About the Book 'Fuddles'

Fuddles is a fat, pampered, indoor cat who seeks an outdoor adventure. One day he sneaks outside, but his exploits go terribly awry. Fuddles eventually finds his way back home, a little wiser and more appreciative of his family and home.

 

Fuddles         $15.99
S&S/Aladdin, (32p) Ages 4–7. ISBN 978-1-4169-9155-7

  

Our family has an enormous black and white cat who is a never-ending source of laughter. Whether he’s lounging on the couch, scrambling down the stairs, or opening a door all by himself, he does it in a comic way. So he became the inspiration for Fuddles. I love drawing our cat, and when I spot him in a funny pose, I quickly grab my sketch book and scribble some drawings.

(Our cat’s name isn’t Fuddles, by the way-- I had to come up with another name for the book character. Our cat prefers to remain anonymous- he’s a very private cat.) Our cat is only allowed to go out in the backyard. Coyotes roam the foothills behind our Glendale, California, home. (Luckily for us, our cat is too fat to climb over the fence, so as long as we keep the gate closed, he remains safe in the yard, and indoors after dark.)

And that’s where I got my story idea-- a pampered, indoor cat who craves an outdoor adventure. We pamper our cat, but Fuddles lives a life of grand luxury; sleeping for hours at a time, eating three solid meals a day, (plus snacks that his family sneak to him,) and the occasional change of scenery of another room in the house. Comfortable it is. Exciting it isn’t.

One day Fuddles realizes that he’s in a bit of a rut-- his life is just a routine. He looks out the window and sees other creatures doing lots of different things, and having a great time. And those birdies would make for a yummy afternoon snack! So Fuddles decides to have an outdoor adventure, but Mom blocks his way, saying, “You’re not allowed to go outside, Fuddles.”

What will Fuddle do? He’s never been told no before. Will he be obedient and listen, or will his rebellious side take over? Well, you’ll have to read the rest of the story yourself.