Book Review:Travels With George:Paris, A Cat's Eye Adventure

What did you do this past weekend? Did you happen to go to Paris? Did you happen to have a highly intuitive, somewhat sassy and clever kitty as your tour guide? No? So sorry to hear that, you must plan your trip to Paris with George as your tour guide NOW. I just returned. My trip was a whirlwind excursion all through the eyes of George. George cannot type you know due to the one thing that cat's lack (thumbs) but author David Stone (who is George's "man") told us George's story brilliantly. Deborah Julian's ("the woman") charming and delightful illustrations were completely captivating.

George and Billy are cats who are brothers. George is the "big brother" wise cat who is deeply philosophical, ponders life with confidence and a touch of arrogance (I sometimes thought of Garfield the Cat here) and finds his younger brother Billy's insecurities and "dog-like" personality annoying to say the least. He is the epitome of the "copycat" little brother that has to do everything the big brother does, only lacking the ability to do it with finesse like his big brother has. (He reminded me of "Odie" from the same "Garfield comic strip! only much more fearful)

George and Billy are New York City apartment cats. Their world consists of window views, litter boxes, food served at the exact same time every day, toys and the love of their "man" and "woman" (as is the case with so many indoor cats).

One day while observing a pigeon outside their window George thinks "if birds can go out and do whatever they want, why are cats kept confined? Are the birds better than us? Are they more capable?" it turns out the answer is an overwhelming NO!

 George is bored with his inside existence and wants to see the world! He doesn't care about the destination because all destinations lead to "outside!" He is resentful when his "man" and "woman" leave for various vacations (he always knows when they are going when he sees the giant suitcase appear on the bed and hears the "zip, zip, zip" of the zipper opening and watches the clothes being piled in).  George  vows that next time he will devise a plan where he can join them and "devise a plan" he did! Even "copycat" Billy who follows and mimics George's every move (much to George's annoyance) got in on the plan!!

I won't spoil the fun and say how George carried out his plan but it got he and Billy to PARIS!!  "Paris is the world and the universe" "There are flowers on every corner."

George takes us on  a delightful tour of Paris,  teaches us it's history full of richness and Art (once again Deborah Julian's  illustrations make this journey even more delightful!!) Museums, parks, flowers, food, of course the Eiffel Tower.....ahhhh Paris! Even insecure baby brother Billy begins to relax and "live in the moment" which cats seem to do so well but their humans seem to lack this ability which is wisely and duly noted by George. George and Billy even seem to grow closer on this shared journey.

George lives by the mantra of "if you wish for great things you must learn patience" He goes on to say "still, when my golden opportunity does arrive, I am ready for it, and I execute my plan with artistry and stealth. What an adventure I have ahead!"

What an adventure YOU will have ahead when you read "Travels With George:Paris, A Cat's Eye Adventure" Grab a croissant and your favorite beverage and allow George to give you a most historical and insightful tour of Paris (as only a wise cat like George can) Allow him to show you how to "live in the moment",  "how to be happier from now on. We'd all be much happier if we all absorbed a little more like a cat"