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Cat Book    by Emily Weinstein Amazon.com order for
Cat Book
by Emily Weinstein
Order:  USA  Can
Beau Soleil, 2002 (2002)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by Martina Bexte

I this small compact volume called simply Cat Book, artist Emily Eve Weinstein has created an enchanting and beautiful compilation of paintings and real life stories of our feline friends. With pictures and heartfelt sentences, she introduces us to over fifty kitties. These range from Space Kitty, rescued from a lab after years of enduring drug tests; to Avi the Abyssinian who likes to climb trees but then can't get down; and on to Muffin the Perfect Cat.

The author doesn't forget about her own two friends (Casey and Roma) either and illustrates how they run her life. Scarlett, New York's mother kitty who braved a fire to rescue her babies, is also prominently featured. Weinstein even introduces us to Marley and Murray, two African caracals (also known as lynxes) saved from euthanasia by a kindly (and brave) veterinarian who decided to adopt these two regal-looking brothers and bring them into his family's life and his home despite their severe spinal genetic disorder.

Weinstein's creations are awash with colour and life and often make you smile. Some of her pieces look almost avant garde and a few resemble puzzles but the cat hidden away in the bold brush strokes makes his or her presence known eventually. The accompanying narratives and anecdotes only make this slim volume that much more enjoyable.

Ms. Weinstein is a firm supporter of animal shelters, rescue agencies and welfare groups and some of these agencies are using her book as a fund raiser. The last few pages also discuss Neuter/Spaying programs, alternative pet care and other valuable information for pet lovers. Cat Book is a must read, whether you're a cat lover or not.

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