4 comments about Bohemian Cats.

1. "Not too long ago, but most definitely before you were born, the world was quite a different place. In a distant land called Bohemia, Cats ruled over all: good King Furr governed with a firm but kind paw, Court Scientist Sir Walter Whisker wrote papers on `The Human--myth or reality?' Prince Scratch strolled the lush gardens dreaming of his future reign, and of course, Lady Purrla though herself the most beautiful kitty at the ball." - From the book
   
   Courtyards and libraries, ballrooms and gardens, lavishly costumed felines parade about in the enchanted world of Bohemian Cats. In this Catdom, The Human inspires whispers and speculation, for the hairless, tailless ones are mostly the stuff of legend (and puppets!).
   
   King Furr's favorite bird has gone missing. Believing it to be stolen, King Furr charges Sir Walter Whisker--Court Scientist and occasional alchemist--to find the household pet. While housecats also scurry to find the missing bird, King Furr throws a costume ball to catch the bird thief red-pawed. "I haven't seen you in seven lives!" one feline exclaims. "Who did your fur?" asks another.
   
   Gilded chariots and majestic steeds, ornate sitting rooms and exquisite architecture--these and cats of various color and temperament exist in the magical world of Bohemian Cats.
   
   Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, founders of baba studio in Prague, spin a fanciful tale of absurdity, intrigue, and romance. A hardcover book featuring panoramic pullouts, a gold ribbon bookmark, and beautiful photography, Bohemian Cats will satisfy the cravings of collectors of all things feline, as well as cat lovers of all ages. Enthusiasts of the Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot will no doubt enjoy this book, for many cats that grace that deck also make an appearance in Bohemian Cats! Interestingly a few of the cards from the deck also make an appearance in this book, lying strewn on the floor while Prince Scratch, resident party animal, sleeps late.
   
   My only misgiving about this book--and it is only a slight one--is that the story seemed a bit forced, as if the tale was constructed around existing images (perhaps already created for the Tarot deck?). I don't know which came first--the deck or the book--but since I reviewed the deck before the book, this was my impression as I read this whimsical Bohemian Cats.
   
   Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)



2. I can't say enough good things about this book! I have recommended it to everyone who has presents to buy for children or cat-lovers. This sumptuous book combines costume drama with art while having a plot line that is mild enough for children, yet with undertones that adults will enjoy. The art, like many of the subtleties of the text, are probably over the heads of many youngsters, but they will love what they do "get."
   
   This book can be read aloud to pre-schoolers (my 4 year old loved it), or handed to older readers. Unlike many read-aloud books, this one can hold the adult's interest, too.
   
   The art involves taking many pictures, of setting, costume and cats, and then super-imposing them upon each other. The illustrators then adjusted the pictures so that they look more like baroque paintings, and added fillips of whimsy.
   
   I see good books and bad as a reviewer; the bad I reject, but their effects can linger. This one is a gem, and thank goodness for it. It was a joy to read, and it's a treat to be able to recommend it to you.



3. The collaborative work of Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov, Bohemian Cats is a wondrous storybook, with text simple enough to be accessible to children yet so fantastic that it is sure to appeal to all ages. Every page of this stunningly delightful fairy tale features charming, full-color, photographic illustrations of rambunctuous felines who ruled a distant land called Bohemia. No live cats were harmed or even inconvenienced in the making of Bohemian Cats, which applies digital technology to photographs of cats and environments to create the lustrous, puss-n-boots style images of felines in royal garb. An absolute "must-have" for true ailurophiles, and a dazzling treasure to simply page through.



4. A beautiful picture book for cat lovers of all ages, BOHEMIAN CATS is sure to become a classic, not only for its precious design and exquisite illustrations, but for its hilarious, fantastical, often absurd story. Made "on location" using historical settings in the Czech Republic as a backdrop, Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov have written a wonderful new fairy tale that tells of a time when cats ruled the kingdom of Bohemia. As the book jacket promises, after reading BOHEMIAN CATS, your own feline companions will never look the same again!

