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What is a Flitten?
Flittens are small winged animals
that look like a cross between an exotic butterfly and an immature house cat, and seem to have the finest characteristics
of both. There are many species of flitten, closely resembling many breeds of house cats, and they can be found all over
the world. Adept at concealment, flittens are rarely seen by humans. The trick to seeing flittens is in knowing how to look,
and once a person starts noticing flittens they will begin to see them everywhere - in the meadow, in the garden, and sometimes
in the kitchen.
What is a Mini?
Minis are tiny mouse-like creatures with
wings that resemble the wings of a dragonfly. The dragonfly wings suit the nature of minis, which is quick and darting. Minis
are fun-loving little creatures, living every day to the fullest. They can be seen dancing on flowers, riding on beetles
as if they were race horses or stealing treats from the kitchen. Minis can be found wherever there are flittens.
Click on the "next" button at the bottom of this page to go to learn about the life
cycles of flittens and minis. You can also meet the cats and mouse that were the models and inspiration for the characters
in Mewingham Manor.
Meet the
Artist and Author
Mewingham Manor is the creation of artist and
author Laura Von Stetina. The book is written as the
sketchbook journal of her Great Great Aunt Edwina, a character invented in order to place the story in 1875.
Laura attended the Cleveland Institute of Art on a scholarship. Summers
she worked with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as a staff assistant, doing field studies at their biological
station at Hardwood Island, Maine. She had a solo exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, participated in
exhibits at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Her work has been exhibited in juried shows internationally and won numerous awards.
Laura now lives in Florida with her husband Bruce, who is also an
artist. Bruce created Captain Katt's artwork for Mewingham Manor. The artists share their home with the seven cats
(all once strays) that provided the inspiration for the flittens.
Internet
Bookwatch
Reviewer's
Choice
Capably
written and wonderfully illustrated by Edwina Von Stetina, Mewingham Manor: Observations On A Curious New Species is a delightful
fantasy picture book showcasing the "natural history" and life cycle of a delightful imaginary species of butterfly-winged
cats. Warm color illustrations and gentle, memorable text bring these remarkable flying kittens to life. Mewingham Manor is
highly recommended and would make an impressive Memorial Fund acquisition choice for any community library collection.
Samples of Readers' Response:
Dear Laura: My book came today
and I am speechless! As an artist I appreciate the art work.....but the imagination behind the pictures is just wonderful!
Thank you so much. I am recommending this book to everyone. I hope to see a line of note cards someday! Lois
BEAUTIFUL BOOK!! 8 kitty purrrrrs! ,,,=^..^=,,, 8kittymom
Hi Laura, I think your book will make a
perfect gift for all my cat loving friends, but I will certainly keep the first copy for myself :-). I saw that the German
version of your lovely book is on sale from next month over here, so I have no doubt that it will take the hearts of
all German speaking cat lovers by storm. Renate
Laura, Your book is just the right kind of whimsy I need these
days. It seems to help keep the creativity inside me alive. Debra
All images copyright Laura Von Stetina.
For information regarding the
licensing of Mewingham Manor images, contact Laura Von Stetina at vsart@tampabay.rr.com or 727-545-4972.
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