National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Kitty-Wan KenobiKitty-Wan Kenobi, Bookstore Cat

Today is National Black Cat Appreciation Day (not to be confused with National Black Cat Day, on October 27th). Since our proprietor is, in fact, a black cat, this is as good a time as any to remind you that cats are the best thing in the world (next to books) and we are lucky to have them. 

In order to gaze adoringly at dozens of photos of His Majesty, visit his profile page

A Tour of Sandman Books

His majesty has graciously agreed to lead you on a tour of his bookshop: 

Recommended Reading

His majesty is aware that you are only a human and he must tell you what to do in order to give you purpose in your life. Here are some books he has approved for you:

All Black Cats are Not AlikeAll Black Cats are Not Alike by Amy Goldwasser, Peter Arkle

" This pitch-perfect illustrated book proves this simple fact by diving whiskers first into the unique personality, charisma, and character of 50 real all-black cats. From Alfie, who 'has no tolerance for wet humans or being ignored,' to Sashi, who 'enjoys freeze-dried chicken by candlelight and full-on body rubs,' each cat comes to life through a lovingly hand-drawn portrait and quick-witted profile. Delightfully quirky and utterly charming, this motley crew of black cats will win over anyone with a dry sense of humor."

A Novel Way to DieA Novel Way to Die (Black Cat Bookshop series) by Ali Brandon

"Darla Pettistone may have inherited her great aunt Dee’s Brooklyn bookstore, but it’s the store’s mascot - an oversized black cat named Hamlet - who acts like he owns the place. And when someone turns up dead, Hamlet smells something rotten in Brooklyn… As the owner of Pettistone’s Fine Books, Darla is settling nicely into her new life, even reaching an uneasy truce with Hamlet. Unfortunately, when she needs to hire a new clerk, the finicky feline decides to lend a paw to the hiring process. He chases away applicants who don’t meet his approval, finally settling on an unlikely candidate: Robert, a book-loving Goth kid who has a secret only Hamlet knows. And Hamlet can’t seem to stay out of trouble. One of the bookstore’s regular customers, a man who is renovating a local brownstone, claims he’s seen Hamlet prowling the neighborhood. When the man’s business partner is found dead, Darla discovers that Hamlet may have been the only witness to what could be murder. With the crafty cat’s help, she wonders if they just might be able to pounce on a killer..."

The Cat Who Could Read BackwardsThe Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

"The world of modern art is a mystery to many. But for Jim Qwilleran, it turns into a mystery of another sort when his assignment for The Daily Fluxion leads down the path to murder. A stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, a fatal fall from a scaffolding - this is not at all what Qwilleran expects when he turns his reporter talents to art. But Qwilleran and his newly found partner, Koko the brilliant Siamese cat, are in their element—sniffing out clues and confounding criminals intent on mayhem and murder."

Cat in a Midnight ChoirCat in a Midnight Choir (Midnight Louie series) by Carole Nelson Douglas

"This time our feisty black cat detective is hunting a mysterious and possibly murderous organization of renegade magicians called the Synth, which has been making Las Vegas too hot to hold for some of Louie's human friends, particularly ex-magician Max Kinsella. Louie's on the case . . . but the trick may be on him this time. And just to make things interesting, while Louie and his furred cohorts battle black magic, both human and not-so-human, Louie's cherished roommate, plucky PR freelancer Temple Barr, is investigating the murderous side of the Synth despite the intense discouragement of female homicide lieutenant C. R. Molina. Molina herself is secretly moonlighting as an undercover operative to nail the killer of a sad, young stripper, and the search has boiled down to two suspects: Temple's current significant other, Max Kinsella, and Molina's long-gone ex-lover, Raf Nadir. Unfortunately, proving either man guilty will seriously impact the lives of Molina and her daughter, Mariah. As Louie and his human friends sink deeper into a lose-lose situation of crime and punishment, there doesn't seem to be any way out of this escalating crisis, except another murder."

