Product Description

This gift book is a rhyming feline allegory with twelve lines for each of the twenty years in a cat's life. Black and white photographs accompany each four lines. Hunter, the Havana Brown who lives with the author, demanded she write this book from his point of view.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3102902 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-01
• Released on: 2006-12-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 132 pages

About the Author
Maggie Bishop hikes, skis, climbs, swims, explores and writes in the mountains of North Carolina where she settled in 1993 with her husband and cat. Every time they travel, they seek out other mountains but none are as exciting as the ancient Appalachians. When asked, "What do you do?" her answer is, "Entertain with word pictures." She's an Air Force brat who put herself through East Carolina University and received a MBA degree, a former manufacturing executive, founder and past president of High Country Writers, past Secretary of Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers, and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Appalachian Authors Guild. Oh, yes, she's also a Red Hatter.

Customer Reviews

Hunter's Story -- A Neat Cat Saga That Touches the Child in Every Reader's Heart
Maggie Bishop did not write Meow Means Me! Now! for children; however, I find it has great value for children of all ages. We are all children inside, and she wrote it for the cat-loving children we are.

First, the book can be read by a mother expecting a child. An expectant mother can gain pleasure reading to her unborn baby. (When I was pregnant, my daughter was in constant motion. If I read rhymed poetry aloud, she settled down. I believe she enjoyed the reading.)

Next, newborn babies love to look at black-and-white contrasting pictures. Authorities say that infants relate to this kind of pictures more than to color photographs. MEOW is full of delightful black-and-white photos. The rhymed verses are suitable to read to an infant.

Then some of the pages can be read each night for bedtime stories. In a gentle, loving way the book teaches about death. Children need to discuss this subject. (They are exposed to it in crass ways all too often on television!)

Those of us who are young at heart delight in the happiness and sadness of the rhyming feline allegory. I will treasure this book and keep it near the couch in my living room.

All you children, no matter how old you are, should buy several of these and give them for Christmas gifts. I recommend this book with love! Thanks to Maggie Bishop for sharing this poignant portion of her life in this clever coffee-table delight.

Cat Fanciers' Association President
Dear Mrs. Bishop,
Thank you so much for sharing the book with me. I read it on my plane flight yesterday. I must admit I had a big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when I finished.
Anyway, I am honored you asked me for a "few words" for the book. Use them or edit as you wish.

Maggie Bishop's "Meow Means Me! Now!" is a must read for cat lovers. Dictated by Hunter (the cat) to Maggie over the course of his 20 year life, it is a clever, yet poignant, celebration of the feline-human bond from Hunter's rhyming viewpoint.

Pam DelaBar
President, Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc

Meow also means I love you.
I thought this book was one of those horrid and mean books which depict cats in such a bad light. But no, "Meow Means Me! Now!: A Rhyming Feline Allegory" is a wonderful tribute to a family member who just happens to be feline. Be warned--it's also emotion-grabbing and tear-making!

The picture on the cover is what creates the confusion. It appears to be a cat meant to look ferocious. But look again: it's just an old, tired cat (and certainly not a flattering picture of an old family friend/member).

This book is the story of Hunter: how he came to the family (of two, newlyweds), how he survived two children, his relationship with Grandpa in both their old ages, and, finally, his demise. By the time I reached Hunter's leaving, I was attached to him and cried tears of loss. Having lived with my own dear kitty of 17 years and then losing her, I understand the author's need to document Hunter's life and wish I had done the same for my Marie. However, the reader can get ideas for keeping pictorial records of his/her own kitty friend for posterity.

"Meow Means Me! Now!" is a wonderful gift for a cat lover because it is a sweet tribute to a family member who gives joy and love (and sometimes mischief and misdeeds). Highly recommended.