Review and Giveaway: Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

Simon's Cat
by Simon Tofield
Grand Central Publishing (September 24, 2009) ~ 240 pages
Entertainment / Humor

Edition Reviewed / Special Thanks: Paperback review copy courtesy of Hachette Book Group ~ I do not receive additional compensation for posting my review ~

Perfect for : Personal enjoyment, Gift for a fan of comics, Coffee Table book

In a nutshell: I am one of those people who enjoy looking up things on YouTube when I'm stuck trying to figure out some craft, cooking project, movie clip, etc. I had no idea that Simon's Cat originated on YouTube, and that it has a huge following of fans (25 million fans on YouTube seems huge to me!), so was amazed when I picked up this book and found a little more about it.

First off, let me say that this is a fun and humorous book, done in black/white/gray tones, in a comic strip type style. The situations that Simon Tofield has created for Simon and his cat are so funny - one of the first drawings had me laughing: it was Simon in bed, trying to sleep, with his cat on top of the covers, comfortably spread out on about 90% of the bed sleeping VERY nicely (while Simon is desperately trying not to fall out of the bed, and seems to be wide awake). :) Anyone who has slept with a pet in their bed has got to get a kick out of this one.

Really, I could go on and on here. There are so many silly situations that Simon's Cat has created, gotten into, is about to do, etc, that the book will entertain fans of comics for quite some time. Plus, if you ever get bored, pull out some crayons or colored pencils and color away! I've enjoyed picking up the book during spare moments and flipping through so I can laugh for a few moments. This is also a great book to keep on the coffee table, as I've had multiple guests comment on how fun it is to look through.

Illustrations: Fun pen/ink drawings in black/white/gray tones
Story-Line: N/A ~ humorous, comic book style pictures
Readability: enjoy all the drawings! Other than the copyright and acknowledgement pages, there really isn't anything to read.
Overall: A very entertaining book of Simon (character) and his cat, who seems to always be causing trouble Garfield style :)

From the Publisher's Site:
Simon Tofield's animations have taken YouTube by storm. Now, the feline Internet phenomenon makes his way onto the page in this first-ever book based on the popular animated series. SIMON'S CAT depicts and exaggerates the hilarious relationship between a man and his cat. The daily escapades of this adorable pet, which always involve demanding more food, and his exasperated but doting owner come to life through Tofield's charming and hilarious illustrations.

Video / Excerpt:

About the Author: (from the publisher's site)
Simon Tofield is an award-winning animator who lives in London.

Giveaway Details ~ 5 Winners:
1. Leave a comment here telling me your favorite place to read the comics/funnies/humorous books and include your email if it is not in your profile (1 entry)
2. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog and/or Facebook and report it here (1 entry)
3. Become a follower (link is on the right hand sidebar) and leave a comment here (or "remind" me you are already a follower so I know you want to be included in this giveaway) (1 entry)
4. Fave Wendi's Book Corner on Technorati by following the link on the right hand sidebar just above Followers (1 entry)

The drawing will be held October 31st-ish. Winners (5): I will send you an email, please reply with your address so I can forward your contact information to the publisher!

This giveaway is open to residents within the United States and Canada, no PO Boxes.

~ Wendi