Whiskers Abroad is a lively and charming travelogue featuring a trip to Japan shared by two main characters, Audrey and Ashi, who alternate recounting their versions of events. Audrey, having won the chance to write a magazine article about traveling in Japan, takes along her cat, Ashi. Over the course of a twelve-day trip, the pair visit Tokyo, Wakayama, Shirahama, Kyoto, and Miura Peninsula. Food is of great interest to both, as they sample typical Japanese dishes from ramen to sushi to tuna specialties. They also explore Japanese culture, including food markets, a family farm, temples, and Tokyo nightlife.
Adventures abound, from Audrey losing Ashi in the fish market to Ashi slipping out of the hotel at night to go to a cat café, where he meets an alluring feline. Audrey is still trying to find her place in the universe, while Ashi believes Audrey would sink beneath the waves were he not present to rescue her time and again. Audrey is a dedicated reader of her horoscope, and the prediction for each day offers tantalizing clues as to what’s in store for the pair.
Written by author Carrie Carter and beautifully designed by Stacy Vickers, Whiskers Abroad is both an amusing travel story with unforgettable characters but also a useful guide for tourists going to Japan about such basic travel issues as how to get from the airport to central Tokyo, how to purchase a rail pass, what to visit in Tokyo, and what to eat. Lavishly designed with full-color photographs and arresting page layouts, Whiskers Abroad will delight both your eyes and your sense of adventure.
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$0.99 Kindle Pre-Order Sale Through 10/2/2022
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PRAISE FOR WHISKERS ABROAD:
“Whiskers Abroad is simply a delight, offering respite and reflections that bring readers into Japan from different perspectives, capturing a writer’s journey through new foods, a different culture, and a cat’s eyes. It’s very highly recommended for its ability to reach beyond the usual travelogue audiences to immerse all ages in its fun adventure.” — The Midwest Book Review
INTERVIEW WITH ASHI THE CAT,
co-author of
WHISKERS ABROAD:
Ashi and Audrey’s Adventures in Japan
I’m so glad you are taking the time out of your schedule to participate in this interview. This is the first time I’ve ever interviewed a cat.
You were the writer for half of Whiskers Abroad: Ashi and Audrey’s Adventures in Japan. How did you come up with the concept for it?
I saw Audrey typing about the upcoming trip on her laptop for her journal, and I thought I would do the same since I was also going with her to Japan. Of course, it really should have been my perspective only. A traveling cat is way more interesting than a traveling woman.
As a cat, how did you learn to read? With the follow-up question, how did you learn to use a laptop?
Audrey always read stories to me as a kitten. I paid attention to what she said and stared at the pages of the book. Over time, I picked up the meaning behind the squiggles, and read more on my own when she went to work. Eventually, I became literate enough to write. I learned how to use the laptop watching Audrey use it. People think their cats are being nuisances, sitting near a computer, or on the keyboard, but really, we are trying to educate ourselves about these things.
So, can all cats read and write?
Heavens no. They aren’t special like me. Besides, it’s not that they can’t, but most cats don’t have the inclination or desire. You really have to be exposed to stories as a kitten to want to pursue writing. The majority of felines are into the here and now. Writing takes you into the future or the past, so it doesn’t interest them.
Why didn’t Audrey run to the rooftops and shout she had a typing, story-telling cat?
Have you ever seen the Warner Brother’s cartoon with the singing frog? The man that finds him tries to show him off, and no one believes him? That would have happened to Audrey.
But you have a book coming out. Now everyone will know you are a cat writer.
Audrey had it published under fiction.
Will people think I’m crazy because I’m interviewing you?
Most likely, yes. Sorry about that.
What was your favorite thing about Japan?
The food! You wouldn’t believe how fresh and incredible the seafood was. I had oysters for the first time, juicy, flavorful, chewy nuggets of amazement.
Will there be a sequel?
I hope so! Although I suppose it’s up to Audrey since she’s the one to book the flights and arrange everything. I mean, yes, I can type, and I used the airline website to upgrade to business class, but I don’t have a credit card. It seems hotels and airlines want you to pay for your reservations. I tried getting Audrey’s, but she keeps that in her purse, and even with using my teeth, I can’t get that zipper open.
Any final words?
If you see me out and about, take a photo with me. I love having my photo taken and posted on social media. Also, consider adopting a kitty from a shelter. He will forever love you for it.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
ONE WINNER:
Receives an eBook of Whiskers Abroad plus a set of Ashi stickers.
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9/20/22 |
Character Interview |
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9/20/22 |
BONUS Promo |
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9/21/22 |
Review |
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9/21/22 |
BONUS Promo |
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9/22/22 |
Playlist |
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9/23/22 |
Review |
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9/24/22 |
Guest Post |
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9/25/22 |
Author Interview |
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9/26/22 |
Review |
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9/27/22 |
Top Ten Lists |
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9/28/22 |
Review |
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9/29/22 |
Review |
Boys' Mom Reads! 
I think this book seems like so much fun! Thanks for the very cat-y interview.
Cute and fun!
How fun, I have never interviewed a cat yet for my blog!
That would be interesting, especially for your language students. I know when we call a cat to come (wishful thinking, I know) we call “Kitty, kitty, kitty.” In French, isn’t it a different name? Minnie???
when I was a kid, the common name for a cat was Minou/Minette. not too sure now
LOL – I am remembering here this as a kid so my mind has changed it up a bit!