Some people might consider me a “crazy cat lady.” In fact, that is my Halloween costume that I am wearing today. I’m not crazy (well, not most of the time), but I am crazy about animals. I love animals in all shapes and sizes.
We currently have eight (yes, eight) cats. They range in age from 5 months to 7+ years. We have three boys – Wile E., Hobbes and Bear. We have five girls – Callie, Emma, Loca, Maisy Boo and Rosie.
When I was pitched the book “From the Pocket of an Overcoat Book” by R. Vincent, I knew I wanted to read it. It’s about a little kitten who finds a home. Seeing as how all of our cats are rescued cats, I knew this was the story for me.
The book is about a black kitten. It was just National Black Cat Day (October 27th). Our cat Maisy Boo is a black cat. Sadly black cats get a bad reputation. They are not “evil” or “bad luck.” Not at all! Our Maisy Boo is the sweetest cat. She’s never hissed or fought with any of our other cats. In fact, she loves playing with everyone. She was always accepting of the cats we adopted after her, especially Wile E. because we adopted him as an adult cat. She was very welcoming towards him. She also loves “the babies” (as we call them). She plays with them all the time and is a great big sister towards them.
Did you know that people often capture feral black cats for nefarious reasons around Halloween? It’s true! I’m friends with people who tend to cat colonies and they tell me about how black cats go missing, and one lady even saw people with nets chasing after the black cats in the colony to capture them and do to Lord knows what with. That’s horrible! That’s so sick and disturbing.
Our precious Maisy Boo.
But anyway…
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” is based on the real-life story of a cat named Max adopted by Vincent’s son Matthew from a homeless woman in Dallas who found Max as a tiny kitten and had him in the pocket of her overcoat as she was trying to find him a home.
The tale is about an affable cat, Max Buckles, and how he finds himself and his way to a new home – moving from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty (who is not Scottish, but is plaid), and Junior Buckles. Along the way, he discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family.
As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, and animal rescue and adoption.
“We are thrilled that ‘From the Pocket of an Overcoat’ has been a staple of love, adventure, and connection for kids and adults alike over the past two years,” said Vincent. “It is perfect that our anniversary coincides with National Black Cat Day…For cats, and all animals, it is a time of celebration.”
This is such a charming book. I read it twice already. I just love the story. As a “cat mom” whose adopted cats all her life, it made my heart smile to see that Max was able to find a loving, caring home. That is my wish for all homeless animals (cats, dogs, horses, small critters…). If only all homeless animals had a happy ending like Max did.
The illustrations in this book are so sweet and really bring the story to life.
Maisy Boo as a kitten. Look at her eyes!
Normally when I review children’s books I donate them to the program where I work (I have a little “library” there). I allow kids to borrow the books, or they can keep them if they really want them. Sometimes I receive books to review that I want to keep and add to my family’s book collection. This is one of those books. I am not donating it but rather I am keeping it. I can see myself reading this to my future grandchildren.
“From the Pocket of an Overcoat” is available at most retailers include Amazon, Barns and Noble, Target and Walmart.
A portion of each book sale of “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society and Best Friends.
Readers and fans of Max Buckles can like and follow the book on Instagram and Facebook, and can also send an email to hello@maxbuckles.com with proof of purchase to get a special Thank You note from Max himself.
To learn more, visit www.MaxBuckles.com or explore the following hashtags: #maxbuckles, #maxbucklesbooks, #maxthecat, #readenjoysharemax and #fromthepocketofanovercoat.
PHOTO SOURCE: MaxBuckles.com
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of this book in order to do a review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
