Children’s books – Ruff Drafts

***** 5 stars

This children’s book, following the author’s previous cat rescue story, Sammie’s Tail, is just as charming and educational. Bettina will win any child’s heart with her adorable face and “I am” sayings such as “Brave, brave, brave! I am!” when she runs past people after a snowstorm and “Happy, happy, happy! I am!” when she goes into an outdoor cat house that was put out for her and eats some food that a kind lady she met gives her. This true story, told from the cat’s point of view, also includes photos of Bettina’s rescue by the author and resources for adults interested in cat rescue. More rescue stories are in the works for the other cats Ms. Fishman has rescued with Freddie’s Tail coming next. Each cat, like Sammie and Bettina, will share their special story to the delight of young and old cat lovers. Highly recommended.

*****5 stars

As a cat lover and author who features cats in my book, I also enjoy reading about them. Sammie’s Tail: My Story of Rescue, is a children’s book told from the point of view of a rescued cat with special needs. It’s heartwarming and beautifully illustrated. While aimed at children up to fourth grade, adults will also appreciate this story that teaches about pet rescue.

Sammie is a Bombay cat who has trouble seeing out of her left eye. She started hanging around the author’s house. After being fed outside and gradually getting to know Stasie, she eventually summoned up the courage to go inside. Despite trying to escape through a screen, she adjusted and made the place her home.

I love how Ms. Fishman used the word “Tail” in the title as an acronym for Tolerance for Animals Inspires Love. A forthcoming rescue story of her cat Bettinna is previewed at the back of the book along with photos of her fur family and information on reader extras found on the website SammiesTail.com.