Carl Reavey,
Editor of The Ileach,
Community Newspaper of the Year 2006
"This beautifully produced little book is...accurately aimed at that most dedicated band of pet owners - the cat lover. The elegantly sparse layouts and strong, yet subtle colours of the block drawings make for a real page turner. It is a sunny book - a little ray of sunshine - a feelgood book that purrs and bounces along just like Tabitha, Marmalade, Rhubarb and of course Ailsa. Those of you who have cats will understand. Those of you who don't, should buy one for someone who does. They will thank you and perhaps try to explain..."
Victoria Murchie - The Press & Journal
"With the honourable exception of tabbys, domesticated cats tend to come in the darkest of hues, but that doesn't stop this collection of poems and illustrations from being a riot of colour.
"Seventeen years in the life of Ailsa, a spirited and inquisitive feline, are depicted in technicolour style by Canadian artist Ruth MacLean, Ailsa's adoptive owner, and Islay dwelling writer, Catherine Wilson.
"The one-time stray is shown breaking eggs, topplings vases and eaping in the shower, and her pawprints are, literally, all over this book, adorning the pages which aren't lit up by the cut-out illustrations.
"The pun in the title is, unfortunately, all too appropriate, as Ailsa lost her tail after an unexplained incident, but her zest for life was undimmed, and she had the companionship of a mate who became the father of her kittens.
"Poems about cats will always evoke thoughts of TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but while the Tail of Ailsa is rather different in essence, Ailsa's mischief and character mean she could easily slot in alongside Macavity and Mr Mistoffelees in the parade of enchanting puss poetry."
Terry Samuel
"A rare treat! Artistically and colourfully delightful. The storyline is both linear and timeless - sure to enthrall imaginative readers of all ages.
As for stars, I'd have to give Ailsa a full rating: Five stars."
Sarah, a publisher friend
"It's gone midnight and I have just realised that I did not manage to call you back today re your query. Nor have I written to thank you for the wonderful copy of the book, The Tail of Ailsa is fabulous. You have achieved something with the project - the quality of the print and design, the story and all of it. I just think you two are really onto something with this, and I hope you pursue it. Two things are rare these days in publishing - beauty and originality, and your book has both."
Mukami Ireri
Ailsa is witty, courageous, playful and loving. I recommend this book to children and adults of all ages. It will make you think, laugh out loud and thank heaven for all colours.
T.Samuel
...a marvelously captivating storyline - linear and also timeless - illustrated with artistic skill and colourful insight. A treasure for storytellers of all ages.
Johanna H. Brown
A friend introduced me to "The Tail of Ailsa", hoping I'd enjoy it. I can't thank her enough. This wonderful book, perfect for both adults and children, combines the best of visual art and verses. Each time I turned a page, I laughed with recognition - "Hey! My cat does that! And my OTHER cat does THAT!" Now, of course, I'm recommending it to all of my cat-people friends.
Matthew Williams Bookshop Manager Fruitmarket Gallery Edinburgh
"Tail of Ailsa" is a great book for cat-lovers and art-lovers of all ages. A gallery bestseller that has been enchanting my customers and has them purring with satisfaction and delight.
Colin Duncan
"I am happy to endorse this book. i read it on my own - without the help of my children! it is delightful. I chose the book [for the National Galleries of Scotland] because i feel the artwork/imagery make up a substantial proportion of the impact of the book. Normally we stock only art/design/photography based titles for kids. In this case, the book is suitable because it is 'art led'. "
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