Some people have a type. And if yours happens to be a cat, a good book, and a cozy nook with a good sense of place, then this one's for you.
With International Cat Day on August 8th, let's celebrate our feline friends who enrich our bookshelves and lives, but also learn to remember them, and their contributions to human well-being, long after the day has passed. To commemorate the occasion, you may wish to create something in this clever and creative spirit
Book nooks, with cats, naturally.
What's a Book Nook, Exactly?
If you're unfamiliar with them, book nooks are small diorama-like creations that are displayed between your books on the bookshelf. Tiny sanctuaries of light and magic, built over evenings, and, most importantly, telling a story that relates to the book and cat lovers in equal measure.
Cats Crossing: The One Book Nook for Cat Lovers
When it comes to cat-approved book nooks, there is one that stands out from the rest.
Cats Crossing presents a hidden bookstore in the woods, complete with mossy stairs, ivy-choked bookshelves, and three cats, wandering elegantly in this domain built specifically for them because, well, it was their idea. After all, who better to judge the quality of a bookish establishment's cat-friendliness than, cats?
Gaze through handcrafted glass panes to spot the ceiling fan blades, slowly slicing the still air, and follow narrow passageways to the infinity mirror at the end of the hallway, stretching to meet your eyes. Meanwhile, the cats meander and lounge in this domain, which they claim as rightfully theirs. It takes 6-8 hours to create Cats Crossing, with a total number of 407 pieces (intermediate level). It's a relaxing build that most people do over two sittings, due to the level of detail that makes you not want to rush. It's also one of those builds that many people talk about fondly, having completed, because you enjoy the process almost as much as you like the final diorama on your shelf.
But Cats Show Up Elsewhere Too
While browsing the book nook catalog for this article, I realized that cats seem to appear in more than one place.
It's true! They hide in unexpected corners and peek from the tops of bookshelves in many book nook kits.
Kyoto Gion's Mochi is a stealthy little cat, hidden in the corner near the Hōkan-ji pagoda. He won't be easy to spot, but the reward for finding him is an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
Omoide Yokocho's cat, meanwhile, is even more concealed. Perched next to one of the glowing lanterns on a narrow street in the middle of Kyoto's famed alley, he is waiting for you to find him. Unfortunately, most people who purchase the kit will remain blissfully unaware of his presence.
Golden Gai's little white and gray cat is curled up on the front porch of the izakayas, as if he has always belonged there, tucked behind the glowing lanterns and the characteristic hanging noren curtains that, to the locals, have always been a part of this famous district. He is, after all, the mascot for this crowded area, and now he is yours.
Bukchon Hanok Village's ginger tabby is taking a stroll, taking in the majesty of the rooftops and the views over the horizon.
Why Cats and Book Nooks Are a Perfect Pair
Now let's talk about the type of person who would love this kind of gift or activity.
A lot of book lovers enjoy cozy, quiet places and have a certain fondness for things that make them feel calm and safe
They notice the little details that most people overlook and are the kinds of people who linger in bookstores just to admire the displays. A book nook is right up their alley because it's one of those little cozy things that most other people don't even realize they need. Put a cat in it, and suddenly it's a warm little world that fits snugly into the corner of the shelf and captures the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.
A Note on the Building Experience
Speaking of snug and cozy, one thing I think is worth noting about these kits is that the building experience may be just as enjoyable as the final product!
For a cat person, this is one of those thoughtful gifts that they may take pleasure in for a long time. It's not something they're likely to do in one sitting; these are kits that engross you for hours at a time in the present moment, make you stop and marvel at the diorama as it takes shape on your shelf, and make the recipient feel as if they've received a gift with lasting, everlasting value. In this regard, I think it makes for a really special holiday-season or International Cat Day gift, because it's something that will stick with them long after the day has passed.
Who This Is Really For
You know who I'm talking about. You may have immediately thought of someone when you read this section heading. Someone with cats curled up in laps as they read, or who always complains about not having a creative hobby. Someone who has a literary collection that's impressive, but missing that little spark of pizzazz. Someone whose cat's presence is felt deeply, but whose feline companion needs a little more praise and celebration on this particular day, especially in regard to their role in the household.
Or maybe it's you.
Because, after all, cats do deserve to be celebrated on August 8th. But, in my personal opinion, they deserve to be appreciated 365 days a year, and a book nook with cats is as good a place to start as any.
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Bukchon Hanok Village Book Nook Kit: A Glimpse Into Korea's Heritage