No comments about A Cat Blessing.

5 comments about Zen Cat.

1. I bought this book for my brother in law because he had a cat that would come and sit with him every day but would not let him touch it. He fed it and seldom talked to it but they would both sit quitly and enjoy the outdoors. He got a real kick out of the small book with all the cute pictures.



2. There are quotations of wise words of the Dalai Lama and Buddha, of American authors like H.L. Mencken or Henry David Thoreau, but also of European writers like Montaigne, Voltaire, Sartre (France) or Goethe, Wittgenstein (Germany), of Italo Calvino, Leonardo da Vinci, Cesare Pavese (Italy). You can see in this tiny book CATS: resting in paper-bags, or others, making stripes on their fur coat, standing behind window shades. In the introduction the publishing author Judith Adler (a New York "communicator, marketing muse, business intuitive, and soul coach, she helps individuals and companies realize their dreams by creating success from the only place that lasts: the INSIDE OUT") - Judith Adler for example describes, how her cat followed "the graceful dance of light upon the walls" of her bedroom. This was a help to the author, finding her "own inner feline", that field of emotional resources, which is able to make a correspondence to the typical feline, ZEN-alike capability being "focused, present, sitting stiller than a statue, meditating". If "we act with cats, these qualities are reflected back in us". It is not needful, to search poetical-pious metaphorical words, like a friend of the author did, saying: "Cats are bridges between heaven and earth, ... furry little ambassadors from beyond." Those people, who don't believe in such things, may prefer to formulate with a certain sense of humor, talking about "CAT-ALYSTS": A cat is a cat-alyzer making transpositions of far-east wisdom. On one of these pages you can find a prayer-like T.S. Eliot-quotation: "Teach us to care and not to care. Teach us to sit still." It has been no problem to the trustworthy-stylish black-and-white-photographer Paul Coughlin (who also published - among other books - "Timeless New York: A Literary and Photographic Tribute") - no problem to combine these aphorisms with congenial pictures: One cat, sitting near Washington Square (the publishers are making thankful acknowledgments to the Washington Square Animal Hospital doctors Ann Lucas and Dr. Kristin Kuscher and so on) - one cat is sitting on the entrance-stair of a café. Next to it Judith Adler wrote: "Cats don't belong to people. They belong to places." Well, the place of this book is immutable on my writing-desk - in order to support my daily effort to stay calm, collected and composed.



3. There are quotations of wise words of the Dalai Lama and Buddha, of american authors like H.L. Mencken or Henry David Thoreau, but also of european writers like Montaigne, Voltaire, Sartre (France) or Goethe, Wittgenstein (Germany), of Italo Calvino, Leonardo da Vinci, Cesare Pavese (Italy). You can see in this tiny book CATS: resting in paper-bags, or others, making stripes on their fur coat, standing behind window shades. In the introduction the publishing author Judith Adler (a New York "communicator, marketing muse, business intuitive, and soul coach, she helps individuals and companies realize their dreams by creating success from the only place that lasts: the INSIDE OUT") - Judith Adler for example describes, how her cat followed "the graceful dance of light upon the walls" of her bedroom. This was a help to the author, finding her "own inner feline", that field of emotional ressources, which is able to make a correspondance to the typical feline, ZEN-alike capability being "focused, present, sitting stiller than a statue, meditating". If "we act with cats, these qualities are reflected back in us". It is not needful, to search poetical-pious metaphorical words, like a friend of the author did, saying: "Cats are bridges between heaven and earth, ... furry little ambassadors from beyond." Those people, who don't believe in such things, may prefer to formulate with a certain sense of humour, talking about "CAT-ALYSTS": A cat is a cat-alyzer making transpositions of far-east wisdom. On one of these pages you can find a prayer-like T.S. Eliot-quotation: "Teach us to care and not to care. Teach us to sit still." It has been no problem to the trustworthy-stylish black-and-white-photographer Paul Coughlin (who also published - among other books - "Timeless New York: A Literary and Photographic Tribute") - no problem to combine these aphorisms with congenial pictures: One cat, sitting near Washington Square (the publishers are making thankful acknowledgments to the Washington Square Animal Hospital doctors Ann Lucas and Dr. Kristin Kuscher and so on) - one cat is sitting on the entrance-stair of a café. Next to it Judith Adler wrote: "Cats don't belong to people. They belong to places." Well, the place of this book is immutable on my writing-desk - in order to support my daily effort to stay calm, collected and composed



