Latest News

Cat Lovers Book Club - January 2025






It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a New Year. And it's time to discover new books celebrating our feline friends!

Whether you chose to spend your summer holidays at home or away, here are our top picks for this January 2025 selection of our Cat Lovers Book Club.

THE INTERPRETATION OF CATS
Understanding the Psychology of Our Feline Companions

by Claude BĆ©ata, David Watson (Translator)

From a leading veterinary psychiatrist, a ground-breaking exploration into the minds of our feline companions and "a guide to being the best humans we can be for our cats" (Focus Vif).


Cats are mysterious creatures, and the relationship between humans and cats has never been simple. Curious and affectionate, independent and uninterested, predator and prey. 

Their true nature continues to elude us, and their subtle and complex behavioural problems can often seem unsolvable or incomprehensible. So, how can we tell if a cat is suffering? What are the root causes of feline aggression? And how can we treat patients who can't speak for themselves?

In this fascinating book - already a bestseller in its native France - Veterinary doctor and psychiatrist Claude B
Ć©ata draws on cutting-edge research and decades of experience to revolutionise our understanding of cats and transform our appreciation of feline mental wellbeing. Here, we meet Nougatine, a Siamese suffering from bipolar dysthymic disorder, Tabatha, an anxious Ragdoll with attachment issues, and Melly, an Abyssinian struggling with a feline form of schizophrenia - as well as their owners who seek advice and support.

Charming, surprising, and offering illuminating insight into a range of disorders, BĆ©ata's book calls for greater compassion and provides a new way of understanding cat behaviour so we can care for the mental, and physical wellness of our beloved furry friends.

Hardcover, 272 pages
Publisher: Scribner Books Company, 15th October 2024


RRP: $40.21 from www.booktopia.com.au

CATS OF THE WORLD
by Hannah Shaw, Andrew Marttila

Hannah "Kitten Lady" Shaw and professional cat photographer Andrew Marttila journey to thirty countries to bring you hundreds of photos and stories of cats from every corner of the world.

Wife and husband team Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila have made cats their lives' work- they rescue and rehabilitate neonatal kittens, educate the public on cat and kitten care, and capture our feline friends' unique personalities through writing and photography.


Now, in the project of their dreams, they've taken their passion for cats global. In Cats of the World, Shaw and Marttila travel across thirty countries to explore feline welfare and cat culture around the globe, documenting their travels with stunning photos and stories from each location.

Journey to England's charming pubs and candle-lit cathedrals, Chile's vibrant produce markets and colourful hillsides, Turkey's spice bazaars and ancient ruins, South Africa's bustling streets and lush mountains, and so many places in between with Shaw and Marttila as they learn from cats-and the people who love them most-that compassion is truly a universal language.

Hardcover, 320 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, 15th October 2024


Price: $42.26 from www.amazon.com.au

CAT LADY MANIFESTO
A celebration of joyful rebellion, glorious women and cats

by Anna Go-Go

The patriarchy really did women and cats dirty, but Anna Go-Go is here to set the story straight. 

From cat deities in Egypt to Christian demonology manuals decrying innocent kitties, and to famous cat lovers such as Elizabeth Taylor, Florence Nightingale and Mark Twain, Cat Lady Manifesto shares gloriously witty meditations on life, love and all things kitty-related.

So crack open a tin of Fancy Feast, sharpen your claws on the couch and settle in for a purr-fect adventure through the fascinating and bizarre history of the 'crazy cat lady'.

Hardcover, 256 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 26th November 2024

Price: $31.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

CAT PEOPLE
A Cat's Guide to Caring For Your Human
by Hannah Hillam

"Simultaneously hilarious, thoughtful, and bizarre." - Nathan W. Pyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Strange Planet.

The first collection from comic artist Hannah Hillam poses the question: What if our cats were responsible for taking care of us for a change?

Following an unwitting human who finds herself in a world where humans' and cats' roles have reversed, Cat People examines the special and inscrutable relationship we have with our feline companions, revealing the delightful absurdities of both species along the way.


Only the keen eyes of cats could so sharply examine the most bizarre human behaviours we don't think twice about, including grooming, eating, sleeping, working, and competing with other humans for attention and territory. 

By flipping the script and casting humans in the role of pet, Hannah Hillam spins an unforgettable tail of the unique love and often baffling coexistence between cats and people.

Hardcover, 112 pages
Publisher: Headline, 29th October 2024

Price: $30.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

I CAN DRAW CATS
by Peng

A fun and approachable guide to drawing cats, from the popular creator of Hirameki.

Cats are funny, cheeky and simply enchanting - all of their characters and much more can be captured in expressive drawings with just a few strokes. 

