win!

I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to win my extra copy of Catmopolitan (keep in mind this is a used copy I picked up in my travels, so it's in good, but not perfect condition).

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, Aug 20 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can participate too. One entry per person please, and good luck to all!!

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

[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Doctor Cat Kickstarter Brings The Feline Physician To Print

Fans of Sarah Sobole's popular Doctor Cat webcomic will be excited to learn that her first book is on its way! Sobole's Kickstarter to produce the first ever Doctor Cat books has already exceeded its goal, with 11 days still left to go.

Doctor Cat, who has been "operating Fridays" since 2011, is an adorable and often hilarious glimpse into the life of a cat who somehow managed to obtain a medical license. He (she?) performs surgeries, delivers babies, and even takes time out of his busy schedule to answer fan mail (Q: Since hygiene is so important in hospitals, don't you think you should be wearing pants? A: Haha, that's ridiculous! Who's ever heard of a cat wearing pants?!)

The purpose of the Kickstarter is to produce a 72-page full color book featuring the first Doctor Cat story, and a 6-page bonus about Lawyer Cat teaching Doctor Cat how to play golf.

There will also be a second, shorter book ("Doctor Cat's Day Off"), that includes four pages of bonus comics starring Lawyer Cat and Human Nurse.

Donation levels range from $6 for a PDF file of each book, to $500 for the chance to appear as a background character in an upcoming comic.

With the original $8,500 goal safely behind her, Sobole recently added some "stretch goals" to encourage folks to pledge. When she hit $9,000, contributors were promised stickers shipped with every physical order, and after recently clearing the $12k mark, Sarah unveiled some super cool prints and posters (like Chat Docteur, above) available to those who contribute in the $15, $40, and $60 range.

Want more Doctor Cat? Catch up on all of the medical marvel's adventures here, follow him on Facebook, and visit the Doctor Cat shop to stock up on shirts, buttons, stickers and even a Doctor Cat plush!

The Doctor Cat Kickstarter campaign officially comes to a close on Sunday, July 21.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

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.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, And Henri, le Chat Noir Are Coming Soon To A Bookstore Near You

While you're sitting around trying to write the next Great American Novel, three of the internet's most famous cats are meowing all the way to the bank with their own book deals. Yes, you heard right -- as if it's not hard enough for human writers to get work, now we have to compete with cats, too.

"Cat Pack" members Henri, le Chat Noir, Lil Bub, and Tardar Sauce have all put paw to paper, as they attempt to translate their online fame into the world of print. It doesn't matter if you're a student of feline philosophy, cute cat pics, or the art of grump, because your cat will be content to nap on all three.

Which upcoming book are you most looking excited to curl up with?

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

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Description: This gift book is a collection of photos and quotes from Henri, the existential cat whose ennui has captivated people all over the world. Through his series of short films and interactions with an enthusiastic online community, Henri's contemplation and disillusion with the world has struck a chord with millions of fans. Now, finally, we have a collection of Henri's musings in his own words featuring never-before-seen photos and quotes. This book is a window into the tortured soul of the world's first feline philosopher.

Lil BUB's Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet

Publisher: Gotham

Realease Date: September 3, 2013

Description: Aided by her human, this celebri-cat is finally satisfying her demanding public with a book. Showcasing one hundred wittily captioned, full-color photos of Lil BUB—sleeping, riding a skateboard, hanging out with her friends, and just simply being adorable—Lil BUB’s Lil Book is exactly what her millions of fans want. Sure to please fans of LOLcats and Boo: The Life of the World’s Cutest Dog, Lil BUB’s Lil Book is the purrrr-fect book for anyone who needs more cute in their lives.

Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Description: Internet sensation Grumpy Cat's epic feline frown has inspired legions of devoted fans. Celebrating the grouch in everyone, the Grumpy Cat book teaches the fine art of grumpiness and includes enough bad attitude to cast a dark cloud over the whole world. Featuring brand new as well as classic photos, and including grump-inspiring activities and games, Grumpy Cat delivers unmatched, hilarious grumpiness that puts any bad mood in perspective.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

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).

Monday, October 8, 2012

Cat High: The Yearbook

What would it be like if cats went to school? Terry deRoy Gruber aimed to find out in the 1984 classic, "Cat High: The Yearbook." Designed to resemble an actual yearbook, the book's black and white pages are stuffed with superlatives and scrawled signatures alongside silly photos of clothed cats, in the spirit of fellow 80s parody mags like Vanity Fur and Catmopolitan.

As the description explains, "For those unacquainted with Cat High, it is located in the town of Paw Paw near the famous battle of Gerbil Hill. The student body is made up of such pursonalities as Earnest Bootstraps, Fred Fur, Curiosity Kildecat, and Eugene Fuzzerelli. But as hilarious as the text is, it is the hundreds of pictures of cats, in all their human outfits and expression, that will make readers cat-atonic with laughter."