4. Not a cat book per se. It is Zen through example. Deceptively simple (of course).

   I laughed out loud several times in a Starbucks while reading it.

   The pairing of photos and aphorisms is wonderful, some of which I still have yet to truly appreciate, I think.




5. I am not a cat lover, I must admit from the outset...but the photos and text of ZEN CAT are superb...I found the text meaningful and profound (a rarity in pet books, you may be sure)and highly recommend this little book to (a)all cat lovers, (b)all zen enthusiasts, (c)all lovers of fine photography, and (d) anyone looking for a "nice little gift".

   Paul Coughlin is a really fine photographer, and Judith Adler writes clearly and with a deep sense of understanding of her subject...I BOUGHT THE BOOK FOR MYSELF, BUT AM BUYING MORE FOR GIGFS, You may decide to do the same after you read it.

2 comments about The Guide to Owning an Ocicat (Guide to Owning).

1. A great -- and belated -- addition to a helpful and informative series of breed books.

   Bill McKee is an inspired author choice, bringing new insight into how the Oci was 'created' just three decades ago. Modest as he is, it's fascinating to think that the farsighted breeding choices he (and a handful of others) made, not so very long ago, have defined one of the most popular and distinctive breeds today. Thanks for bringing him back!




2. Bill McKee one of the founding breeders of Ocicats, owned the first Ocicat grand in CFA GRC Dalai's Golden Cavalier of Ociville, writes from personal experience with this "wild cat" look alike.

   Ocicat owners from all over the world contributed pictures which give the reader a fantastic insite into the numerous colors in this fantastic breed.

   The history of the Ocicat and it beginnings in the cat show world is well documented by Bill McKee as he was intrumental in getting the Ocicat accepted by CFA which was the first cat organization to fully recognize the Ocicat for Championship status.

   It was indeed a pleasure to Ocicat breeders everywhere to see Bill McKee's name on the first published Ocicat book.

5 comments about Sassy Cats: Purr-fect Craft Projects.

1. Ms. Rauen's deeply felt ideas about creativity are inspiring. Her warmth and romance with art and life are evident. I especially enjoyed her thoughts on getting rid of negativity, and "filling up". The well organized projects are a lot of fun. I look forward to more of her titles.



2. I have both this book and "Cats in Hats" book and they are both invaluable resources for painting on wood, fabric, umbrellas, tile, as well as quilting, free-motion machine embroidery...well, you get the picture! A variety of approaches to fundamentally adorable designs add to the value of this book.
   
   Clear and helpful directions and a sense of relaxed playfulness make this book a welcome addition to my art room library.
   
   Kathleen



3. "Sassy Cats" was not intended to be just a quilt book. The title is "Sassy Cats - Purrfect Crafts Projects". It has 15 projects for everything from silk painting, painting on wood, canvas, glass, and ceramics to applique, quilting, and free motion embroidery. As the author, I have been very pleased with the response and the feedback. In the book, I recommend that people play around with the designs, enlarging and reducing them for their specific project ideas. One fan even hooked one of the designs as a wool purse. Most of the designs lend themselves very well to be used as applique projects for quilting. Many of the painted projects were created in applique for HGTV's "Simply Quilts" television show with Alex Anderson. I'm sorry that the reviewer Lamkay thought it was just a quilt book. I do feel that based on her misunderstanding, her review is unfair and damaging to me. Thank you. Sheila Rauen



4. I expected a quilt book and received a paint on silk book. If you like to paint on silk, buy it. If you expect patterns for quilting, forget it!



