From the publisher: It all started with mice in the library.
Assistant librarian Jan Louch and a coworker decided that what the library needed was a cat. Or, even better, two cats. Soon, they found a pair of Scottish Folds who were perfect for the job. Jan named them Baker and Taylor, and they took up residence in the library.
But these cats were much more than mousers. Visitors to the library fell in love with Baker and Taylor and their antics just as Jan had. And then, after Jan let the cats be photographed for a poster, they became feline celebrities. Children from across the country wrote them letters, fans traveled from far and wide to meet them, and they became the most famous library cats in the world.
In The True Tails of Baker and Taylor, Jan Louch looks back and tells the remarkable story of these two marvelous cats and the people---readers, librarians, and cat lovers of all ages---who came together around them.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit that until this book I had never heard of the Baker and Taylor cats. My only excuse is that their heyday was in the 1980's, my childhood years when I was a frequent patron of my local library but not as enmeshed in cat culture as I am today. In any case, if they were around today they'd be giving Grumpy Cat a run for her money!
The two beautiful Scottish Folds arrived on the scene simply because Minden, Nevada's Douglas County Public Library was experiencing a rodent problem. Through a series of fateful events they become the mascots of book wholesaling company Baker and Taylor starring in a series of promotional ad campaigns, leading to worldwide celebrity and adoration. Along the way they leave their pawprints on many lives, from their primary caretaker/librarian Jan Louch to library patrons to classrooms of schoolchildren to the world.
This beautiful memoir is a love letter to cats and books. I felt such a kinship with the author as she detailed the connection that so many of us feel to both. Other heartwarming passages included interviews with several current library cats, tips on how to get a library cat for your own community, and a chapter written by Baker and Taylor's veterinarian. More than a few tears were shed by the end of the book as both cats sadly passed away, marking the end of an era. The ultimate lesson of their story is the healing power that cats have on humans and the chaotic lives we lead. What a wonderful world it would be if we all had feline co-workers.
Now my only question is...how do I get my paws on a Baker and Taylor tote bag???
The True Tails of Baker and Taylor: The Library Cats Who Left Their Pawprints on a Small Town . . . and the World is on store shelves today!
Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Wednesday, May 11th for your chance to win a copy of The True Tails of Baker and Taylor. (US entries only please; a winner will be chosen by Random.org).
17 comments:
What a wonderful book! I definitely want to read this one!!
We would love to read this book.
Sounds like another one to add to the mom's reading list. Thanks for the review!
I loved this book too! Wouldn't it be great if more libraries had cats?
I don't know what we'd do without you, Mudpie and Melissa. You bring so many wonderful books and kitties to our attention. Thank you for sharing! Purrs!
Awww... That sounds like a LOVELY book, for sure.
Purrs,
Seville
As soon as I saw the cover, I knew this had to be good. How awesome! (I had never heard their story, either.)
Sounds like a great book!
mudpie...thiz ree view iz awesum....N whatz better N mice in de lie brarry.... bee sidez a perch in de pantree ☺☺☺ ~~~~ ♥♥♥ we will tell de food servizz gurl ta chex thiz book out !! thanx for sharin ♥♥♥
What a great book. Two cats in a library, they seem to go together. I'm sure people loved to visit that library, I know.
What a great book. Two cats in a library, they seem to go together. I'm sure people loved to visit that library, I know.
Yippee, a new book mom can read to us and dad. We're always looking for fun books we can relate to. Thank you for giving us another book we can have mom read to us.
Shoko
http://canadiancats.com
They are cuties. I have a copy to review so I will pass on the giveaway.
Those two were very special cats! Our mom lived in libraries when she was younger (she would always check out the maximum number of books) but had never heard of them, living in Canada. We will have to get our paws on a copy of that book ourselves, since we aren't in the U.S.
Sounds like a good book. I hadn't heard of Baker and Taylor and would be interested in reading their story.
So many good cat books, so little time fer TBT ta read them to us... *Sigh*
Wow...I don't even remember the 80's that much...but I sure wish I'd known about this dynamic duo! Sounds like a really good book!
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