Once upon a time there were two royal kittens…

They are brothers and live with a family in Wellington NZ. One likes to stay at home, but one has a travelling heart, roaming far from his brother and into the city.

Mittens doesn’t mind the noise and buzz of the city streets, weaving in and out of the shops, taking a drink at a fountain or even walking in a parade. Into tattoo parlours, hairdressers and churches. Strolling seaside walkways, and up office block floors, he is all the while making friends and entertaining his royal subjects.

This cat becomes so well known out on his adventures, that the Mayor of Wellington gives him the key to the city in a special ceremony. Everywhere he goes, Mittens makes people smile, even when just curling up in a sunny spot or friendly lap for a nap.

After researching this real life brave puss, I discovered that Mittens is a huge celebrity, not only in his home city of Wellington New Zealand, but around the world. He has his own Facebook Page (The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens) and newspapers as far as The Guardian in the UK have written about him.

He also has a music video and song showing his travels, 

Mittens and his brother Latte are Turkish Angora cats, and Mittens has been the star of a creative exhibition in 2020 called Floofy and Famous. He brings smiles and joy wherever he travels with his regal air and with his owner (the author of this book) has raised funds for the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and The New Zealand Mental Health Foundation.

Phoebe Morris has brought Mittens’ story alive on the page with her wonderful, fun, signature style.

Author – Silvio Bruinsma

Illustrator – Phoebe Morris

Picture Book

(2021, Penguin NZ, Cat, Animals, Wellington, NZ, New Zealand, SPCA, Famous, Key to the City, Wanderer, Youtube)