I’m someone who would probably be (whom I kidding, would definitely be) described as a mad cat lady. I’m currently typing this with my 4 month old kitten trying to attack my fingers, I’ve written for Your Cat magazine and I’ve even brought a cat back (and her kittens) from holiday – in Cyprus! So to say I was delighted to be gifted Archie & The Lawlor Cat Hotel by Jane Lawlor is an understatement.

Written from Archie the cat’s perspective the story is most definitely quirky and laugh out loud funny at points. I wasn’t quite sure whether the book was aimed towards kids or adults and came to the conclusion that both would enjoy if they love animals.

What is it about?

The description on the back cover summarises the book nicely:

Congratulations! You have just found the best cat book ever written. I’m Archie and I am a ginger cat and the manager at the most incredible hotel just for cats. I’ve written this book so humans get to meet me and my guests as we get up to all sorts at night including cat rodeo, cat casino night, cat sailing and even skiing. I can’t wait for you to meet my guests and get to know their real personalities, not to mention my team, which includes Dan and Louis the horses and my three faithful hounds Buddy, Dougy and Alfie. Get ready for the read of your life.

I read the story to my three year old son who really enjoyed the pictures of all the animals. It was also wonderful for him to hear the ‘cats’ thoughts to help him understand the character of cats. As mentioned we have a new kitten so hearing a story told by a cat was great.

There are references in the story that are most definitely aimed at adults including Archie’s favourite show being Peaky Blinders, but it’s the ideal book to enjoy together as a family read.

I loved that it was based on the author’s own cat hotel. My only annoyance is that they don’t accept humans as the hotel sounds and looks lovely!

Would I recommend this book?

Yes, I would. It’s fun, it’s different and I think all cat owners will be able to relate! As you can see from the pictures below, my kitten liked the book too. Just don’t tell Archie that she chewed the corner of the front cover whilst I wasn’t looking.

If I lived nearer to Essex I would be checking my cats into this hotel when on my next holiday. My only worry being, they wouldn’t want to leave!

Where to buy Archie & The Lawlor HotelThe book is available on Amazon for £8.99 for a paperback or the bargain price of £3.47 for the kindle edition.

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