King Avalanche The Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales

KING AVALANCHE THE GREAT & OTHER FANTASTIC CAT TALES

Looking for a book that captures the real quirks of cats? 

Award-winning author Viviana Falleti has a book that fits the bill! In this deluxe, collectible, oversized edition, KING AVALANCHE THE GREAT & OTHER FANTASTIC CAT TALES, we are presented with  a collection of seven feline adventures, brought to life with humor and vivid illustrations by Claudia Gadotti.

Inside, you’ll meet, along with other eccentric felines: 

•   King Avalanche the Great, the lovable furry bully and self-appointed Alpha Cat

•   Little Boots, rescued by a college student and raised to become a baseball team mascot

•   Seymore, who leaps nightly from a high shelf next to a grandfather clock, attempting to land on his owner’s head 

•   The pampered Siamese cat, Pretty Pearl, who becomes a society philanthropist

...and you'll meet even more whacky but endearing cat characters.

Called “delightfully charming” by Publishers Weekly BookLife, this book is perfect for children, families, and cat lovers of all ages. 

Viviana Maria Falleti is an insightful, critically-acclaimed children's storyteller, and an aficionado of splendidly-illustrated, upscale, high-quality books. She created Little Feather Press for the people who are hungry for wholesome and better books for the children in their lives. The books have received great reviews from Publishers Weekly Booklife and Kirkus, and have all been recipients of the Mom’s Choice Award. 

Every Little Feather Press book contains stories that entertain in the magical world of a child’s mind and can be presented to a child with the assurance that the innocence and beauty of childhood are respected. The talented world-famous artists Viviana employs bring her wondrous books beautifully to life even more. 

At Little Feather Press, each book is made with outstanding artistry and skill. They are hardcover, oversized books with dust jackets, printed on the highest quality paper available. Some of her books have even been called masterpieces! Some have been chosen to be carried at the prestigious Rizzoli Bookstore in NYC.

Little Feather Press books are becoming widely recognized for their wholesomeness and classical lasting beauty. They have a timeless quality and an enduring appeal. They are sure to be treasured and reread many times. 

The critically-acclaimed books Viviana has authored include: The Cats’ Museum; The Happiest Christmas Tree Ever; King Avalanche The Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales; The Circus of Cats in Venice; and Hello, My Name Is Lev. Some of her books have been internationally recognized and have won prestigious competitions.

• Mom's Choice AwardWinner 2024

This delightfully charming book explores the secret life of cats in seven short "cat tales" introducing a multitude of felines, from rough and ragged street cats to prim and proper pampered felines that believe they run their household and that their humans are their staff. Highlighting different family dynamics, different cat species, and an array of feline personality traits, these realistic but uplifting stories from Falleti (author of The Cats’ Museum) offer an engaging look into the day in the life of cat companions. 

Through vividly immersive illustrations (by Claudia Gadotti) and humorous but never exaggerated depictions of diverse cat personalities, Falleti paints endearing narratives that find real feeling in everyday human-feline relationships. Readers meet silver-coated Seymore, whose nightly routine is to pounce from an old grandfather clock and attempt to land in his human owner's mess of red hair; street cat Charlotte is taken in by the kind Mrs. Silverheart and given love and a pretty makeover; Little Boots, a kitten discovered in the bushes by a young college student, is raised up to become a team mascot; and Oliver, the white fluffy Maine Coon, who is groomed to resemble a lion—and brings his owners surprise gifts such as lizards and "many more presents.”

Cat lovers will be drawn in by each cat’s individual journey and character. Blending whimsy and sharp observation of behavior, Falleti’s storytelling explores different breeds of cats, what they like to eat, and how they like to play with their human and other pet companions. As the humans take a backseat in these stories and the felines take center stage, young readers will enjoy the seemingly behind the scenes peek into the daily lives of these fascinating felines.

Takeaway: A collection of feline tales that will spark young readers’ imaginations.

*** Chosen as the PICK OF THE MONTH by Donavan’s Bookshelf ***

King Avalanche the Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales may hold the feel and illustrative value of a picture book, but it will appeal widely to all ages – especially cat-centric readers who enjoy exceptional illustrations, as presented here by Claudia Gadotti.

Seven cat tales range from descriptions of rescues from kittens to adults to feisty, opinionated, cuddly, troublesome cats of all kinds.

Each tale is based on a true story and a real cat, but holds the special attraction of detailed descriptions of life and households that aren’t just for kids:

Mrs. Marmalade, the lady of the house, was sitting in a squeaky old rocking chair reading a book about knitting cat sweaters, wanting to be away from the cigar smoke of her handy-dandy husband Andy, who had just finished installing some shelves in the family room...everyone in the small and happy household seemed cheerful and content. But all was not well...

Cats and their antics and personalities assume center stage, but the human lives that revolve around them are just as complex and richly described.

The loving, lively, appealing feline nature of these very singular cats comes to life in a gentle, feisty, fun manner that lends particularly well to read-aloud, family appreciation, and gift-giving, with the keepsake hardcover serving double duty as a pass-down between generations and a durable library lend.

Cat lovers will be especially taken by how each cat’s personality and journey unfolds as life hands them different families, challenges, and options. Breed-specific traits and the nature of living with different kinds of cats unfold in a study that also represents how no two cats are alike.

The result is simply outstanding and very highly recommended for a wide audience. Prior knowledge or appreciation of cats is not a requirement: King Avalanche the Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales provides all the ingredients for great stories, enlightening moments about cat care and personalities, and fun interactions between cats and humans.

Librarians seeking a cat collection that is whimsical and delightfully embellished will want to make King Avalanche the Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales a ‘must have’ acquisition.

Diane Donovan

Editor, Donovan's Literary Services