Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness

by Rachael Hale

Following the success of "101 Cataclysms" Rachael Hale presents a beautifullyphotographed ode to contentment as lived by the most endearing kittens.

Genres: Animals, Cats, Nonfiction, Photography, Art, Adult, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2007

About the author

Animal photographer Rachael McKenna (née Hale).

Also writes as Rachael Hale McKenna

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether they’re sound asleep, serious and somber, or playing hard and even causing a little trouble, there’s just something irresistible about kittens! This compilation of cute kitten photos will have you smiling in no time. There are also influential quotes on happiness, but honestly, I was so taken by the sweet kittens that I barely glanced at the text. A delightful coffee table book that will lift your spirits and have you imagining playful kittens frolicking all around you! (Okay, maybe that last part is only true for die-hard kitten lovers, but you will find yourself lighter and happier! 😊)

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book for anyone who loves kittens, though, like me, you may not want to pay full list price since there is only one saying/quote/proverb every other page at most to accompany the cat photography; this isn't a book you spend much time reading. Nice to revisit when you want a cuteness overload.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness--my hubby gave me this book for Christmas and it is too cute. It made me laugh out loud. My favorite pages are where the kittens are climbing up the curtains ("If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"- Katharine Hepburn) and a kitten holding knitting needles ("Nothing is impossible for those who don't have to do it") and of course "I have so much to do that I am going to bed"

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a bookshelf called adorable just for this book! Totally cute, made me want 12 more kittens. But then Grady puked in my bed in the middle of the night and I was cured of that longing super quick. Oh sorry, was that a smidge too much information? Oops! :p

[Christyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness is aptly named. Once you open this book you'll absolutely fall in love with the kittens featured here. Full of adorable kitten pictures (+ name and age) as well as amusing and matching quotes it's sure to bring a smile to your face. For those of you wanting to know more about the individual kittens - the appendix contains additional information (Name, Age, Breed and a few sentences about that kitten [or kittens]) If you like cats, kittens, animals, cute things or just need a pick me up - this book is for you.

[Amy Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! The photography is excellent!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitten porn.

[Melle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful coffee table book featuring kittens and quotations on happiness. Not life-changing, an underrepresentation of black cats, but this is a wonderful little diversion for people who love cats and may be owned by one or two.

[Clare Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

aaaargh!!! way too cute! I'm calling the cute police, we have a serious code violation of cuteness going on here.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has great pictures and awe-inspiring quotes. Cat lovers and people looking for inspiration will both enjoy this piece.

[Tom Talamantez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realize that adding this book to my shelf will open me up to ridicule and mockery but I couldn't bring myself to purge this one. So be it, I'm still a dog person all evidence to the contrary.

[Diane Fogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, LOVE! this book. A smile on every page! Great book to share with babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. Beautifully done!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like cats, but this book was cute.

[Ananta Govinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short comprehensive guide for first time cat owners

We recently moved to our own place, and we’ve been wanting a cat for a long time, but neither me nor my partner had a cat before, so we didn’t really know how to go about it. Finding a kitten is easy, as we chose a stray kitten from a rescue. The challenges came when we had to learn to understand our new feline family member. Thankfully, we found this little guide that helped tremendously. The only thing that nagged me a bit was the part about getting a cat from the pound. I personally believe that, even though buying a cat from a reputable breeder is not a bad thing, adopting should also be encouraged. It sounded to me like the author was being a big negative when it came to this.

There’s a list with everything you need to buy, which made me run to the pet store after realizing we needed nail clippers. The chapter about the dangers was very helpful as well, but what I loved the most about this book was that it taught us how to read and understand our cat’s behavior and how to correct problems.

Having a cat is amazing. As the author says, “Anyone of any age can benefit from having a cat as a companion. Their graceful nature can influence our mood to calm us down and make us feel loved.” If you’re thinking about getting a cat, or if you got one recently, pick up this book. It’s great!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really cute! In between photos of scrumptious kittens in various poses are little pearls of wisdom that are commentary of sorts to the pictures. These sayings are from across the board, from proverbs to Lilly Tomlin. Some favorites:

"One good turn gets most of the blanket." -Anonymous

"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody."- Oscar Wilde

And this one matches the photo below it:

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." - Katharine Hepburn

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book 5 stars if Ms. Hale hadn’t quoted herself in amongst the other quotes she used. It was a bit narcissistic...

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a cat lover, Hale’s photos of cats are just right up my alley. Lovely, cute, and just right for a cat lover, this coffee table book is just a nice treasure to have around.

[Kevin Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book with wonderful images of kittens along with refreshing quotes about life.

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Hale, Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness (Bulfinch, 2006)

If you are aware of the origins, meaning, and etymology of the phrase DED OF TEH KYOOT, then I have no doubt that you will be as charmed by Rachel Hale's latest book of photos, designed to provoke an “awwwww...” from even the hardest-hearted soul (read: me). Given the title, it should not surprise that this is a book of kitten photos and amusing quotations from various personages. And isn't that enough? If you're a kitten fan, buy this as a Christmas present for yourself. You deserve it. And so do the kittens. ****

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

KITTENS!!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

my mum bought me this book when i was going through a rough time, very cute and feelgood, makes me smile :)

[Kimber]

this is a very sweet book that could make ANYBODY fall in love with cats!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead from the cute and then some.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift to my Grandmother that she loved. When she passed it was given back to me & I love it just as much as she did.

[Jutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

the cuteness will kill me.