Letters to Jennifer From Maudie & Oliver
- Publisher
- DriverWorks Ink
- Initial publish date
- Jul 2011
- Category
- Animals
- Recommended Age
- 7 to 18
- Recommended Grade
- 2 to 12
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780981039473
- Publish Date
- Jul 2011
- List Price
- $16.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9780987964373
- Publish Date
- Jul 2011
- List Price
- $9.31
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
If cats could talk, what would they say? In the case of Maudie and Oliver, two adorable Siamese cats from Winnipeg, the discussion centres around themselves, of course, and the silliness of humans, especially their LIP (Live-In Person) – author Sharon Gray. In their “frequently hilarious, sometimes poignant and always engaging” letters written to their dear Auntie Jennifer to cheer her and keep in touch while she has cancer treatments, Maudie and Oliver share their unique cat’s-eye view of the world. Whether they’re snuggling on their favourite green plaid chair, ordering late-night pizza or competing for the affection of their LIP, Maudie and Oliver will wiggle their way into your heart and bring a smile to your face, helping readers to celebrate the little, everyday moments in life.
About the authors
Awards
- Commended, Honorable Mention, Cats, Animals Animals Animals Book Festival
Contributor Notes
Sharon Gray was born in Calgary, Alberta and has lived and
worked (in the aviation industry) in western Canada most of her life. As LIP, she has only one life. She resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba with Oliver and Maudie, two smart, handsome and egotistical Siamese cats. She struggles with the 12 steps for caffeine addiction (black, hazelnut cream and industrial strength, please, or Tim Hortons) and is continually frustrated with the intricacies of blackwork embroidery and duplicate bridge. She writes when Oliver and Maudie tell her to do so.
Excerpt: Letters to Jennifer From Maudie & Oliver (by (author) Sharon Gray; illustrated by Erika Folnovic)
Fur Ball Sale
June 1
Dear Auntie Jennifer,
Last weekend, all of the people in this area had a garage sale. But it wasn’t really a garage sale because there are no garages around here. It was actually a parking lot sale. The sale was very successful by all accounts, so LIP tells us. (We are indoor cats so we only know what goes on from our bench in the dining room window.)
This is Oliver speaking.
Mrs. Needy Rustybottoms managed to get into everyone’s way and face during the sale. Several people were not pleased with her behaviour. But she did come up with a great idea:
A CAT GARAGE SALE!
Maudie and I think this is a grand idea and cannot believe that we did not think of it for ourselves. Imagine – Mrs. Needy Rustybottoms being so clever!
Maudie suggested that I go through all of the toys to see what we could sell. Well, Auntie Jennifer, I don’t want to sell any of our toys. I told Maudie this and she said, “Do it, Oliver, or I will sell them all! Or worse, I will give them away!” I get very nervous when Maudie speaks to me like this, Auntie Jennifer, and I have to sit down and scratch or bite my nails until my nerves realign. But I did go through the toys and I came up with seven to sell:
A rope tied in a knot, an old sock, four wind-up mice (broken wind-up mice), and a plastic ball that used to have a bell in it. (We think that LIP removed the bell as we have no idea how the bell disappeared.)
I suggested to Maudie that she could sort through all of her combs and brushes and perhaps sell some of them at the Cat Garage Sale. She said, “NO WAY, OLIVER! SMARTEN UP!” (Time out for a scratch.)...
Editorial Reviews
“Anyone who has lived with cats will admire the closely observed feline behaviour and distinct individual characters of Maudie and Oliver. Anyone who has been through a personal disaster will appreciate the light touch and frequent but understated expressions of care. And anyone who’s ever felt helpless in the face of someone else’s suffering will find ample inspiration in this delightful work. Gray’s keen eye, good heart, and smart pen are well complemented by Erika Folnovic’s charming drawings.
This is a book to lift the spirits. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to cancer programs. So whether you buy it for inspiration, for charity, or just for fun, for yourself or as a gift, don’t miss Letters to Jennifer.”