My AlphabetMy Alphabet by Carole Stevens Bibisi (Local Author)

"In her second book, Miss Bronte stars in her own colorful Alphabet which uses rhyming sentences to highlight each letter on its own page. Bronte's facial expressions and her troop of mice and ladybug friends will make you smile and cheer, and you'll eagerly reach for the next page to catch more of their adventurous antics. Of course you won't be able to resist falling in love with Miss Bronte, because she's so funny and clever! She's a purrrrrfectly lovable, beautiful, lucky black cat." Autographed by the author.

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Event date: 
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 10:00am
Event address: 
5240 Duncan Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982-1783
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats By Francesco Marciuliano Cover Image
$11.01
ISBN: 9781452110585
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Chronicle Books - August 1st, 2012

The internationally bestselling book of tongue-in-cheek poetry that set off a trend of feline funniness!

Animal lovers will laugh out loud at the quirkiness of their feline friends with these insightful and curious poems from the singular minds of funny cats.

The author of the internationally syndicated comic strip Sally Forth helps cats unlock their creative


I Could Pee on This 2023 Wall Calendar By Francesco Marciuliano Cover Image
$12.74
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ISBN: 9781797216539
Published: Chronicle Books - September 27th, 2022

This easy-to-read wall calendar features a purrfect year of witty cat poetry and adorable felines to charm and delight cat lovers everywhere.


I Could Pee on This  Too: And More Poems by More Cats (Poetry Book for Cat Lovers, Cat Humor Books, Funny Gift Book) By Francesco Marciuliano Cover Image
$11.01
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ISBN: 9781452132945
Published: Chronicle Books - August 16th, 2016

A hilarious follow-up to the international bestseller I Could Pee on This


You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats By Francesco Marciuliano Cover Image
$11.01
ISBN: 9781452138916
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Chronicle Books - September 1st, 2015

Our feline friends have spent eons observing, napping, pondering, napping, and taking notes about the human condition. In between naps, they've realized that we humans could use some catlike guidance when it comes to handling the ups and downs of life.


Chapter and Curse (The Cambridge Bookshop Series #1) By Elizabeth Penney Cover Image
$9.34
ISBN: 9781250787705
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks - September 28th, 2021

In Elizabeth Penney's Chapter and Curse, Molly Kimball is used to cracking open books . . . but when a poetry reading ends in murder she must use her skills to crack the case.

A MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD NOMINEE!


Black Cat & White Cat By Claire Garralon Cover Image
$6.79
ISBN: 9781492637813
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky - June 7th, 2016

A black and white board book with a colorful surprise!

Black cat and white cat are friends. But in a world of black and white, someone is always hard to see! Can they find a way to play together without someone disappearing?

In the face of adversity, friendship prevails and black cat and white cat set off to find a place where they can play happily together.


Just Black Cats 2023 Wall Calendar By Willow Creek Press Cover Image
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ISBN: 9781549224928
Availability: Out of Print
Published: Willow Creek Press Calendars - August 15th, 2022

The twelve dazzling full color photographs in this wall calendar typify all that is beautiful and mysterious about black cats. Enjoy their silken fur and enchanting gaze all year long Printed with soy-based inks on FSC certified paper, this 12" x 12" wall calendar features large monthly grids that offer ample room for jotting notes, along with six bonus months of July through December of 2022.


Just Black Cats 2023 Mini Wall Calendar By Willow Creek Press Cover Image
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ISBN: 9781549228407
Availability: Out of Print
Published: Willow Creek Press Calendars - August 15th, 2022

The twelve dazzling full color photographs in this wall calendar typify all that is beautiful and mysterious about black cats. Enjoy their silken fur and enchanting gaze all year long Printed with soy-based inks on FSC certified paper, this 7"x 7" wall calendar features large monthly grids that offer ample room for jotting notes, along with six bonus months of July through December of 2022.


The Bookstore Cat By Cylin Busby, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cylin Busby, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9780062894342
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Balzer + Bray - October 20th, 2020

An irresistible and engaging picture book perfect for story time, and for cat and bookstore lovers alike!