5. Anyone who crafts and loves cats will love this book! I first saw the author on Carol Duvall and knew that I had to try what she was demonstrating that day - a painted cat looking in a fishbowl. And when I found out she had written this book, I immediately went looking for it. You will NOT be disappointed. All of her projects have easy to follow instructions and they can also be used for any medium you want to try, be it painting, quilting, applique, etc. Her cat pictures are darling and my two (Mad Max and Maisie) already have their requests in to me! The only problem you'll have is trying to decide which one to do first!

No comments about Amber, a Very Personal Cat.

No comments about Meow Chow: Hearty Recipes for Happy Cats.

2 comments about Persian Cats and Other Long Hairs.

1. If you are interested in cats, previously had Persians, have Persians now or are thinking about getting a Persian cat this is the book for you.
   
   This is the absolute best book on Persian cats out there. Unsurpassed in its wealth of information - especially about breeding and colors. Hundreds of lovely pictures (both color and black/white). Anything you want to know about Persian cats is in here.
   
   Jeanne Ramsdale bred chinchilla Persians (also called silver Persians) under the prefix - or cattery name - 'Dearheart'. Her cats were magnificent and to this day stand out for their exceptional beauty. Just to see the photos of these cats - the book is well worth buying.
   
   Jeanne Ramsdale's love for the Persian cat is obvious throughout - the book is well written and always interesting. She writes knowingly about all aspects of cat care and breeding.
   
   Most of the photos are from the 1960's and 1970's - so this book is also a great historical record about the Persian cat.
   
   The 1976 edition is recommended - it comes in a revised edition with nice sturdy binding.
   
   Highly recommended to any cat lover !



2. The author is my great-auntie on my mother's side. She was a grand woman of her time.She was well known through the cat world. This book was written about most of her own cats and experiences throughout her life as a cat breeder. Her husband, Dr.P.N.ramsdale,was a well known veternarian in Long Beach, CA,also helped to write the 3 books she had published. They were fascinating people. I sure miss them. They both tragedly passed away almost 15 years ago. Great information books...

3 comments about Cat 2008 Calendar.

1. I enjoy this format. The artwork is fun. It's nice to begin a new week with a smile.



2. I have loved the Kliban cat for years and very grateful to be able to find things still being produced with him.



3. What a great product, small, easy to flip the pages, great cartoons of cats everywhere, a week to week calendar, easy to jot down stuff in between the cartoons and fun to have on the kitchen counter by the phone, everyone loves looking at the cartoons, great price and Amazon shipped it almost overnight, fantastic service!

5 comments about All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat.

1. A delightful exploration of what humans can learn from animals. The illustrations are spare and charming, the text amusing, compelling and true. I would recommend it as a gift for teenaged girls, and cat lovers of all ages.



2. My family has a cat (Sassy) that is approximately one year old. She is currently in the transition stage from being an energetic kitten interested in everything to a tamer version that is more content. When reading this book I recognized Sassy on every page. Each page contains an illustration with caption that also relates to our human traits of trying to get through the trials of life. My favorite was the page that showed a human bathroom with things strewn everywhere with the caption, "Get someone else to clean your bathroom." Funny and entertaining, this book will strike the truth bone of every person who owns or has owned a cat.



3. Cat lovers know that you can learn many valuable life lessons from the feline(s) that allow us to share their living space with them. Suzy Becker's cute, sweet and simple book only proves it. Any cat lover/owner will love having it.



4. A sweet and sharp little book to have if you own cats and you are observant of their personalities. I'm happy I bought it



5. For any cat lover out there, this is a delightful little comic book. Every page has a little piece of advice (like: "Help put away groceries") and then has an adorable sketch of a white cat illustrating the point (crawling into the paper bag for a nap).