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Mewingham Manor, Observations on a Curious New Species aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The
Midwest Book Review Reviewer's Choice Winner of The Kukendall Image Award,
Muse Medallion and Certificate of Excellence in the 2003 Cat Writers' Communication Contest. Top honors in juried shows of fine art have been awarded to individual drawings and
paintings reproduced in Mewingham Manor. aaaaaaaaaa The Story In 1875, Edwina Von Stetina, an amateur naturalist, inherits a
secluded country estate from her seafaring uncle Captain Bartholomew Katt. Soon after arriving at Mewingham Manor she
discovers some curious new animals; they appear to be tiny butterfly-winged kittens and miniature winged mice! After
finding her Uncle's journals, Edwina learns that the winged kittens are called flittens, and the tiny mice
are known as minis. Captain Katt's study of these fascinating creatures was his lifetime work, and she reads about how
he collected many species of flittens on his voyages around the world and brought them back to Mewingham Manor.
Captain Katt did not intentionally collect minis, but the mischievous little "mice" were not about to the left behind!
The existence of flittens and minis was kept secret, first by the Captain, then by Edwina and the faithful staff at the manor.
Only now is the story being told. Mewingham
Manor is Edwina's sketchbook journal that chronicles her first months at the manor and the discovery of the
Flittens and Minis. The 72-page book contains more than 30 paintings and 100 sketches, and has recently been published in
German and French translations.
| Flitten |
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| Tropical Fruit Tabby |
What is a Flitten?
Flittens are small winged animals
that look like a cross between an exotic butterfly and an immature house cat, and seem to have the finest characteristics
of both. There are many species of flitten, closely resembling many breeds of house cats, and they can be found all over
the world. Adept at concealment, flittens are rarely seen by humans. The trick to seeing flittens is in knowing how to look,
and once a person starts noticing flittens they will begin to see them everywhere - in the meadow, in the garden, and sometimes
in the kitchen.
| Mini |
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| Off to the Races! |
What is a Mini?
Minis are tiny
mouse-like creatures with wings that resemble the wings of a dragonfly. The dragonfly wings suit the nature of minis,
which is quick and darting. Minis are fun-loving little creatures, living every day to the fullest. They can be
seen dancing on flowers, riding on beetles as if they were race horses or stealing treats from the kitchen. Minis can be found
wherever there are flittens. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Images From Mewingham Manor
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| The Mushroom Dweller, watercolor |
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| Flitten Totem Pole, acrylic |
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| Woodland Calicos, acrylic |
AAAAAAAAAAAA Internet Bookwatch Reviewer's Choice Capably written and wonderfully illustrated by Edwina Von Stetina, Mewingham Manor: Observations On A Curious
New Species is a delightful fantasy picture book showcasing the "natural history" and life cycle of a delightful
imaginary species of butterfly-winged cats. Warm color illustrations and gentle, memorable text bring these remarkable flying
kittens to life. Mewingham Manor is highly recommended and would make an impressive Memorial Fund acquisition choice
for any community library collection.Samples of Readers' Response:
Dear Laura: My book came today
and I am speechless! As an artist I appreciate the art work.....but the imagination behind the pictures is just wonderful!
Thank you so much. I am recommending this book to everyone. Lois
Hi Laura, I think your book will make a
perfect gift for all my cat loving friends, but I will certainly keep the first copy for myself :-). I saw that the German
version of your lovely book is on sale from next month over here, so I have no doubt that it will take the hearts of
all German speaking cat lovers by storm. Renate
Laura, Your book is just the right kind of whimsy I need these
days. It seems to help keep the creativity inside me alive. Debra
All images copyright Laura Von Stetina. For information regarding the licensing of Mewingham Manor images, contact Laura
Von Stetina at vsart1@embarqmail.com or 850-973-6315.
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