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Mewingham Manor, Observations on a Curious
New Species
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.
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.
Order Mewingham Manor
all copies are signed
$19.95 plus $4.50 shipping.
Total cost - $24.45
Click this link to order your signed copy of
Mewingham Manor: vsart1@embarqmail.com , put "order" in the subject line. Include your name and the address where you would like the book to be shipped,
also any inscription you would like, ie: "To Joan". Send PayPal payments to vsart1@embarqmail.com , mail check or money order to Laura Von Stetina at the address at the bottom of this page.
| 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.
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.
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
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