Skip to main content

Non-fiction book reviews part 20 -three books about cats

 Welcome to part 20 in a series of non-fiction book reviews, originally based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. I have, after so many chapters of this series, realised that all these posts say about me is that have eclectic taste and endless curiosity, but today's entries are all about cats, and I am certainly a fan of cats. And these covers, which are all fabulous.  All books in this post are kindly provided in e-arc form from the publishers through NetGalley.

Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington (Published 03 March 2025)


A few years ago I kickstarted some pins based on illustrations of medieval animals, including this classy cat.  

This cute book has lots of other (some classier) examples of illustrations of cats, along with some history, of cats and of the time. It's not serious book, and it's not trying to be (check out the author's name. Not her real name). It's fun and interesting and just informative enough. This would make a good coffee table book, or a gift for that cat lover who has everything.

This book is sweet, silly and kind. Like the other Taylor Swift books I've reviewed here there is no special access or inside information - it's basically all taken from Instagram or public interviews. Still, the perspective from the cats is adorable, the illustrations are very nice and the whole book has a cheerful wholesome feel. As a bonus, there is encouragement to adopt cats from shelters, and just a lot of positivity about cats. this would be a sweet gift for a Taylor obsessed teen, or a cute gift for an adult, if done ironically. 


This is a picture book, aimed at (I would guess) 3 year olds, but I enjoyed it too. It's beautifully illustrated, and tells the story of Fiona and her adventures throughout a day. It reminds us that looks aren't everything, and it's a good idea to praise what someone (or some cats) do, rather than how they look. I know it's a bit of a theme for the books reviewed here today, but this is well drawn, attractive and wholesome.  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Linky Wednesday - the one with the pause

In meditation it's said that the pause between the in breath and the out breath is a gap, a space to rest. Well, I'm in that in-between space for reading, listening and knitting. This is a random photo of a highlight of my week - I filled up my lolly jar. These are just supermarket party mix. During the lockdowns, we sources a great pick-and-mix delivery service, but at some point they started sending from the UK, which is a bit silly. Rachey messaged me a new one she found, and I impulsed purchased a kilo of mixed lollies, and then she sent me a link to the biggest lolly shop in Melbourne, which also delivers sweets by the kilogram, so i think I'm sorted for the rest of the year!  In reading I've just finished  The Beckoning Lady   by Margery Allingham . It's the second last book in the Summer of Mystery, and I have to admit, having now read nine Margery Allingham books, that they are OK. I wouldn't have read them if they were not connected to this club, but on...

Geogradiant MKAL Part 1 - that was unexpected (spoilers)

Stephen West released the first MKAL clue on Thursday night. I started knitting it without looking at spoilers. When I got up on Friday he had sent through an "alternative" clue one. I then went and had a look at the spoiler thread to try to work out what was going on. Which was that some people thought the pattern looked like a "German hate symbol". I knit on anyway, since I was half-way through. Then he took down the original clue, replacing it with a mitred square in garter stitch. The Ravelry forums and Instagram are a complete shit-show, even though Rav is being moderated. It's been a bit disheartening, having something that is usually quite light and fun weighed down with all this. I admire Stephen's quick and sensitive response to this drama. I also feel that anything can look like anything if you squint. To me this looks like a Celtic knot. I think mine is pretty, and I'll knit on through all crises. 

Unravelled Wednesday - the one where it's ordinary

This week I finished my first book for the  2025 When Are You Reading? Challenge , which was   The Silence of the Girls   by Pat Barker , which covered the pre 1200 time period. I loved it, it's a retelling of the siege of Troy from a feminist perspective. I haven't worked out what I'm reading for the 1200-1399 time period. Suggestions are welcome. I'm currently reading  Central Station by Lavie Tidhar , which is science fiction set in a future Tel-Aviv. It's good, but there are loads of characters and I'm not overly invested. Although at least I'm having no problems telling the characters apart, they are very district. I just don't overly care what happens to them.   I'm listening to a NetGalley review copy of  Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski , which is the story of a woman unravelling. It's very different from Mischa's other books, but quite compelling. I'm not sure what's next, probably something from Kobo-Plus, perhaps Regrets...