Leonardtown, MD — Those three crazy cats are back. Local author Ellynne Brice Davis, illustrator Joyce Judd and editor Myra Rapsa have once again collaborated on a children’s book about three cats that live on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
Last year the three collaborated on “Halloween Fright on a Chesapeake Night” about three black cats who venture out of Halloween. This time the cats have been transformed into orange tabbies and the holiday is Easter for “The Chesapeake Cats and the Easter Surprise.”
In the new book the three cats decide to put on an Easter party and venture out to a town somewhat reminiscent of Leonardtown to pick up supplies, including EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). In one of Rudd’s many clever illustrations, the cats are seen “On their walk to the Wharf” where they pass “Breton Point Light, the bank, the museum and Let’s Fly a Kite.” Their destination is the store called “Miss Bunny’s Delight,” operated of course by Miss Bunny. She stocks food colors (red, purple, green and indigo) and jelly beans (cherry, grape and pistachio).
Home from their trip the cats prepare the meal and tidy the house. They awake Easter morning to a surprise outside – “someone in disguise” hiding Easter eggs.
The bounty is collected by everyone in the neighborhood and the Easter dinner, of which Miss Bunny is an invitee, is a big hit. The cats soon recognize Miss Bunny as that stranger in disguise.
At the end of the book there are several pages that can be colored and used as bookmarks plus a build your own Easter bunny design. And Davis adds several recipes from her previous book — “Ellynne’s Top Tomato Cookbook.”
The Chesapeake Cats and the Easter Surprise is the perfect addition to the Easter basket along with the colored eggs and candy.
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The trio, all retired St. Mary’s County school teachers, will be on hand for a book signing as part of Leonardtown’s First Friday March 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Fenwick Street Used Books and Music. Other signings are scheduled at the White Rabbit in Leonardtown Saturday March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon and Keepin It Local in Morganza Saturday March 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact Dick Myers at news@thebaynet.com