Written with whimsical flair by Melissa Haas, ‘Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula's Cat’ is currently enthralling both children and adults with the unlikely-yet-creepy story of what happens when Dracula’s cat flees the infamous castle. For the author, who has long battled a complicated case of Cystic Fibrosis, this celebrated book is at its heart, a bold reminder of the importance of humor, family, and, ultimately, togetherness.
Pittsburgh, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/18/2014 -- When Melissa Haas rescued ‘Catula’ the cat, she didn’t expect her hypo-allergenic feline to fall into the hearts of so many others as well. However, after dealing with his terrifying escape, Haas tapped into a humorous interpretation of an idea (unfortunately) familiar to families with beloved pets.
The author’s unique, constant-companion is now the star of ‘Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula's Cat’. (By the way, if you were wondering, he’s a Cornish Rex, a breed known to be semi-hairless and non-shedding.) This purr-fect family picture book is absolutely delightful for both children and adults with its subtle satire, stunning illustrations and a plot that, under the spooky clouds of Transylvania, brings the entire family together.
Synopsis
Did you know that Dracula was a "cat person"? Picture book Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula's Cat, tells of what happens when Dracula's favorite pet (not Batula, not Ratula, but Catula) flees the castle one eerie Transylvanian evening after encountering his own scare. All night, Dracula and his creepy cohorts are waking the villagers of Transylvania & spending the night at the 24/7 Kopie Haus making flyers, frantically trying to find The Count's most beloved pet, all before dawn.
“While this is a light-hearted story, my work is constructed to serve a very serious purpose,” explains Haas. “I’ve been on oxygen for over five or six years, actually since college. One thing I’ve learned to value, above anything else, is the time spent with the people that you love. My books are written to include humor that is appealing to both children and adults, so that the book becomes this experience of bringing everyone together for times they’ll hopefully never forget. Just being together can be life-changing in its own right, as we can’t be together forever.”
Due the success of Catula and his escapades, Haas has recently released a follow-up book. ‘The Night Before Christmas (NOW WITH CATS)’ is about…well…the title says it all.
Synopsis:
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house... Oh, a creature was stirring! He was after a mouse. *** Clement Clark Moore's holiday classic gets a "Modern Family"-meets-internet-cats revision with Haas' charmingly humorous text and illustrations. In Haas' tale, internet cats pull the sleigh and Santa Paws descends into the family home wearing a silver suit, covered in cat fur "...for that is the price those who love cats do incur."
Haas is thrilled to meet & talk to so many cat owners that have connected with both Catula the cat and Catula the book.
“I don’t know if I’d have a social life if it wasn’t for him,” she says jokingly.
Catula has been a guest on numerous TV networks, presides annually over The University of Pittsburgh's Halloween GHOST WATCH, is featured in the 2015 WhiskerList calendar, and has educationally entertained the students at The Chautauqua Institute's Children's School.
“I hope that our efforts encourage people to look first at shelters when seeking a specific breed. Catula came to us through a normal animal shelter and he is, without question, one of the great loves of my life. There are literally millions of animals in shelters with great personalities that need a home to let their true (though sometimes mischievous) natures come out,” she adds.
Catula’s literary escapades has had readers leaving rave reviews. Even designer Michael Kors admits to having both Catula the Cat and Catula the Book “scare the pants off of” him.
B.G. Wilson comments, “Cats and vampires, been around for a long time, but never captured quite like they are in Catula. Wonderful illustrations, great word humor.”
Sarah Stockton adds, “Laughable, lovable story of Catula that hammers home the point of letting others know where you are in a nice way. I loved the homonyms that are at the core of the story and was not really aware that Dracula was a cat person.... I always pictured him as more of a dog person. :)”
Barb Meeken has seen the book become a true family classic, writing, “This is my son's favorite Halloween book! The story is clever and funny and the illustrations are wonderful. Great book that has appeal for both adults and children!”
‘Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula's Cat’ and ‘The Night Before Christmas (NOW WITH CATS)’ are available at: http://amzn.to/1sYiAFL. For more information & to see this very special cat in costume, visit the official Catula website: http://www.catulathebook.com.
About Melissa Haas and Catula
Melissa Haas and Catula currently reside at castle grounds located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.