Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles
(The Magical Adventures of Clara the Cleaning Lady)
$15.95
by Lynette Murray-Gibson; illustrated by Nancy Scheibe
Mr. Twiddles the cat can't think of anything more upsetting than a noisy, fussy stranger poking around his quiet, happy house. Then he finds out that Clara the cleaning lady can talk to him and she hears what he's saying, too! Can Mr. Twiddles get Clara out of his way and out of his house? Or will Clara's very special powers help her prove to Mr. Twiddles that she can be this cranky cat's new friend? Find out where this funny, delightful adventure will end!
Paperback, perfect-bound. 40 pages.
To purchase, visit the author’s website:
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful book for a wonderful cause
“What happens when an immovable cat (and all of you who have cats know exactly what I mean) meets the irresistible force of a determined cleaning lady? Mr. Twiddles is a fat, grumpy, gray and black cat who lives with his owners in Minnesota. One day, while sitting in his favorite dark blue, overstuffed rocking chair, he is awakened by a huge clatter. There before him stands Clara, the new cleaning lady. Of course, Clara needs to clean his special chair and he is just as determined that she will not. Who will blink first? And what special powers with cats does Clara have?
Cat lovers will especially find Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles, which won first place in the children's book category at the 2009 Hollywood Book Festival, a delightful story, but even those who don't have cats should be able to appreciate the humor of the situation. The author, Lynnette Murray-Gibson, was born in Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa), and based her tale on her own experiences as a cleaning lady and a real cat named Jazz Purr, who, she says, "is now taking catnaps in Cat Heaven." The colorful, full-page illustrations by Nancy Scheibe add much to the enjoyment of the book. Lynnette will donate a portion of the sales to support her Roynell and Annette Murray Foundation which funds much needed literacy and educational services in her homeland of Liberia, an area which has been extremely impoverished by an eighteen-year war. Her goal is to enable children there to attend school free of charge. A wonderful book for a wonderful cause!”
—Wayne S. Walker, Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great new cat book, with a supernatural twist.
“Mr. Twiddles is a rather self-centered cat who thinks his entire home is his to rule. Then he runs into Clara the Cleaning Lady. She has the magical ability to carry on a conversation with Mr. T. and she ignores his demands for her to leave and quit disturbing him. He tries several times to sabotage her cleaning, but she cheerfully goes about her work in cleaning, dusting and other duties as if he wasn't there. She finally decides to run a hand vacuum over ‘his chair’ and he is won over. Maybe she isn't so bad after all and they make their peace. The illustrations are well done and the story itself keeps you interested...”
—JT Cooper, Palm Coast, FL, Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fun read for kids.
“Mr. Twiddles was an ornery, and sometimes grumpy cat. He enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair, a dark blue overstuffed rocking chair. He would jump up and could watch everything going on outside. He especially liked the feel of the sun coming through the windows as he took his naps.
His world was perfect until he met Clara the cleaning woman. What happens when he meets Clara will turn his world upside down.
This book is really cute and the illustrations and storyline will hold the attention of a younger children. I would recommend this book for kids from three to seven years old.”
—Sandra Heptinstall, Whispering Winds Book Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Book to Share
“… Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles offers children a delightful tale that educates as it entertains. Mr. Twiddles learns an important lesson from his experience; not to judge people by their outward appearance. The ornery cat initially sees Clara as, “…wearing a purple sweat suit and a purple scarf tied around her head… the strangest creature he’d ever seen.” But he learns that Clara is a wonderful, caring individual and by book’s end, adores her.
The illustrations in Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles are bright and eye-catching. Lots of purple and vivid yellow drawings (including purple paw prints on every text page) are sure to delight children…
Quill says: A sweet tale about a grumpy cat and a kindhearted cleaning woman.”
About the Author
Lynnette Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia on September 23, 1952. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Cuttington University College in 1975. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer for 3L Enterprises, LLC; and owner of Natural Clean, LLC, two businesses she started in 2000. Lynnette serves as the Ministry Administrator for New Creation Church International in Brooklyn Park, MN.
Ms. Murray-Gibson received a certificate in Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at The Living Word Bible Institute in Brooklyn Park, MN. Ms. Murray-Gibson is currently the Vice President for Church Women United, Minnesota Chapter, and serves as Resident Judge for the Mrs. Senior Minnesota Pageant. She is also on the Board of Directors for Sister to Sister Foundation in St. Paul Minnesota, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Liberian Women’s Initiatives – Minnesota. She is a volunteer teacher for the Adult Literacy program of the Liberian Women’s Initiatives – Minnesota and also a mentor for the youth program of the same organization.
Ms. Lynnette Murray-Gibson has one daughter, Luenne Nyema, and one granddaughter, Lahti Yassmine Israel. Lynnette loves helping people and does a lot of volunteer work with children and the elderly. Ms. Murray-Gibson has supported many children in school here in the U. S. and currently sponsors children in Liberia.
Ms. Murray-Gibson has been instrumental in obtaining books from Friends of Ely Public Library to ship to Ghana. She works with Family of Hope, MN, in their fund raising efforts to build a school in Zondo, Liberia*.
Ms. Murray-Gibson has written several children’s books. Ms. Murray-Gibson is the founder of the Roynell and Annette Murray Foundation, which she started in September 2007 in honor of her parents. Proceeds from the sales of the books will go into the foundation which will then be used to fund projects in Liberia and here in the United States.
*This school is now open and has enrolled 300 students.