Cartoonist and cat lover Peng reveals how it's done - and proves once again that with a little practice, anyone can do it!

A wide variety of cat portraits can be created in no time at all: from minimalist sketches to complete small paintings. You will quickly be able to get your four-legged friends moving (or just let them hang out), capture their emotions and tell little stories in an uncomplicated way. 

It's doesn't matter if they look realistic; it's about having the courage to experiment and just start doodling.

Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 21st November 2024


Price: $26.25 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

PURR-FECTLY AMAZING CATS
A Kid's Guide to Our Furry Friends

by Brian Thomas

Discover the captivating world of cats through a fun and engaging guide tailored just for kids! Packed with fascinating facts, heart-warming stories, and surprising insights, this book dives deep into the unique lives of our feline friends. 

From understanding their quirky behaviours like zoomies and kneading to learning about their history as companions to humans, readers will uncover what makes cats so incredible.

This book invites young cat enthusiasts to explore everything from breeds and body language to the role cats play in history and modern life. Readers will meet legendary cats who've made their mark, discover how technology is helping us understand cats better, and even find inspiration to help cats in their own communities. 

There's plenty of humour and wonder as kids learn about the science, stories, and magic behind these mysterious creatures.

Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or just starting to explore the world of whiskers and purrs, this book offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of what makes cats so special. 

Perfect for readers who are curious, adventurous, and ready to deepen their connection with one of the world's most beloved animals.

Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: Indy Pub, 1st December 2024
For Ages: 7 - 12 years old


Price: $39.95 from www.booktopia.com.au

COME DOWN, CAT!
by Sonya Hartnett

The day is ending, night is falling, and Nicholas's cat won't come down. High on the roof she licks her paws while Nicholas worries about her up there all alone. 

How does he coax her into the safe, warm house? She doesn't even want to come down from the roof... or does she?

From the combined talents of Sonya Hartnett and Lucia Masciullo comes this tale of friendship and bravery, and the things we are capable of doing for those we treasure most.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 27th May 2015
For Ages: 5 - 7 years old

Price: $13.09 from www.amazon.com.au

KITTEN’S SUMMER
by Eugenie Fernandes 

A beautifully illustrated picture book introducing toddlers to animals on a rainy summer day.

It's a rainy summer day, and Kitten is meeting all sorts of animals taking shelter from or enjoying the warm rain, including a fox, a turtle, a beaver and many more. 

As in the two previous titles in the Kitten series, rhyming couplets capture the animals' actions, making this book another fantastic interactive read-aloud.

Young readers will delight in discovering animal habitats, picking out seasonal details in the exquisite mixed-media art, and searching for and finding Kitten on every page.


Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 1st May 2013
For Ages: 4 - 6 years old


Price: $19.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

KITTENS DO NOT CARE FOR BATHS

by Ali Rutstein, NiƱa Nill (Illustrator)

Dad says it's time for a bath, but Maya is certain that kittens do not need baths. 

In fact, this curious kitten would much rather hunt for prey and climb trees all night than wash herself and get ready for bed. 

Can this feisty kitten be coaxed into starting her night-time routine?

Preschool Problems is a brilliant new series about all the big problems faced by our littlest people!

Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 29th October 2024
For Ages: 2 - 6 years old


Price: $19.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

MUSHKA AND THE NAUGHTY LIST

How far will one small kitten go out of love for her human?
by Tammy Pemper (Author), Nadezhda (Illustrator)

Mushka, the kitty, was happy at home.

She stayed by Hope’s side, never far did she roam.
When Hope asked for help, Mushka didn’t think twice,
But some of her “help” Hope called “naughty, not nice.”

When a playful, mischievous kitten finds herself—and her beloved human— on Santa’s Naughty List, she’s determined to set Santa straight. Unfortunately for Santa and his workshop, Mushka brings chaos wherever she goes, and this adorable feline won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

Mushka and the Naughty List is the first in this beautifully illustrated, newly released series. The picture book is for lovers of humorous books, cats, unconditional bonds, and non-judgmental acceptance. 

It has its beginnings in the Pacific. While living in the Solomon Islands, Australian author Tammy Pemper, adopted an orphaned street kitten, named Mushka. Within two years, Mushka learned English, got a visa, and travelled back to Australia with Tammy. Since then, the two of them have been writing children’s books – and one of them has been destroying Christmas trees.

Paperback:  32 pages, full colour illustrations
Publisher: ‎Abiding Vine Publishing; 1st December 2024


Price: $29.95 at www.fishpond.com.au
« PREV
NEXT »

No comments

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.