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

Lil Bub Has Accomplished More In Her Two Years Than You Probably Will In Your Whole Life

Lil BUB's Big SHOW with Whoopi Goldberg

Fresh off her tête-à-tête with Grumpy Cat at Cat Vid Fest in Minneapolis, Lil Bub has been having the best week ever. As of yesterday, the internet famous feline is a published author, movie star, and talk show host, whose debut episode has already generated more views than Kris Jenner's entire foray into daytime talk (unconfirmed).



Not one to rest on her tiny laurels, the perma-kitten's prestigious first guest was Academy Award winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg. The cute-coma inducing interview is a veritable lovefest between the two stars, who bond over their parallel careers.



True to her reputation of helping cats in need, her royal Bubness ended the program by introducing an organization that helps animals. The first featured shelter was one very near and dear to my heart: Tabby's Place, the cage-free sanctuary for cats rescued from hopeless situations, located in Ringoes, NJ. 

Lil Bub is currently on tour across the country to support the release of her new book, the briefly titled, Lil BUB's Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet. 

Fans who missed out on her debut film, Vice's Lil Bub & Friendz, can watch it now here.

Previously: I Met Lil Bub!

Lil Bub Has Accomplished More In Her Two Years Than You Probably Will In Your Whole Life

Highlights From The Second Annual Minneapolis Internet Cat Video Film Festival

Grumpy Cat Takes The Golden Kitty

Thousands of feline fans gathered on Wednesday night at the Minneapolis State Fair Grandstand, for the second annual Cat Vid Fest, presented by Walker Art Center.

After attracting over 10,000 fans last year, a reported 13,000 people bought tickets to sit around and watch cat videos together last night, and celebrate internet cat culture in real life. The event was also streamed live online by Animal Planet, for unfortunate souls (like myself) who weren't able to attend in purrson.

The cat people of Minnesota are legion. #catvidfest: pic.twitter.com/Wmp9FxOp2d
— Tom Horgen (@tomhorgen) August 29, 2013

The three hour long program kicked-off with a (loooong) two hour introduction that included performances by Twin Cities band Brian Laidlaw & the Family Trade, and quirky dance duo, Koo Koo Kanga Roo. 


Brian Laidlaw

Comedian Julie Klausner served as the night's emcee, introducing appearances by noted feline viral video hit-makers such as Will Braden (Henri, Le Chat Noir), Charlie Schmidt (Keyboard Cat), Chris Torres (Nyan Cat), and Maddie Kelly (Kittens Inspired by Kittens), who all received Hall of Fame awards later in the evening.

 
From l to r; Charlie Schmidt, Maddie Kelly, Mike Bridavsky and Lil Bub, Chris Torres, The Bundesen's and Grumpy Cat, Will Braden.

In celebration of "the Great Minnesota Get-Together tradition," Animal Planet commissioned a butter cat sculpture, inspired by royalty (rumor has it that Tardar Sauce licked its ear).


Tardar Sauce cozying up to the butter cat sculpture.



No pets were allowed on the grounds per fair rules, but spectators were greeted to surprise appearances by some of the most famous cats in the world, including Minneapolis's own Pudge the Cat.

"@PudgeTheKitten do you have anything to say?" #myheart #catvidfest pic.twitter.com/jI4IZDcSxY
— Erin Good (@eringood02) August 29, 2013

The highlight of the event, however, was an epic meeting of the minds between Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub.

BUB and @RealGrumpyCat sharing stories. Telepathically. pic.twitter.com/ngzMuHsTJk
— Lil BUB (@IAMLILBUB) August 28, 2013

@RealGrumpyCat and @iamlilbub chatting at #CatVidFest https://t.co/dvlXFPiJB9
— Grumpy Cat (@RealGrumpyCat) August 28, 2013

Over 7,000 nominations were submitted for this year's festival, and a team of 70 jurors narrowed the field down to 65+ cat video clips that were shown in categories like Comedy, Drama, Foreign, Animated, and Musical. 

