Book Revew: "Cat and Crow: An amazing friendship" By Lisa Fleming, Illustrations by Anne Marie Dominik-Harris. ENTER TO WIN A COPY!

One of my favorite parts of blogging, (if not THE most favorite part), is the books that are sent to me to review either directly from the publisher, the authors themselves, or those that were sent to me via recommendations from dear friends.

 I am delighted to share with you:

Cat and Crow An Amazing Friendship  (published by Collage Books Inc.), was written by Lisa Fleming. One of my dear cat blogging friends, (Layla Morgan Wilde of the Pettie nominated Cat Wisdom 101 and her other inspirational blog, The Boomer Muse), referred Lisa to me knowing that I would be greatly touched by this inspirational gem, and that I would enjoy featuring it. She couldn't have been more correct.

This black cat was the FIRST
cat to give a "4-paw" review!
We couldn't agree more!
Photo courtesy of Lisa Fleming

Cat and Crow is based on the true story of a cat, (Cassie), and a crow, (Moses), who, in spite of  their obvious differences, became the best of friends.

When compiling a list of "must read" Children's books, be SURE that this one is on your list!

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming's Facebook Page
To Visit, Please Click Here

The story originates at the home of Ann and Wally Collito who witnessed this phenomenon take place and watched in joy and wonder as  they first noticed the crow (Moses), feeding a worm to the black and white kitten (Cassie). It is believed that the crow saved the kitten's life and decided to designate itself as the kitten's mother, playmate, guardian angel and best buddy.

Every day for four years the Collito's watched the amazing display of friendship with complete awe.

Look carefully!
If you look at the door you will see
Moses' head peeking in
looking for Cassie!!
He would tap at with his beak every morning
until the Collito's would let Cassie out!
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming

How could two animals who were not in the least connected genetically, and who were supposed to be mortal enemies,  become the best of friends?

Moses and Cassie "hug"
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming

When Lisa Fleming first saw the cat and crow friendship on  YouTube she knew she had to share this inspirational and awe-inspiring story with the world.

From Lisa: "I knew in my heart that I wanted to share this true story with the world. When I contacted the Collitos, they welcomed me into their home and encouraged me to write the story of these two incredible animals. I have since formed a special connection with this family and their beloved cat, Cassie."

Lisa Fleming, Wally Collito and "Cassie"
The book is also dedicated in remembrance of
Ann Collito
Photo compliments of Lisa's Facebook page
to visit click here

Lisa wrote this enlightening  Children's book (which is charmingly illustrated by Anne Marie Dominik-Harris),  in an attempt to "help educate future generations on being part of the solution for helping feral and stray cats."







If a crow can adopt, care for, love and protect a feral kitten, without "seeing" physical and genetic differences, why can't some of us do the same for feral kittens as well as for each other?

I couldn't help but be reminded of the Paul McCartney song "Ebony and Ivory" when reading this book.  How ironic that Moses the crow is black and Cassie the cat is black and white? Something to think about.



In addition to the heartwarming story as written by Lisa,  the back of the Cat and Crow has an update about Moses and Cassie, charming photographs from the Collito's, various newspaper clippings, a section called  Feathers (Fun Facts About Crows) with information provided by Bernd Heinrich, Ph.D (professor emeritus in the biology department at the University of Vermont), and a section entitled Fur (Fun Facts about cats) with information provided by Nancy Peterson, Cat Programs Manager for the Humane Society of the United States.

The story of the Cat and Crow is a story of complete trust, acceptance, loyalty, protection, devotion, having the capability of being able to love and nuture  another completely,  in spite of  obvious  differences.

Wally Collito believes that if it hadn't been for the loving care of Moses, Cassie, who was a feral kitten (before she was taken in by the Collito's) would have died.  Lisa informed me that Cassie just turned 13 this past June!!! 

Wally Collito also states in the video on YouTube:

 "One important lesson is that two strangers need to get along with each other."
If they do, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

To that I offer a resounding Amen.

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Fleming's Facebook Page
To visit, click here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Fleming, a former newspaper columnist and freelance writer, is passionate about animals and wildlife. She is dedicated to helping those in need, by creating ideas that inspire charitable endeavors in her Southwest Florida community. She does many elementary school visits, helping to educate future generations about feral and stray cats.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Anne Marie Dominik-Harris, a University of the Arts graduate and Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship recipient, is a high school art teacher in Southern New Jersey, who also enjoys a freelance career in illustration.


ISBN 978-0-938728-23-8
www.collagebooks.com

GIVE-AWAY OPEN TO EVERYONE!
One lucky reader is going to win a copy of Cat and Crow An Amazing Friendship!

 TO ENTER:
Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this book. (Be sure I have a way to reach you should you be the winner)

BONUS ENTRY: "like" Cat And Crow on Facebook by clicking here and let me know in a separate comment that you did so.


CONTEST DEADLINE: MONDAY JULY 30, 2012 AT 11PM EASTERN. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1, 2012.


GOOD LUCK!!