Book Review: 'Simon's Cat in His Very Own Book'

Fans of Simon's Cat videos are in store for another delightful treat. Simon Tofield, the talented cat-savvy cartoonist's new book, "Simon's Cat in His Very Own Book," is indeed a gem.

Published by Grand Central Publishing, this enchanting and whimsical collection of hilarious Simon's Cat cartoons is a book feline fanciers will treasure. It makes a "purrfect" gift as well.

Tofield's grasp of feline behavior is brilliantly and cleverly illustrated in this charming little book of cartoons penned in black and white. Simon's Cat will provide readers many hours of entertainment and enjoyment. E

xpect an abundance of deep belly laughs as well. Cat lovers fascinated and enthralled with the mystery of feline wiles will be nodding their heads over the similarity of their own cats' antics to those of Simon's Cat.

Additionally, the author wittily portrays the amazing manner in which cats communicate, not just to us, but to others of their species. With every cartoon I viewed, I found myself giggling uncontrollably, especially when I found one which mirrored so many of my cats' characteristics. Some of the cartoons are presented on a single page while others continue in a series, one frame at a time over several pages.

In one of my favorite the Simon's Cat cartoons, a man, presumably Simon himself, is preparing to carve a freshly cooked turkey. Removing his oven mitt and setting the bird on a platter to cool, walks away unaware that his cat has been greedily peering over the countertop, licking his chops the entire time.

Of course Simon's Cat, with his mouth watering, eyes as big as saucers, brain working feverishly, takes pity on his owner and substitutes a freshly opened can of cat food on the platter now devoid of the turkey. What adds to the drama and humor is that we are left to consider just how the cat carried away the turkey. We can even speculate if the cat is being kind, or only mocking his owner's naivety. I can just hear the cat thinking "that will teach you a lesson."

Simon Tofield is an experienced cartoonist who studied Graphics and Animation at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. For the past ten years he has worked as an Animator and Director of Tandem Films. Tofield began making Simon's Cat videos to learn more about Flash animation and was inspired by his "mews" kitten, Hugh when he started batting at him with his paw.

The popular "Cat Man Do" animation was created and Tofield was amazed when the video, posted on a client's website, received 60,000 hits in just two nights. Once it was uploaded to YouTube, millions of viewers worldwide became Simon's Cat fans. "Cat Man Do" received the Best Comedy award at the British Animation awards in 2008.

All of Tofield's cat cartoons have been inspired by his three cats, Maisy, Jess and Hugh. He can be found doodling continuing adventures for Simon's Cat episodes while commuting on the train to work.

I highly recommend the book to both veteran Simon's Cat devotees and those new to Tofield's work. This book will have you in stitches, eagerly looking forward to further exploits.

The price of the 240 page soft cover book is $12.99.