If you read this column with any regularity, you’ve probably figured out that I love animals — especially cats. I suppose it’s pretty stereotypical to be a librarian and a cat lover, but if the stereotype fits, I might as well embrace it!
On that note, this week’s book will tickle the whiskers of any feline fan. If you have never visited the ZooBorns website, http://www.zooborns.com, Andrew Bleiman’s book “ZooBorns Cats!” is a purr-fect introduction to one of the most adorable Internet sensations ever. Sure, I’m biased, but I’m here to say that zoo babies are over-the-top cute, no matter if they’re fuzzy, furry, slippery or scaly.
For me, cat babies are a guaranteed smile-maker. Whenever I need a dose of “warm and fuzzies,” all I have to do is thumb through “ZooBorns Cats!” to make me feel all right with the world. While the photos are the real draw in this book, the brief text that accompanies the photos is enlightening, especially the endangered status of each species. Some felines, such as the Iriomote cat found only on the remote Japanese island of Iriomote or Spain’s Iberian lynx, are so rare as to be near extinction. The good news is that many of the critically endangered species are carefully monitored by various conservation agencies.
From diminutive sand cats to regal-looking clouded leopards, this book offers cat enthusiasts a full spectrum of wild kitten delight. And if reading this book whets your appetite for more adorable animal babies, the library also owns “ZooBorns: The Newest, Cutest Animals from the World’s Zoos and Aquariums,” and a title written for kids, “ZooBorns: Zoo Babies from Around the World.” Plenty of pups, cubs and chicks for all!
Jan Johnston is the Collection Development Coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org. She blogs at youbetterreadnow.blogspot.com.