People's Choice award winners included the now classic Cat In A Shark Costume Chases A Duck While Riding A Roomba and Cat Licking Vacuum Cleaner, but the coveted 2013 Golden Kitty Award ultimately went to Grumpy Cat, who took home the Monopoly cat game piece inspired cat-uette, basically just for being her grumpy self.


Go Grumpy!

Of course, no event such as this would be complete without cat fashion, and people had no reservations about letting their feline freak flags fly. 

We found @RealGrumpyCat's biggest fan @ #CatVidFest! Watch our live stream NOW! http://t.co/4yUtEb6HiV #Meow pic.twitter.com/7u9x9oWHdu
— AnimalPlanet (@AnimalPlanet) August 29, 2013

#CatVidFest https://t.co/IrFOIpWgAc
— Brian Schroeder (@BrianTheVirgil) August 29, 2013

The night's festivities concluded with a fireworks celebration, which most cats probably would have hated.

And the #catvidfest goes out with a bang. https://t.co/eFGduR5IW4
— Ben Lashes (@BenLashes) August 29, 2013

In case you missed it, Cat Vid Fest is hitting the road again this year. The full tour schedule will be posted tomorrow, August 30 on the Walker Art Center website.

Highlights From The Second Annual Minneapolis Internet Cat Video Film Festival

Lil Bub Takes Time To Enjoy The View, Meets Robert De Niro

Lil Bub Visits "The View"! 

I'm still riding high off the excitement of meeting Lil Bub on Monday, and have even more news to report on her whirlwind media tour in support Vice's "Lil Bub & Friendz" documentary. Shortly after she and owner Mike Bridavsky made an appearance on The Today Show over the weekend, the tiny tabby and her dude stopped by The View yesterday, where they charmed everyone from Whoopi Goldberg to Barbara Walters.



TMZ reports that after the show, Bub jetted back to the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC, where she snuggled up to festival co-founder, Robert De Niro (check out the adorable pic here). According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar winner specifically requested a meet and greet with the pint sized puss, who is said to be the breakout star of the event.


Even Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are smitten with Lil Bub!

In response to concern from fans over Bub's hectic schedule over the past few days, Mike took to the permakitten's Facebook page to assure everyone of her well being, writing, "BUB and I would like to assure everyone that BUB is feeling great, getting lots of rest, eating lots of fishes and enjoying the trip. Please understand that her well being is my top priority. Remember that in between the interviews and red carpets (which she loves anyway), she is cuddling, napping, peeing, pooping and being awesome. GOOD JOB BUB."

He also shared that her Meet-And-Greets at Social Tees Animal Rescue in NYC and at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philly netted $2,400 in donations, and hundreds of pounds of food and litter for felines in need.

Lil Bub Takes Time To Enjoy The View, Meets Robert De Niro

I Met Lil Bub!

Me and Lil Bub

Today, I joined hundreds of other cat lovers at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia for the chance to get up close and personal with celebri-kitty, Lil Bub. I've never met an internet famous cat before, so going in I was a little bit nervous, and didn't know what to expect.



The crowd was a diverse mix of age and gender, but one characteristic that everyone shared was a pure, unadulterated love for Bub. Many of the people I chatted with in line took the day off of work to meet her, and when asked what makes her so special, one grown man replied, "because she's f*cking awesome." 


Got my Lil Bub "YES" pin!

While waiting in line, we were instructed to sanitize our hands, and given adorable "YES" pins (cuz Grumpy Cat says, "NO", get it?), along with a postcard promoting her upcoming book, due out in September. Fans could purchase Lil Bub merch, including tees, totes, buttons, and posters (30% of the profits price were donated to the shelter), and were also encouraged to leave donations of money or food, toys, and litter, in exchange for the chance to meet, kiss, and take a picture with her Bubness.





