A Cat in a Kayak

by Maria Coffey

Published 1 March 1998

"This exceptionally well-written picture book has the most exquisite illustrations."
- Independent Publisher

When Victor takes in Teelo the cat, the feline isn't thrilled about the voyage across the harbor. After all, a cat in a kayak is like a fish out of water. But when they arrive at the little house on Cloud Island, Teelo discovers it's the perfect place for a calm-loving cat. Perfect, that is, until Teelo's spot by the stove is usurped by some chickens. Worse, his cozy cushion is eaten when Terry the terrier moves in. Even the roof isn't safe -- Victor's new parrot can .y up there with ease.

Suddenly a cat in a kayak seems a decent idea...until Victor paddles out to Thunder Rock, a voyage of walloping waves, screeching seabirds, and overexcited orcas. Upon returning home, Teelo decides the crowded little house is the perfect place for him after all.

This charming tale reminds us that things could always be worse. Set amid vibrant coastal landscapes, and crawling with friendly critters of all kinds, it's easy to see why A Cat in a Kayak has become a family favorite.


A Cat Adrift

by Maria Coffey

Published 2 March 2002
Teelo the cat spends a day and a half alone drifting out to sea until he is rescued by Lilly and her grandfather in their wooden sailboat. He soon becomes a member of the crew but he still misses Victor the Vet and the other animals on Cloud Island. One they sail past Cloud Island and Teelo is reunited with his old friends. Victor and Lilly must now decide where Teelo should stay - on board ship with Lilly or with his old friends on Cloud Island.

A Seal in the Family

by Maria Coffey

Published 1 September 1999

One summer day while Teelo the cat waits on the beach of his Cloud Island home, he hears a strange and sad crying noise - and it appears to be coming from a rock! Teelo investigates and is shocked when the rock moves. It isn't a rock after all, but a young seal pup with beautiful brown eyes and a gray speckled coat.

When Victor arrives home he assures Teelo that the pup's mother is only out fishing and will return soon. Yet that night, while Victor and his unique family are cozy in their house, Teelo can still hear the lonely cries of the seal pup drifting up from the beach.

The next evening the pup is still alone on the beach and Victor decides she must come to live in his house. But in a home crowded with a cat, a dog, hens, a rooster, a parrot, a snake and a man, it is hard to find a place to put a seal! They finally decide that the bathtub will make a good spot and that Lucille will make a good name. Victor spends much of his time catching fish to feed the rapidly growing seal and to keep her plaintive cries at bay. When Lucille is old enough, Victor decides it is time to return her to the sea - but she is terrified of the now unfamiliar ocean. Victor devises a clever trick to get Lucille swimming again and soon she is splashing around where she belongs.

The house seems quieter now and Teelo wonders if he will ever see his friend again. Several summers pass and then Teelo hears that same sad crying that first introduced Lucille to him. It is another seal pup! Lucille has brought her own baby to the beach that she knows is friendly.

This story is based on a real seal that Maria Coffey knew. A photograph of her, and information and speculation on the mystery of where she came from, are included at the back of the book.