Reviewed by Karen Hendriks
Bella Montgomery is a fan of Taylor Swift who loves storytelling. She lives and writes in Pennsylvania with her cat Midnight on her lap.
Carolina Marando, an Argentinian artist, loves to mix letter drawing with collage painting and digital editing. She delights in a cup of tea with her dog Zoe, and two cats Toulouse and Elvis.
This delightful picture book immerses readers in the whimsical world of Taylor Swift’s feline entourage: Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. The story follows these three cats as they explore their home, create playful mischief, and share cozy moments with Taylor. At its core, the book celebrates the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives and highlights their importance in our world.
Bella Montgomery has charmingly captured the voices of the three cats, making them come to life in a way that is warm and endearing. The opening sentence introduces the cats and sets the stage: “We’re Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button – three of the hardest working kitties in show business.” Their significance is conveyed through carefully chosen text, including playful cat-related words that work well with the illustrations. For instance, a cat walking along piano keys with the text “causing a little trouble to keep her on her paws.” Through their eyes, we catch glimpses of Taylor’s world.
The book is peppered with witty cat puns, such as “Lights, camera, Cation!” The text is minimal yet clever, with each spread featuring just one sentence. A subtle nod to a Taylor Swift song is woven in with lines like, “Then she shakes it off, gets right back on her white horse, and shows us what she’s made of.” There’s also a sweet tribute to Taylor’s fans and cats, with the message, “I love you furever and ever,” which is sure to delight Swifties.
Marando’s illustrations are vibrant, joyful, and full of personality. The endpapers set the tone with a starry blue sky adorned with tiny heart-shaped stars—a beautiful touch. The bold white and pink lettering on the cover and title page complements the soft pink and purple background, that evokes a Taylor Swift-like aesthetic. The font throughout the book varies between white and black, ensuring that it stands out while still harmonizing with the illustrations.
The cats’ playful personalities shine through in every illustration, with their facial expressions and movements capturing their feline essence. The use of colour is striking on each spread, creating engaging visual storytelling. One standout spread features a cat in a backpack on Taylor’s back—an endearing moment that reinforces the idea that the cats go everywhere with Taylor. It’s a scene that brings a smile and underscores the important role these feline companions play in Taylor’s life, soothing, inspiring, and supporting her through both the highs and lows.
Karma is Three Cats is a heartwarming picture book
that showcases the significance of the three cats in Taylor Swift’s world.
While Swifties and young readers alike will be drawn to the story for its
connection to Taylor Swift, the book’s true beauty lies in its celebration of pets
as beloved companions. With its playful narrative and engaging illustrations,
this book is sure to resonate with children aged 3-8 years, as well as a
broader audience of cat lovers and music fans.
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