Inspired by Cats: Writers and Their Mews

by Bob Eckstein, Nava Atlas

Distinctive illustrations and charming stories celebrating the pawsitively purrfect relationships between renowned authors and their beloved cats.


Cats and writers are a match made in book heaven. Cats share a tendency to be introverts, as are many writers. Both enjoy basking in the sun and solitude (when they want it). Cats have served as trusted deskmates from the composition of a single poem to the creation of the first English dictionary. In this collection, author-illustrator duo Nava Atlas and Bob Eckstein capture these endearing relationships in Inspired by Cats, a witty and sophisticated collection profiling 60 famous authors and their beloved feline companions. Novelists, poets, humorists, short story writers, and memoirists from all eras are represented, from Margaret Atwood, Edward Gorey, and Judy Blume to Toni Morrison, Ernest Hemingway, and Jun'ichiro Tanizaki. Stylishly illustrated and full of charming, touching, and sometimes humorous anecdotes of history’s most notable cat-loving writers, Inspired by Cats represents both cat enthusiasts and literature lovers in full color.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Animals, Cats, Art

136 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales and Tails

A lovely book for all cat lovers! This book features tales of famous writers like Margaret Atwood, Ray Bradbury, Beverly Cleary, T.S. Eliot, P.D. James, Joyce Carol Oates, W.B. Yeats, and more, and their loving relationship with cat(s)! Quick stories with colorful, fun illustrations! A great gift idea for the holiday season!

Advanced copy provided by Countryman Press. All opinions are my own!

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is completely charming and engaging and what a wonderful concept! With one page stories about writers, from Elizabeth Bishop to Beverly Cleary to George Plimpton, and their cats, and beautiful, fun artwork, this book belongs in the hands of every cat lover. And anyone who enjoys reading about the lives of writers. A great gift and a very fun read!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is ideal for animal lovers, especially cat people, avid readers, authors and just about anyone looking for some interesting tidbits about some famous people. Two pages -- one with a bit of a bio about the author and their special cat(s) and another with a drawing of them are fun to read. This book is awesome for any age, male or female.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good nonfiction read about famous authors and their cats. I loved the illustrations of the authors throughout the pages. I enjoyed reading a little bit about various well known authors and their cats. Overall it was a good read, perfect for readers and cat lovers.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

this is very charming.