Author to author 07/10/2011
 I broke out of my shell the other night and took some of the family to a book signing in Seattle by my friend Wendy Wahman. (If there's any doubt about identity in the picture, Wendy is the better looking one on the left.) Wendy is an artist who knows how to tell a story, both with her illustrations and the words that accompany them. That night, she also had a great rapport with the kids listening to the story. This particular book is called A Cat Like That. It's more than a children's book about cats -- it's a story about understanding cats. I went to college, but must have slept through that course. Before the other night, I hadn't seen Wendy in a while, but on reflection I think she's probably done a mind meld with the spirit of the entire feline species because, among other things, she knows how many sounds cats can make and probably when and why. (Since three cats roam my house, it's obvious that I've got something to learn here.) Bottom line, Wendy knows cats and you should pay attention. Before the increasingly famous Wendy Wahman wrote and illustrated A Cat Like That, she did much the same for dogs in Don't Lick the Dog. Wendy's strength in these books is entertaining the readers (kids and grownups alike) while gently educating them in the ways of the pets that grace our homes. (That's code for Listen up, people, you only think you're in charge.) In addition to all that, Wendy can make a cat's tail say things that even cats can't. I really enjoyed her illustration of the cat's secret hiding place (hint: your bed). I'm just curious about two things: First, how did the cat's tail grow so long? And, second, when did Wendy sneak into my house to sketch one of my cats taking a 12-hour nap? (I know, I know. She had 12 hours, so there is a possibility.) About the photo: It was was taken at Secret Garden Books in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle by a member of my family who wishes to remain anonymous. As for permissions, Wendy and I and the nameless photographer agreed that we could all use the photo. Wendy's book is on the table and on the wall rack in the upper right. I'm sorry that the display of her book isn't really prominent in this photo, but I don't blame the photographer. Obviously the problem is that I'm taking up way too much space in the middle right. (I was showing Wendy a copy of my mystery novel, Smarty Havarti, and just couldn't stop myself from hogging the camera lens.) Full disclosure: Wendy and I worked together several years at a now ancient (and former) newspaper called the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Wendy did great illustrations of whatever was assigned to her (newspaper artists rarely get to choose), while I worked on the news copy desk writing headlines and editing new stories before moving on to be a systems editor, which means I helped manage the newsroom's computer system that put out the paper. We often worked on different floors and, as you might have guessed, our individual duties usually didn't affect each other directly. So you might say that I appreciated her work from a distance while she probably had no idea what I was doing with the computer system. While much of that computer stuff remains a mystery to just about everyone, I can now reveal that I did write a macro that let another editor paste in Wendy's artwork credit with a click of a mouse. I didn't get a bonus or anything, but I think it was one of my finer moments at the old P-I. Next: I believe Wendy has another book in the pipeline, but since I'm only a reader in her realm, I'll leave it to her to tell you what it is. For more about Wendy and her work, check out wendywahman.com and you'll be glad you did. Comments07/11/2011 10:59
Ah, this is so nice, Wally, thank you. I'm going to read this to my cat – maybe she'll listen to you! Sue Hopkins 07/11/2011 11:07
What a wonderful review of an excellent illustrator and writer. I attended the launch as well and so enjoyed the kids' rapt attention while Wendy read and then illustrated her cat knowledge with that puppet. Her own cat ears seemed to fit perfectly on that curly hair, though I can't remember ever seeing a curly-haired cat! I'm going to search out your book, Wally! Really enjoy your writing. Joanne Wike 07/11/2011 14:35
Wonderful and well deserved words, Wendy. Your video and reading blew me away and I am guessing the personal experience was even better. You do have a way a connecting with the nature of the beast, whether feline or canine. As a collector of your books, I look forward to seeing waht is coming next. Cassandra Tate 07/11/2011 19:08
Damn, this makes me even more regretful that I missed this reading. Thanks for writing such a wonderful tribute to one of my favorite people. Jinny St. Goar 07/12/2011 01:47
What a really lovely review. And if A Cat Like That pleases you, don't miss Wendy's preceding book:"Don't Lick the Dog," that totally enchanted both the therapists and a group of kids at the clinic for children with autism that is my neighbor. Marji Lynn 07/12/2011 05:47
Wally, great writeup of Wendy's considerable gifts as an author/illustrator. Our young niece adored "Don't Lick the Dog" - she still quotes aloud from it - and I know she'll likewise enjoy "A Cat Like That." We can't wait to see what's next, Wendy! Phyllis Gray 07/12/2011 06:07
As the proud "mom", am totally enchanted with Wally for his delightful words, and the many messages of applause for Wendy's talents as an illustrator/author. Words of praise well earned! Lynne Benson-Colbert 07/14/2011 05:14
Those who have been lucky enough to work with Wendy know how talented she is, and those who get to be friends with her also get to experience her deep understanding of cats and dogs and that most odd species, HUMANS! She knows just what the cats of the world need us to "get" about them and a million head bumps to her for that. Mimi Kugushev 07/15/2011 04:06
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