Book Title: Snowball and Me

Author: Nicholas E. Willmer-Shiles

Illustrator: Gayle Kabaker

Publisher: Val de Grace

Number of Pages: 40

Genre: picture, realistic fiction

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Amazon Synopsis:

In a colorful outdoor market in Uzbekistan, Caissa searches for a very special companion to take home with her, a cat to replace her beloved feline Mika, who disappeared some months before. Working with international agencies, Caissa’s life’s work is to help women develop skills and build sustainable incomes for their families. When she spots Snowball, a snow-white Persian cat with bright-golden eyes, she decides to bring him along on her travels, which lead her to Afghanistan and Mongolia.

Snowball proves himself to be far more than an adorable cat. He’s strong and steady, keeping Caissa grounded and happy as she travels from village to village, helping other women build the life skills they need to help their families and build their communities. Based on the real-life adventures of the author’s aunt, who continues to do this work around the world, Snowball and Me is a tale of love, strength, and international understanding, ideal for children in fourth through sixth grade. 

My Review:

I thought this was such a unique way to tell the story of a woman and the bond she has with her cat. The most interesting part of this book is that it actually tells the story of the authors aunt and the work she does with woman throughout the world within different communities, alongside her was her Persian cat Snowball. This story opens your eyes to different communities in the world that may be different from our own.

I never thought about what people may go through when owning pets who may have to travel for what they do and the sacrifices they may have to make. I really enjoyed this book and after wondered a little why the author wanted to write this as a picture book. There was one part in the story I was a bit saddened by, even though it makes sense why the Caissa make the decision to do what she did.

I would recommend this for anyone who wants to learn about how others live and what they do. This book is especially great for those who have a love for animals especially cats.