Haee: The Cat With a Crooked Tail

Haee and the Other Middlings #1

by R.S. Vern

The tipping point of comforts is the moment when the familiar and secure confines of our comfort zone start to feel limiting and stifling. We begin to yearn for something more, a desire to venture outside of what we know, and embrace the unknown. It is in this yearning for something beyond our comfort that we find the courage to unlock our true potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Only by stepping outside our comfort zones can we truly live a life that is vibrant, meaningful, and filled with the richness of new experiences.

For all ages. Middling Industries offer its most acclaimed illustrated series “Haee and the Other Middlings”, taking a meaningful jab at middle class poignancy of the 21st century. Created by R.S. Vern, this series provides a delightful read at what it means to be functioning, breathing, and living as we are today, all through the eyes of an ingenious cat.

Part I of this series wins the IndieReader Discovery Award 2013.

Genres: Philosophy

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2012

About the author

R.S. Vern is the creator of book trilogy series: Haee and the Other Middlings. Part I of this series wins the International IndieReader Discovery Award 2013.

An oddly conflicted soul, she finds herself constantly torn between the challenges of saving the world and the realities of making a living. She calls herself a middling – detach, insecure, and most of the time, in a flux.

Haee is a real cat living in her home. Instead of writing as herself, she feels that it is less brutal seeing life through the eyes of a cat.

R.S. Vern holds a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in Communications, and a G.D. in Applied Positive Psychology.

For author's interview, please visit www.middlingindustries.com

Reviews

[Darya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting picturebook about a cat and his humans – all of them "middlings." What is a "middling"? The definition alludes to a cross between a middle-class professional and E.T.A. Hoffmann’s enthusiasts who feel apart from the people they live among and question the ways of the majority. But the actual characters defined as such do not really act on their wish to abandon city life and do something more meaningful.

I am not sure about the announced crossover appeal of this title ("for all ages"). Yes, it is seemingly a whimsical picturebook about a cat, which we usually associate with literary production for children. But it is all philosophical and cultural commentary, which might be too complicated for actual children to comprehend. At the same time, for children to be able to read it on a different level than adults who would get the cultural commentary, the story would need to have some narrative arc, which it mostly lacks. So, I would say, it is more of "food for thought for adults" disguised as a children's crossover picturebook.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy of the book through Edelweiss+. The opinion above is my own.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t your typical cute cat story. Haee is quirky, a little odd, and honestly, that’s what makes him so easy to love. The book has this mix of whimsy and deeper meaning, like you’re reading a children’s tale but catching yourself thinking about your own life at the same time.

The crooked tail gives Haee so much character, he doesn’t quite fit in, and that makes him relatable. You end up rooting for him because you can see a little of yourself in his struggles to belong and figure things out.

The illustrations add charm, and the writing has a simplicity that makes it super easy to read, but there’s definitely more under the surface if you’re paying attention. It’s the kind of story that feels lighthearted but leaves you reflecting afterward.

If you like offbeat characters, gentle humor, and stories with a bit of soul hidden between the lines, Haee The Cat with a Crooked Tail is worth picking up. It’s playful but thoughtful, and it sets the stage for what looks like a really fun series.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second Haee The Cat book, and I found it to be just as delightful as the first one.

Silly, whimsical, engaging, good lessons, great illustration, poignant, imaginative, and well executed. I highly recommend this read for kids and adults alike!!

Once again, I found the illustrations so unique that I couldn't stop reading. I think R.S. Vern has a small hit on their hands. I would love to see this become a little cartoon, even!

Huzzah and excited for more.

[Melysah Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haee The cat with a crooked tail (Haee and the Other Middlings #1) by R.S. Vern is a kid’s story about a cat, of course. But Haee isn’t just any cat. He is a middling with a long, crooked tail. Middlings like to ponder the meaning of life, so Haee spends his time searching for happiness.

On Haee’s journey, he gets into some trouble and meets all sorts of friends. There’s Tom and Jane, Whie, and the other cats from the alley. Whie is a has a large red nose and prefers pizza. She is a vegetarian.

After leaving his home, Haee was rescued and found Whie. But he still wanted more. Will he ever find what he is searching for?

I like this novel. It’s an odd children’s story, which means it’s one you’ll read as a kid (or an adult) and never forget. It’s a book that can easily spark a conversation on vegetarianism, materialism, spiritualism, and so forth.

I like the fact that it’s thought provoking in an age appropriate way. The art is striking, offbeat. Since this is a part of a series, check out: The Unconventional Life of Haee (Haee and the other middlings #2).

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book, focusing on the ideas of need versus want, what is self-fulfillment and exploring our motivations.

Its a short read, interspersed with beautiful images of Haee and the other characters.

I'm not sure that I really 'got' this book on the first read, and I suspect it is one of those books that you can turn to again and again and find different things, dependent upon your mood.

it is thought provoking as we see the human characters stuck in a life they think they should lead, rather than perhaps the one they want to lead. I suspect that a young adolescent would take the most from this book as they sit at a crossroad in life, making choices that will impact their future.

All in all an intriguing, well designed ebook. It is well edited and a well thought out and put together package.

