In Footsteps of Dr. Seuss and Mr. Magorium, Author Lindy Lindemann Pens 'A Cat's Tale' for All Ages
Author Lindy Lindemann's new children's book, A Cat's Tale: One Cat's Search for the Meaning of Life, is a spiritual journey the whole family will love. Tom Cat strikes out into the world to find his own special name. Along the way, he learns the wisdom of earth, water, wind and fire. Readers will delight in this tale that touches on facing challenges and offers a healthy dose of wisdom.
Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) December 1, 2007 -- Lindy Lindemann's new children's book A Cat's Tale is the latest in a spate of films and books to touch audiences of all ages. Of all the choices, only Lindemann's work goes deeper. Tom Cat's journey explores what it means to search for a purpose, and how the simple wisdom of nature can help us along the way.
Lindemann's treatment of this children's story is the latest in a series of books and films that appeal as much to adults as to younger audiences. While the trend is as old as storytelling itself, it hit the commercial mainstream in a big way with Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go. Proud parents bought the book as often for high school and college graduates as for little kids, and friends gifted the book to people changing their lives in some substantial way.
A Cat's Tale also uses the quest structure to challenge her character and captivate readers. It starts with Tom Cat being born into a litter so large, his mother runs out of names. She names all her kittens Tom. When it's time for the very unusual kitten to discover his own special name, he strikes out into the world.
"No matter how old or young you are," Lindemann says, "you should look for your own special place in the world. Even if you have to swim against the current, even if you have to leave behind everything you know that is safe and cozy."
The trend of creating a story appropriate for different age groups was updated in 2001 with the release of Amy Tan's The Chinese Siamese Cat. This fable is about a kitten that inadvertently changes a restrictive law into a joyful one. The story dabbles in ancient history, and the book's borders sport Chinese textile patterns.
While the appeal of Tan's work begins and ends at the cultural references, Lindemann's A Cat's Tale goes deeper. When Tom Cat comes to a pond, a magic trout pokes its head out of the water. "Teach me your earth wisdom," the fish says, "and I will tell you the wisdom of the water."
Tom purrs to him all the wonders of the places and creatures the fish has never seen. In return, the trout tells him that sometimes he must fight the current to get where he wants to go. The lesson comes in handy when Tom realizes that the current in the pond will not carry him to the right place. Although tired, he fights the current and lands at the perfect spot on shore.
The author was inspired by the idea that if a predator chose to listen to its prey rather than eat it, he might find food for the soul. Amid today's arguments between countries and cultures, Lindemann's story offers much-needed hope. Tom Cat's humble journey shows us all how to reach across barriers to find sustenance for our daily lives.
Recent films for young viewers have also reached for something beyond mere entertainment. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium contains zany yet erudite dialog. With Dustin Hoffman bringing his extensive depth of abilities to the role, Mr. Magorium's verbal forays captivate kids and delight adults. While the theme of believing in magic is nice, though, it doesn't translate into the everyday world.
A Cat's Tale, on the other hand, provides lessons that can impact a lifetime. When Tom Cat is taken in by a holy man, he enjoys praying with the villagers. Years pass and he still has not found his special name. One night, Star Cat Angel appears.
"Wise little cat," she says, "true wisdom lies in giving and receiving love."
Tom Cat's eyes and heart open wide. He remembers all the loving gifts he has received: his mother's blessing, the lessons from nature, and the friendship of the villagers. This is fire wisdom, star fire wisdom, the wisdom of love. Star Cat dubs him Sage Tom: sage because it reflects wisdom, and Tom to remind him of his humble beginnings.
Only by persisting in his prayers, an inner quest, does Sage Tom finally reach his goal. The lesson is based on Lindemann's own journey through a life fraught with mental health issues. All along, a kind word or a small gesture from many people on her path helped her persist.
"Now I'm helping others," Lindemann says. "Everyone has a purpose. You should look for your special purpose no matter your age or where you are in your life."
Lindemann has worked as an occupational therapist with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. She also helped implement a behavior modification program for chronically mentally ill and mentally disabled adults. Her background with special needs children allows her to performs readings from A Cat's Tale for youth groups who might otherwise never be visited by an author.
Her entire proceeds from this book are being donated to animal shelters in Florida. Lindemann's decision to give so generously was influenced by two professors at her grad school. The pair worked hard to tame feral cats they rescued before finding homes for them. Lindemann always wanted to do more for the animals than she could just by giving them homes.
Currently the author lives her ideals. She shares her home with a mixed American shorthair rescued from a dumpster. Although he started life outside, Frankie Doodle is now strictly an indoors cat. "Around here," Lindemann says, "there are too many alligators. Cats don't last long outside."
The author will be featured at a book signing at Borders in Sarasota, Florida on December 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For details, call Borders at 941-366-7970.
A Cat's Tale is illustrated by Jody Wheeler. Her jewel-toned and soft focus images perfectly highlight the story's depth of meaning while capturing the candy coated attention of young readers. Wheeler worked with Dial Press in Manhattan before establishing her own business.
Lindemann's other works include a children's book series about an elf zookeeper entitled Kicklighter Shadow and the Beeples. The books teach lessons of sharing and caring. Currently Lindemann is working on a young adult novel about a teenager whose sister has schizophrenia.
A Cat's Tale is available from Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, or from the publisher, Peppertree Press (www.peppertreepublishing.com). For book signing and readings, contact the author at 941-497-5943 or email her at beeples318 @ yahoo.com.
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