The whole experience kinda felt like being at a concert, and after waiting over an hour for the chance to see her (I got there way early), we were escorted to a private room where was stationed. When I walked in, she was calmly seated on a soft green knit blanket, just chillin' and doing her own thing. 

We were allowed to pet her and take pictures  - the only rule was that she didn't like being touched behind the ears. They had a little ribbon that they were wiggling around trying to get her attention, but in typical cat fashion she just looked up and smiled when she felt like it. Her dude, Mike Bridavsky, was also there keeping a close watch over her. I got the chance to chat with him for a few minutes, and he couldn't have been nicer.


Looking good, Bub!

What really struck me about the whole experience wasn't how tiny or soft she was, but witnessing firsthand the happiness that she brings into people's lives. I saw men exiting the meeting room with huge grins on their faces, and a woman clutching her chest and exclaiming, "She's just perfect!" You would think they had just met a rockstar, not a tiny, toothless cat who they follow on the internet. 



Bub was in town as part of her East Coast tour for the release of her new documentary, "Lil Bub & Friendz", which debuted last week at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC (check out the trailer and screening times here). I viewed it over the weekend in preparation for meeting her, and found it unexpectedly moving. In addition to being an examination of internet cat culture (mostly in terms of videos), it also provides a closer look into Bub's life, including her medical conditions, and the story of the family who found her in their shed as a kitten. It also gives fans the chance to observe the deep bond that she shares with Mike, who says she is like his daughter.

Watching the documentary and meeting Bub in person today has really given me a deeper understanding about what makes her such an extraordinary cat. She truly is a living, breathing miracle, and nearly two years after landing on Earth, it's clear that her mission is far from done. Long live Lil Bub!

To learn more about Lil Bub, visit her website at lilbub.com.

I Met Lil Bub!

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.

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

Watch The Epic Trailer For Vice's "Lil Bub & Friendz" Documentary

Lil Bub & Friendz Official Trailer

Today Vice released the first official trailer for "Lil Bub & Friends," a documentary following a year in the life of the permakitten's meteoric rise to fame. From appearances on "Good Morning America," to her efforts raising thousands of dollars for animal-related charities, Bub's life has touched so many people in such a short period of time, none more so than her owner, Mike Bridavsky.

The film also examines the phenomenon of online kitty culture, from the first ever internet cat video film festival, to some of the web's other most famous felines, including Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, Keyboard Cat, and more.

When asked for her reaction to the groundbreaking bio-doc, Bub's only comment was, “Meow, meow.”

"Lil Bub & Friendz" was directed and produced by Andy Capper and Juliette Eisner, and will premiere next month at the 2013 TriBeCa Film Festival in New York City (screening details are forthcoming). Check out the trailer above for a sneak peek, and rejoice at the pawesome movie posters below.

Watch The Epic Trailer For Vice's "Lil Bub & Friendz" Documentary

Charity Card Deck Starring Famous Internet Kitties To Benefit Stray Cat Alliance

Famous Cats of the Internet Charity Playing Cards

In what could perhaps be the greatest gaming invention since Kittens UNO, AmazeCats has announced the release of Famous Cats of the Internet Playing Cards. The 54 card deck includes images of thirteen of the most esteemed felines on the web, including litter box luminaries such as Henri, le Chat Noir, Lil Bub, Oskar the Blind Cat, Luna the Fashion Kitty, Colonel Meow, Chase No Face, Pudge, Cooper the Photographer Cat, Spangles, Shishimaru, Waffles, Nala, and Sockington.

100% of the proceeds from the $12 set will be donated to Stray Cat Alliance, a Los Angeles based non-profit dedicated to building a no kill nation, one stray at a time. It's never been easier to get your Go Fish on for a good cause, while paying tribute to some of your favorite felines on the web!

The playing cards are available now for pre-order now through the AmazeCats site, with decks shipping worldwide on January 28.

