What do you think?
Rate this book
Cynthia Coppersmith's Violet #1
Violet Comes to Stay
No Mitford collection is complete without the Violet books
Violet Comes to Stay is the first in a series of storybooks inspired by Cynthia Coppersmith, Father Tim’s wife from Jan Karon’s bestselling Mitford Years series. Jan Karon’s legions of fans will love this timeless story about the endearing white kitten named Violet, charmingly written by Melanie Cecka and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Emily Arnold McCully. Karon searched for three years to find a storytelling voice and art style authentic to Cynthia Coppersmith. She was personally involved in every step of the creation of this book.
Violet Comes to Stay is the first in a series of storybooks inspired by Cynthia Coppersmith, Father Tim’s wife from Jan Karon’s bestselling Mitford Years series. Jan Karon’s legions of fans will love this timeless story about the endearing white kitten named Violet, charmingly written by Melanie Cecka and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Emily Arnold McCully. Karon searched for three years to find a storytelling voice and art style authentic to Cynthia Coppersmith. She was personally involved in every step of the creation of this book.
In Violet Comes to Stay, Violet’s search for the perfect home leads her to a plant nursery, a bakery, and finally a bookstore—the one place where the gentle cat isn’t expected to be a mouse hunter.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
281 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 9, 2015
A delightful book about a kitten, learning to wait on God to find her place in life. She ends up in a delightful place!!! and the book is just delightful. Inspired by Jan Karon's character, Cynthia Coppersmith, and written with some of the valuable lessons she might have told, it is very well done, in keeping with the characters created by Jan Karon in Mitford.
January 3, 2016
Violet's mother teaches her kittens the three rules of catching mice, preparing them for their new homes, but Violet has trouble and wonders what God's plan is for her.
From an idea by Jan Karon, based on the cat owned by her fictional character Cynthia Coppersmith and her white cat Violet.
From an idea by Jan Karon, based on the cat owned by her fictional character Cynthia Coppersmith and her white cat Violet.
Read
July 29, 20207/29/20
July 14, 2008
A very cute children's book.
September 3, 2018
A cute faith based book for children.
February 10, 2021
Beautifully illustrated and a delightful story
July 28, 2014
I loved reading the other books by Jan Karon. In some of those books, the character of Cynthia, is painting pictures of Violet, for her children's books. That made me want to read a book about Violet the kitten. I bought this book for a little over one dollar,from audible, and I have a hold on the children's book, so I can see the art work. I will play this for my grandchildren, when I get the other version from the library. Violet is one of the character's in the books I call the Father Tim books.
I just read other reviews, and learned that Jan Karon didn't write this book. The idea of the Violet books comes from Jan Karon. One of the reviewers said Jan Karon found someone else to write the violet books, and to illustrate them. That kind of sounds like some of the James Patterson books.
I listened to this book a second time. I had hoped to find a hard copy in the library, so I could see the illustrations, but I haven't managed to get hold of one yet.
I just read other reviews, and learned that Jan Karon didn't write this book. The idea of the Violet books comes from Jan Karon. One of the reviewers said Jan Karon found someone else to write the violet books, and to illustrate them. That kind of sounds like some of the James Patterson books.
I listened to this book a second time. I had hoped to find a hard copy in the library, so I could see the illustrations, but I haven't managed to get hold of one yet.
August 1, 2011
This is a confusing book, author-wise. The top says Jan Karon in big letters, but she neither wrote nor illustrated the book. The next name is Cynthia Coppersmith, who isn't a real person, but a fictional character in Karon's "Mitford" books. The Cynthia character is a writer of children's books. Karon wanted those books to actually be written, so she looked around for an author. Enter the actual author of this book, whose name appears in small letters at the bottom: Melanie Cecka. Anyway, it's the story of a kitten trying to find the right family to live with. She gets into trouble at every new home, until she finally lands in Alice's bookshop. Logan loves these Violet stories. They do have a Christian message and in this first book in the series it's overt. I actually edited out a lot of that as I read aloud.
March 24, 2015
This story was just right for eight-year-old Tina, a catlover to whom math problems do not give up their solutions easily. And the connection between a catloving math struggler and a kitten in need of a home is . . . .
