Children’s Book Showcases Illustrations of a Soft Black Cat with a Animated Tail

Cats might not verbalize in our dialect, yet their tails communicate quite a bit. Whether it’s puffing up due to fear or flicking in annoyance, the tail can signify what a cat is experiencing. Drawing from feline body language, author Tess Thomas has recently penned a children’s book about a cat’s emotions titled Shibu. Initially, Shibu feels shy about his expressive tail, but eventually, he learns to accept it and embrace self-love. Named Shibu’s Tail, the picture book features stunning illustrations by Kamwei Fong, who is recognized for his depictions of fluffy black cats.

Thomas commenced the creation of Shibu’s Tail in 2022 during her parental leave. Her brother had presented her with a cat print from Kamwei Fong for her birthday, and she was so taken by it that she opted to craft a story featuring the cat character. “While juggling diaper changes and late-night feedings, I began to weave a narrative inspired by it,” she shares. “I was engulfed in the challenges of new motherhood and didn’t quite feel like myself. Engaging in this was a creative outlet; a method to reclaim some personal time.”

After the narrative was completed, Thomas realized she wanted Fong as the illustrator, and to her astonishment, he agreed. The illustrator dedicated nearly a year to bringing the story to life in his unique, playful style. Thomas and Fong collaborated with award-winning publisher Levine Querido to bring their vision to fruition, and now it’s accessible to cat enthusiasts worldwide.

“[I’m] thankful to [Fong] for agreeing to illustrate this book. I obviously believe the story and words are rather delightful (lol) but Kamwei’s artwork is genuinely amazing,” Thomas expresses on Instagram. “I will forever cherish the privilege of collaborating with such a gifted artist.”

Discover more about Shibu’s Tail and purchase your own edition on Bookshop.org.