You are browsing the Blog for Pets and Animals.

Tuscan Cats get into Mischief

February 18, 2013 in Books, Childrens Illustrated Books, Fiction, Pets and Animals

Italian Cats Making MischiefThe Naughty Italian Cats Go on Holiday

This is the second in the series of popular childrens books by Laura Graham describing the adventures of the dancing, talking cats from Tuscany. The cats take charge as they spend a mischievous holiday in the sun at the country residence of their English mama and Italian babbo (Italian for father). But now there is a new usurper on the scene in the form of Spiritino, a tom cat from the local farm and a very attractive ‘Tom’ as far as Julie is concerned.

Talking Cats From TuscanySpiritino is no stranger to naughty behaviour himself and he sets himself the task of getting to know Rosetta and Julie a little better. Romantic cats, it could only happen in Italy, like a bit of adventure and before you know it all three cats are getting into all sorts of trouble, there is definitely a scent of amore in the air. But which of the girls gets the guy?

Julie is besotted with Spiritino, but Rosetta is not at all seduced by a common farm cat. Still Spiritino is not put off, he gets to know Julie and Rosetta a little better then introduces the ladies to a little wine and teaches them how to celebrate in a country style. So will a little merry making and a few well placed compliments change a girls mind, can Spiritino turn the girl’s heads and convince them that a life in the country may be just what they are looking for.

It goes without saying that these tales of cats misbehaving and the  games they play will have an appeal to all cat lovers. So can you resist the urge to find out what the outcome is? The cats in the eyes of their adoring owners can do no wrong, so how do they deal with the amorous advances of Spiritino? You will need to read the book to find out and I am willing to bet that even if you buy the book for one of your children, you will be the one that finds it very hard to put down!

 Purchase this Book

Available now from Amazon, you can purchase this tale of dancing cats, and  be reading it in minutes if you chose the Kindle version. Use the links below:

Smashwords Listings

Book Reviews

Eagerly awaited by me and my 8 year old granddaughter is Laura Graham’s further adventures of the marvelous speaking Tuscan cats! Now Spiritino enters the story and romance comes with him. Rosalbo’s charming illustrations enhance the characters of the cats, although they appear almost human with such clever linguistic skills too. Laura takes one into a magical world – but beware – once you start reading this glorious book you’ll find it impossible to put down!  – reference Francesca from amazon.co.uk

To see more reviews like this one, click Here

The Author

To find out more about Laura Graham, how to follow her and a little more about her life you can visit her author page – Laura Graham Children’s Author and Expat Writer An interesting lady who has managed to change her career from that of being a successful actress to one as a successful writer.

Related Books

Goodread’s Review

Tuscan Cats Get Into Mischief (The Dancing, Talking Cats)Tuscan Cats Get Into Mischief by Laura Graham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A slightly more adult theme to this second in the series. Still a lovely book for children but with the introduction of Spiritino, the drinking of wine and amorous intentions, the appeal to adult lovers of cats definitely goes up a notch or two.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , ,
No Comments »

A Tale of Two Tuscan Cats

February 18, 2013 in Books, Childrens Illustrated Books, Fiction, Pets and Animals

Italian Cats from TusconyThe Talking, Dancing Cats of Tuscany

Who would have thought cats could talk in one language, never mind two. But these cats don’t just speak in both English and Italian, they are also dancing cats with aspirations to be famous Italian artists, or at least Rosetta is. Julie is a little less ambitious, she is just very gratefull to have been given a home by her beloved English mama. Rosetta on the other hand was born wild, a feral kitten saved from the forest and brought into the home of the English mama and her artistic Italian husband.

Italian CatsShe is very grand, very intelligent and takes life in her stride. She also manages to get Julie into all sorts of trouble with the games she plays. Some might say they were naughty cats that get up to mischief they shouldn’t, but they are both adored by their English mama, who is constantly entertained by their antics. Especially when she discovers just how talented they really are.

If cats could be human, they would definitely be considered prime candidates with their talking, dancing and artistic ambitions. This is a delightful story, written for children yes, but with an appeal to all cat lovers, children and adults alike.

Laura Graham moved to Italy to make a new start in life after working for many years as an actress in the UK. She is an avid cat lover and has an eye for their antics and behaviours which she has captured beautifully in this first of her series of cat stories and adventures in the Italian sun.

Also available is her second books ‘Tuscan Cats get into Mischief’, which is equally as appealing and introduces a male lothorio into proceedings in the form of Spiritino. A tom cat with an eye for the ladies, especially Rosetta and Julie who he discovers when they arrive in the country for a painting holiday with their adored babbo and their English mama.

 Purchase this Book

Available now from Amazon, you can purchase this tale of talking cats, and  be reading it in minutes if you chose the Kindle version. Use the links below:

Smashwords Listings

Book Reviews

A lovely read together book for the young and old who love cats, reading and the pleasure both bring. An ideal book for reading with pre-school children who love colourful illustrations and guessing what the mischievous cats are going to get up to next. Well done Laura, I look forward to more adventures of the Two Tuscan Cats! – reference Toonmaker on amazon.co.uk

You can find more reviews like this here

The Author

To find out more about Laura Graham, how to follow her and a little more about her life you can visit her author page – Laura Graham Children’s Author and Expat Writer An interesting lady who has managed to change her career from that of being a successful actress to one as a successful writer.