[Marie Hew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Great graphics and captures the life and adventures of a quirky cat.

[Caroline Musyoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haee The Cat with A Crooked Tail by R.S Vern is a fictional read that is very relatable. It is a short read with graphic illustrations that are quite captivating and interesting at the same time. One thing that stands out that is interesting is Haee’s crooked tail that appears unusually long too. The pictures help the reader to see the exact features of Haee. This is a great way of connecting with the story.

I love that the writer has chosen a cat as a protagonist to tell a story about the life experiences of other middlings. This is a term that the author explains at the beginning of the read. The journey to understand the life of middlings begins with Haee’s curiosity which leads him to a black hole. He decides to get inside and unfortunately, he gets lost. However, he sees claw-like hands that grab him and rescue him. He finds himself in Tom and Jane’s house.

Living with them exposes Haee to the way of life of other middlings which he finds interesting and comfortable too. But one thing that catches him by surprise is the house rules Jane has in store for him. However, with time he gets used to them. I feel that there are lots of things to learn from such a short story. It is said that, “A man’s meat is another man’s poison.” This highly resonates with this book. What might look enjoyable for one individual can be displeasing for another individual. This book is ideal for children and adults too. I recommend it!

[John Kamande · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.S. Vern’s Haee The Cat with a Crooked Tail is a whimsical and beautifully illustrated story that appeals to both children and adults. The book follows Haee, a curious black cat with a crooked tail, who stumbles into a mysterious black hole and ends up being adopted by Tom and Jane, a middle-class couple. While life with them is safe and comfortable, Haee soon grows restless, reflecting the universal struggle between routine and the desire for something more.

The story is lighthearted and imaginative, yet layered with thoughtful themes about belonging, individuality, and the search for meaning. Children will enjoy the quirky adventures and playful illustrations, while adults will appreciate the subtle commentary on modern life.

Charming, engaging, and full of heart, Haee The Cat with a Crooked Tail is a short but memorable read that lingers long after the final page. A delightful beginning to an imaginative series.

[Lia Dospetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Haee, the curious cat with a crooked tail who ventures into the unknown, almost regrets it - oops! - and gets adopted by a human couple, simple middle-class people with middle-class problems. Haee's new life goes on quietly, too quietly for good, until one day... ;)

This lovely illustrated book with a philosophical take to it got to my heart and now I can't wait to read more (yes, there are more books like this one, it's a series!). Haee's life is an allegory of the all-too-common swing between staying in the comfort zone and getting out of it, and about being a "middling" - in the middle of society, yeah.

At the end of the book, R.S. Vern delights us with more entertainment: two fictional interviews to help know more about both the author and Haee (who reads cool books himself, would you have told?).

So much of a 5-star one for me. I hope it is for you as well. :)

- Lia Mara Dospetti

[Malcriado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beautifully illustrated story of Haee, a cat with a long and crooked tail. One day, he ventures off into a cave and is picked up by a couple of middlings, who take him to live with them. Despite having happy, successful lives, Tom and Jane, the middlings, can’t seem to break off from the routine and go on to do what their hearts truly desire. The middlings are a metaphor for the middle class during the 2008 financial crisis.

Although Haee is happy with them, he’s not satisfied with that lifestyle, and decides to venture off and find some answers, and stays over there with a friend, Whie.

The story is simple and the illustrations are enjoyable. The first part is more like beginning to set the context of the story.

[Misty Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haee The Cat with a Crooked Tail is a cute and fun read! It's the story of Haee, a cat who one day decided that his life was missing something, so he set out to find it. Stumbling upon a black hole, he became curious: what did it contain? Was it something fun, something boring, or something scary? What he found was something fun, which quickly became scary. He was rescued by a human, named Tom, who was married to Jane. Life became boring but safe. Ordinary and filled with routine. It wasn't long before Haee started thinking and wanted more. He leaves and befriends a cat nobody wanted. Haee finds a new ordinary life.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haee the Cat With A Crooked Tail, by R.S Vern is an illustrated book about a black cat who somehow ventured through a black hole, before being found by a middle-class couple who adopt him. Through the couple, Haee experiences a relaxed, predictable life, and through Haee, we experience the monotony of the middle class lifestyle.

This book is suitable for all ages. Children will enjoy its simplicity, while adults can appreciate its deeper subtexts. R.S Vern created a special book, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Charles Malumba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read part 2 of this book, before reading part 1. And I have to say, part 1 is just as good!

This book, though on the surface a children's book, is actually an introspective look at middle class life through the eyes of a cat. I don't quite understand why they needed to add the plot points about a black hole, but it was nonetheless a good hook to get me interested in the story. It's short and sweet, which is great for those short on time or without long attention spans. It was a unique and fun read. 5 stars!

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haee the Cat with a Crooked Tail introduces us to Haee, a black cat with a crooked tail. Her life is changed when she falls through a black hole and is taken in by two midlings. In this book, it seems that "midlings" is another word for average people, but Haee soon grows bored of the middle class lifestyle. This is a wonderfully illustrated children’s book with adult subtexts, although I find the illustrations a tad bizarre for a young audience.