Violet also struggles, and on two fronts. First, there are the three rules of mousing. After two failures at catching a mouse in potential adoptive homes, Violet masters the final rule at a bookstore. Triumph—until the tenderhearted feline lets the mouse go!
No spoilers here, but the conclusion is highly satisfying.
This story will be a comfort to children who are not gifted students or star athletes. It will also be a help to champion children, who may need to recognize that unsung heroes play equally important roles.
Violet also struggles, and on two fronts. First, there are the three rules of mousing. After two failures at catching a mouse in potential adoptive homes, Violet masters the final rule at a bookstore. Triumph—until the tenderhearted feline lets the mouse go!
No spoilers here, but the conclusion is highly satisfying.
This story will be a comfort to children who are not gifted students or star athletes. It will also be a help to champion children, who may need to recognize that unsung heroes play equally important roles.
August 24, 2012
When it's time to leave the litter nest Violet is the last kitten chosen. First she is chosen by a gardener, but after she breaks pots while trying to catch a mouse, the gardener decides she must go back. A baker then takes her, but again, Violet creates more work while trying to catch mice so back she goes.
Each time she is returned her mother assures her that God has a purpose for her. Eventually, Alice, a woman who owns a bookstore takes her home. And it's a perfect fit.
A faith-based book focusing on "God's place and plan" for everyone makes this a definite one-on-one book. Avoid storytime use.
Each time she is returned her mother assures her that God has a purpose for her. Eventually, Alice, a woman who owns a bookstore takes her home. And it's a perfect fit.
A faith-based book focusing on "God's place and plan" for everyone makes this a definite one-on-one book. Avoid storytime use.
March 6, 2019
Super cute and super weird. Violet is a kitten who has a hard time finding the right home because she's not very good at catching mice. Her mother keeps telling her, "God has a plan for each of us." I actually think it's marvelous that this book is supposed to be like the books that a fictional character in Jan Karon's Mitford series writes because I was disappointed when I read "Anne of Green Gables" and "Little Women" and found that I couldn't read any of the poems or stories that Anne or Jo wrote. (Only when I was older did I find out about Louisa's romantic thrillers being reprinted.)
January 21, 2009
This children's book is supposedly written by Cynthia Coppersmith, who herself is a fictitious character. It's part of "The Mitford Series" of books about Father Tim, the bachelor pastor who lives in Mitford and has a happy, satisfying life until he gets a new next-door neighbor. Enter Cynthia! This is one of the children's books Cynthia wrote. And very charming, I might add. Read it aloud to your kids.
You might need the name of Melanie Cecka, who is the actual author.
You might need the name of Melanie Cecka, who is the actual author.
April 12, 2011
A simple story with soft, charming watercolor illustrations and a lovable protagonist, Violet Comes to Stay effectively communicates the truth that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. My favorite illustrations in this book are the ones featuring Alice’s bookstore (particularly the second one), which are colorful and wonderfully detailed. This is a beautiful story that Mitford fans will definitely want to share with their children and grandchildren.
September 3, 2017
What a beautifully illustrated and warm-hearted kitten story for 3-8 year olds and adult fans of Jan Karon's Mitford series. Violet is one of three young kittens, ready to go out into the world and catch mice for bakers, doctors and gardeners. Unfortunately, Violet doesn't seem to be able to fulfill that destiny. Even young readers/listeners will understand the message that each of us has a unique role to fill. Add cute kittens to this important message and this book is a winner.
September 4, 2008
Mommy says: Fun for parents who have read any of Jan Karon's Mitford series because you will recognize some of the characters. This is a tale about a little kitten and the home she eventually ends up in. Her Mom keeps telling her to trust that God will find the right place for her. The God talk is nice and not overbearing at all.
August 10, 2010
This is a sweet tale of the kitten who has a little difficulty finding her perfect home. She is not biggest or the friskiest kitten of the litter, but she is friendly and willing to learn. The story is enchanting and the repetition is good for reading the book aloud. Our girls really liked this story!