Related Books

Tags: , , , , , ,
No Comments »

Get Both These Books at a Great Price

February 7, 2013 in Action & Adventure, Articles, Best Spy Novels, Book promotions, Pets and Animals

Jersey’s Secret Assassin – Suspense Thriller

The Secret AssassinFirst up is the very tense secret assassin story by Eddie Kirkup, Jersey’s Secret Assassin. You can find the full details for the book via the link provided above.

In summary it is a story, set initially on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, where some political assassins have set a base from which they can attack targeted political leaders in an attempt to spark off World War 3, ideally with a nuclear attack. The story moves from Jersey to Cyprus as the plot to kill some important politicians gathers momentum. Throw in some police corruption and the murder of some innocents that got in the way and you will find a fast moving, exciting story that it is hard to break off from.

This is definitely not your standard spy and espionage story, set in what many people would consider an unlikely venue for assassins, picturesque Jersey. But the reasons why are all explained as the story unfolds as is the subsequent  move to Cyprus and its proximity to the maelstrom that is the Middle East.

Jersey’s Secret Assassin is now available at a much reduced price. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

At the Robot Zoo – Harris Tobias and Billy Barden

April 10, 2012 in Books, Childrens Illustrated Books, Fiction, Pets and Animals

Children's Illustrated Book“The Little Robot is curious to see what goes on at the zoo when no one is around. He is happy to learn that the animals are just like him. Children will love the lively illustrations and humorous rhymes that make this book a delight to read.”

The illustrations in this book are lovely and typical of the illustrator. They bring through a sense of wonderment whilst they entertain and amuse at the same time. The illustrator is no stranger to comic humour, which he has demonstrated in other work he has done, he has a natural gift for drawing and artwork.

Purchase this Book

Available now in Kindle format from Amazon, you can purchase the book and be reading it in a matter of minutes. Use the links below:

If you prefer your books on a Nook you can also purchase it from Barnes and Noble here – At the Robot Zoo Or you can download it in multiple formats from Smashwords

Book Reviews

This is a most creative and pleasing book. A zoo of rhyme and interesting art work that my grandson went gaga over. – S.Hoham on Amazon

I loved reading At the Robot Zoo. I struggled a bit with the beginning, but it picked up quickly. Rhyming words described the scenes at the zoo. The colorful illustrations showed me what the robot animals do. It was a delightful story that I think you will enjoy too. – Rekaya Gibson on Amazon

To see more reviews of this book click Here

You can see the illustrator’s profile using this link Billy Barden Artist and Illustrator

No Comments »

Puppy and Dog Care: Training & Care Guide

January 27, 2012 in Books, Non Fiction, Pets and Animals

Puppy and Dog Care This new dog care manual, lovingly written by a highly qualified dog trainer and lifelong owner of dogs, provides answers to many of the puzzling and sometimes worrying things that crop up as both owner and dog try to cope with what life throws at them.

From puppyhood to old age, it takes you on a delightful journey as you gain a better understanding of how your dog views life . . . and you.

Divided into thirty-seven chapters packed with advice, tips and reassuring information including a glossary of over sixty technical terms, this is an invaluable dog care manual for all puppy and dog owners.

This book describes in great detail how to go about finding the best puppy for you, then the best techniques on how to train and care for him through his entire life using the very latest information on canine behaviour.

It guides you through the puppy socialisation stages, and helps you understand how dogs learn and how they communicate. Using the techniques described, you will find out the secrets for how to teach your dog to sit, to stay, to come to you, to walk nicely on a lead and how you can prevent problem behaviours arising.

Purchase this Book

Available now in Kindle format from Amazon, you can purchase the book and be reading it in a matter of minutes. Use the links below:

Book Extracts

Below are a few short paragraphs from various chapters of the book:

“Bad habits and their causes: Apart from a dog that has bad genes or something medically wrong, we are the ones who cause bad habits to develop. We do it unintentionally – through poor training, for example – or unwittingly. The dog can’t be responsible for what he does, but is always the one that suffers the outcomes of his actions.”

“Making the old dog comfortable: Because your old dog spends most of the day sleeping, make sure his bed is warm and well-padded, and keep it out of draughts. An old dog has a hard time adjusting to changes in routine, so don’t move his bed from place to place. Pick a spot where there are people most of the time so that he doesn’t feel lonely and scared”.

“Why you shouldn’t use punishment: One of the reasons we punish our dogs is that there seems to be an epidemic going around of ‘show him who’s boss’ or ‘you have to be the leader of the pack’; and it has been going around for too many years.”

Book Reviews

I have been dipping in and out of this book as the need arises. So far I have not found a question that the author has not answered. I am sure as time goes on I will think of this book in the same way that Delia is to cookery or Stoppard is to infant care. A must have reference on every dog owners’ bookshelf. Written by RIALTO on Amazon

To see more reviews of this book click Here.

You can see the author’s profile using this link Alexandra Santos

You can also find the illustrator’s profile using this link Billy Barden Artist and Illustrator

Freelance artist and illustrator

Tags: , , , , , ,
No Comments »

Get Adobe Flash player