Charity Card Deck Starring Famous Internet Kitties To Benefit Stray Cat Alliance

Lil Bub And Andrew WK Encourage Fans To Donate To Local Shelters This Holiday Season

Lil Bub & Andrew WK's Special Holiday Message

Lil Bub, internet darling, and Andrew WK, motivational party rocker, are two precious creatures who were put on earth for the sole purpose of spreading joy and positivity. VICE recently brought the two forces of nature together, to create a special seasonal message encouraging viewers to donate to their local shelter this holiday season.

In the clip, Bub, who may or not be Jewish, sits casually curled around a menorah while Andrew, outfitted in his signature all-white-everything, appeals to our sense of kindness and generosity. At one point, the perma-kitten can be seen sneakily licking some cookies (which she totally wasn't supposed to do), but her owner/dude Mike Bridavsky assures fans that she did NOT ingest any chocolate.

In addition to running her online empire, Bub is also an animal advocate who uses her fame for good. In addition to raising funds for various animal related organizations such as Pets Alive, The Exotic Feline Rescue Center, and Monroe County Humane Association through the sale of merchandise in her online shop, the philanthropic feline recently started a new community called "Lil Bub’s Bubuddies" (say that three times fast). She hopes that fans will share the newly formed Facebook page with friends, and describes it as, "A place where folks can submit stories of animals in need, fund-raisers and other animal-centric stuff for me to share." 


"How do you even exist? How tender is your paw?"

Lil Bub And Andrew WK Encourage Fans To Donate To Local Shelters This Holiday Season

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

Lil Bub Cat Cupcakes

Twitter led me to this adorable cat cupcake created in the likeness of internet superstar, Lil Bub! Jennifer and her friend Farah decided to make cupcakes that resembled the perma-kitten's many cute faces, and you have to admit they nailed it!

Via Twitter (@JCingari / @IAMLILBUB)

***
Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

Internet Sensation Lil Bub Makes Her National Television Debut On Good Morning America

(Twitter: @Real_MaryK8)

Lil Bub already has thousands of fans on Tumblr and Facebook and a line of merch emblazoned with her adorable mug, but now the "perma-kitten" that could is spreading even more joy, to the millions of people who were introduced to her today on Good Morning America.

(Facebook: Lil Bub)

Bub was joined on-air by her devoted owner Mike Bridavsky, who vigorously pet the famous feline throughout the live segment. Bridavsky announced yesterday on Bub's Facebook page that they were going to be making an appearance on the show, sharing the picture above and telling fans, "BUB in a Towncar. On our way to the airport... flying to NYC to be on Good Morning America tomorrow morning, apparently at 8 am. ISN'T THAT CRAZY? Yes, it is. And yes, she is flying in the cabin with me."

The whirlwind trip included visits to all of NYC's essential tourist destinations, including Times Square, a subway station, and a romp through Central Park.

Click here to watch Lil Bub's appearance on GMA

Although Bub is only a year old, she will maintain her kitten-like looks for life. The tiny tabby has disproportionately short limbs, is polydactyl on all four paws, and has no teeth. She was not bred to be a dwarf, but was the runt of an otherwise normal litter born to a stray mother. Specialists are currently looking into her unusual condition, but she regularly lets her admirers know that she is as happy and healthy as can be. Described as "nature's happy accident," Bub appears to adore the attention she receives from her legions of fans, who have dubbed her the cutest cat in the world.

The one-of-a-kind kitty shot to fame over the past few months after friends encouraged Bridavsky to post pictures of her to the internet. When asked by GMA's Lara Spencer what Lil Bub's popularity could be attributed to, he responded, "I think it's everything. She's probably the most amazing creature on the planet. She can put up with anything, she's adorable, and she's different. I think people like seeing something cute that doesn't look like everything else."

To learn more about Lil Bub, visit her website at lilbub.com.

Via Good Morning America

Internet Sensation Lil Bub Makes Her National Television Debut On Good Morning America