April 5, 2011
This is one of A's favorite books right now...and I love the message of being special and chosen by God as told through the story of a fluffy white kitten. For those who are Mitford fans, this is a re-imagining of one of Cynthia's Violet books.
January 4, 2009
I brought this home from the library to share with my children. They were not as interested in it as other things in our library bag that week, but I found it kind of fun to share with them.
January 5, 2009
A beautiful children's book about trying to figure out what God wants you to be and do. Learning to trust and obey.
January 6, 2009
Easy to read aloud. It's not life-changing but it's sweet and tender and even my little 2-year-old son liked to listen to it.
January 7, 2009
A sweet little book that plays on the Father Tim and Cynthia storyline...a look into Cynthia's heart. Read it to your kids or grandkids.
March 24, 2009
Cute children's book based on the Violet stories written by Cynthia in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Sweet tale, positive message.
September 15, 2014
I bought this book for both my granddaughters and I read it before passing it to them. It's a wonderful story about waiting for God to work in your life.
October 22, 2022
"Violet and her brother and sister were born in th kitchen pantry of a house on top of a hill."
Violet grabbed Cook's shoe while practicing how to catch mice. Violet's mom explains that mousing comes naturally to cat. She taught them three rules to take with them out into the world..."Prowl silently. Plan your leap carefully. And pounce boldly."
The illustrations are what drew me to the book. They are wonderful...they look to be pen and watercolors. I found myself going back to look at the pictures again and again.
Jan Karon (author of "The Mitford Series") discovered the author, Melanie Ceck, and the illustrator, Emily Arnold McCully.
Violet grabbed Cook's shoe while practicing how to catch mice. Violet's mom explains that mousing comes naturally to cat. She taught them three rules to take with them out into the world..."Prowl silently. Plan your leap carefully. And pounce boldly."
The illustrations are what drew me to the book. They are wonderful...they look to be pen and watercolors. I found myself going back to look at the pictures again and again.
Jan Karon (author of "The Mitford Series") discovered the author, Melanie Ceck, and the illustrator, Emily Arnold McCully.
January 8, 2026
If you are any kind of Father Tim and Cynthia Coppersmith reader, you know that Cynthia is an author in her own right. Her favorite character is Violet, a young beautiful white kitty that is raised by her mother along with two other kitties, and as they mature see them going to different homes to grow up and have different experiences. Violet has her own set, and this book watched her grow mature, and as they learn to catch mice, learn other life skills as well.
This book has Jan Karon's touch, and also by Melanie Cecka. Short book, but very cute. Recommend.
This book has Jan Karon's touch, and also by Melanie Cecka. Short book, but very cute. Recommend.
January 25, 2019
Challenge: Create Your Own Readathon/Stacking the Series/Steeped in Books - Working List, Series 2i, Book 1. The Violet series written by Melanie Cecka, speaking through Jan Karon's Mitford character Cynthia Coopersmith, captures the antics of young cats everywhere and brought to life with original watercolors by Emily Arnold McCully.
July 3, 2020
Violet is a sweet little kitten who cannot kill a mouse no matter how hard she tries. After two different owners who didn’t think she was good enough, a third finally loves her for who she is. Violet teaches us that sometimes it takes a while for us to find our place in the world, but when we do, we see that it was worth the wait.
February 4, 2022
This picture book is absolutely lovely. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is sweet with a very nice message. I would have loved this when I was a kid. I would recommend this to young readers. It does have a religious message and includes a Bible verse on the first page, so it may not be appropriate for everyone or in all contexts.
March 3, 2022
So cute! And simply lovely illustrations! I have been reading Jan Karon's Mitford series, in which a character, Cynthia Coppersmith, earns her living as a children's book writer based on her cat Violet. I am so glad Ms. Karon approved the writing of the Violet books. They each give an uplifting message for children, as well as tell a delightful story.
October 22, 2023
I love that Jan Karon, and Melanie Cecka created a few of the 'Violet' books referenced in Jan's 'Mitford' series! This was a very sweet introduction to Violet . . . how her mother taught her and her siblings to follow the rules when it came to mousing, but most of all, to trust that God had a good plan for their lives.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews