Book Review: Jekyll Says...Volumes I & II: Written By: D.C. Blackbird, Illustrations By Christine P. Flores, Graphic Design By Leah Frieday

Just who is Jekyll? Sit back, put your kitty paws up and rest a spell and I will tell you!

Jekyll is a unique-looking black and white kitty that was born in North Carolina in 1999. He was found as a baby in a dirty ditch because, although it is difficult to fathom, NOBODY wanted him!

Jekyll has a unique marking on his face and as he tells it, special markings mean that "great things await those who have them!" A marking like Jekyll's meant that he was destined to be blessed with good fortune and he would develop miraculous skills, talents, and gifts. Through the love of the two humans who adopted Jekyll, those "miraculous skills" came to light through the writing of both of his books!

In Jekyll Says...Good Deeds Cats Do, That You Should Too, Jekyll shares his unique feline wisdom through adorable and "cat"-chy poems which to me are somewhat reminiscent of Dr.Seuss's style and are meant to be read out loud and S-L-O-W-L-Y).  The book is peppered with colorful and lively illustrations that are a delight to the eye.

Some of the poems/wisdom that Jekyll shares in this book are:

Wake Up Happy!












Be Clean!









One of my favorite poems in this darling book is:

Be Proud Of Who You Are


Jekyll says, "Be someone's hero"
and you'll never be a zero.
No need for outfits or some capes.
Don't get in any kinds of scrapes.


Defend the helpless all the time.
Help those in need and heed this rhyme.
Be brave, be strong, and be your best.
Stand up! Put bullies to the test!


Don't ever start a donnybrook.
But when you're needed-take a look.
Let others know you're not afraid.
To help all those in need of aid.

Jekyll continues sharing his words of wisdom in Volume II: Jekyll Says More! Lessons & Trends For Felines & Friends


In this book you will find poems such as:


Care For Those You Love


Read Each Night & Day


and one that I definitely need to put into practice more:


Find Time To Play!


Jekyll says to "Find time to play."
Each and every wonderful day.
Don't let your work cloud up your mind.
Sometimes you need to just unwind.


Stop and smell roses as a plan.
Swim in the water. Kick the can.
Play with friends or when you're alone.
Enjoy silence. Get off the phone!


Go spend a whole day without words.
Riding a bike or watching birds.
Go play somewhere that is hush-hush.
Spend time wisely and do not rush.


So? What do you think?

If you are like me you will not be able to read these lovingly crafted, lively poems without  smiling.

The lessons conveyed in each poem are not only invaluable to children but to adults as well.  Sometimes we can all use a gentle and fun prod to remind us of what REALLY is important in life! Each poem that I read made me  pause and THINK!


I am certain that you and the special children in your life will share some educational and meaningful conversations as a result of the wit and wisdom that is shared throughout the pages of both of these books.

Jekyll indeed WAS blessed with "miraculous skills, talents and gifts."  He possessed the gift of sharing life's lessons in a light-hearted,  sometimes downright silly and cheerful way that is certain to delight you and the children in your life as much as it delighted me!

So...put a little wit and wisdom in your day,
 invite Jekyll the cat and his poems into your head and heart
 where I am certain they will stay!!


(See? Jekyll even rubbed off on me!!)

ABOUT D.C. BLACKBIRD: "D.C. Blackbird is an American poet, songwriter, and author. D.C. is an advocate of animal adoption, care, liberation, rescue, rights and welfare, as well as a proponent of Veganism. D.C. works closely with domestic and farm animals and wildlife around the world, and is dedicated to telling stories about their experiences and adventures in Humanland, as well as their own Homelands."


"Profits from the sale of this book benefit animal adoption, care, liberation, rescue and welfare organizations. If you know of any such organizations that would like to sell this book as part of its fundraising efforts, please contact the Publisher at WelcomeToKittyland.com"


To purchase these books please visit WelcomeToKittyland.com


I was not compensated for this review. I was sent both books to read/review. All opinions are my own.