The bookstore cat is an adorable . . .

bossy . . .

cuddly cat.


Note Card Black Cat By Inc Peter Pauper Press (Created by) Cover Image
By Inc Peter Pauper Press (Created by)
$9.99
ISBN: 9781441328076
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Peter Pauper Press - June 1st, 2018

The Black Cat: A Richard Jury Mystery By Martha Grimes Cover Image
$8.49
ISBN: 9780451232946
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Berkley - February 1st, 2011

Three months have passed since Richard Jury was left bereft and guilt- ridden after his lover's tragic auto accident, and he is now more wary than ever. He is deeply suspicious when requested on a case far out of his jurisdiction in an outlying village, where a young woman has been murdered behind the local pub.


Moonlight: The Halloween Cat By Cynthia Rylant, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cynthia Rylant, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)
$15.29
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ISBN: 9780060297114
Published: HarperCollins - August 19th, 2003

Softly padding through the darkness, Moonlight explores the world on her favorite night, Halloween.

The town and countryside glow with shining stars. The wide yellow moon lights pumpkins, racoons, and children out having fun. . . .


Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 2: The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat By John Spina (Illustrator), Janice Spina Cover Image
By John Spina (Illustrator), Janice Spina
$16.00
ISBN: 9780692510841
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Janice Spina - August 11th, 2015

Davey and Derek Donato are twins, but not identical. They gleaned the idea to be detectives from a book their parents bought them on their tenth birthday. The twins discover a black cat and some magic when they visit with their Great Aunt Gigi. The cat tries to communicate with the boys. But what does the cat want to tell them?


Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics By Heather Busch, Burton Silver Cover Image
$16.96
ISBN: 9780898156126
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Ten Speed Press - May 1st, 1994

An unprecedented photographic record of cat creativity that will intrigue cat lovers and art lovers alike.


Inside Cat (Brendan Wenzel) By Brendan Wenzel (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Brendan Wenzel (Illustrator)
$15.29
ISBN: 9781452173191
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Chronicle Books - October 12th, 2021

New York Times bestselling children’s book author/illustrator Brendan Wenzel offers a funny and wise celebration of observation, curiosity, and indoor life. 



From the endlessly inventive Caldecott Honor author/illustrator of They All Saw a Cat comes a picture book that is playful, perceptive, and full of delights.


Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) By Phaea Crede, Terry Runyan (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Phaea Crede, Terry Runyan (Illustrator)
$8.49
ISBN: 9781646861675
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Barefoot Books - June 1st, 2021

"Crede's tale of individuality and acceptance of self gets its point across in an age-appropriate manner. Little individualists will identify with Jet and respond favorably to Runyan's cartoon illustrations of wide-eyed animals with bendy limbs and googly eyes" - Kirkus Reviews Jet is not like any other cat . . .


Is That My Cat? By Jonathan Allen Cover Image
$16.10
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ISBN: 9781907967740
Published: Boxer Books - March 4th, 2014

"Is that my cat? It can't be. My cat is a slim, sleek pussy cat." But something's up with this rather large kitty--the same one who used to fit through the cat door, climbed trees fearlessly, and always wanted to play.


Seventeen Cats 300-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle (Pomegranate Artpiece Puzzle) By Edward Gorey (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Edward Gorey (Illustrator)
$17.95
ISBN: 9780764962790
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Pomegranate Communications - May 15th, 2012

Iconic Cats: 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle By Marta Zafra (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Marta Zafra (Illustrator)
$21.21
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ISBN: 9781922417749
Published: Smith Street Gift - October 4th, 2022

Discover your favourite cats piece by piece with this 1000 piece jigsaw.


Edward Gorey: Dancing Cats 300-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle By Edward Gorey (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Edward Gorey (Illustrator)
$17.95
ISBN: 9780764984600
Availability: Warehouse, In Stock | Usually Ships in 1-5 Days | New
Published: Pomegranate Communications - January 15th, 2019

The Black Cat's Clue By Margaret Sutton Cover Image
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ISBN: 9781429090438
Published: Arcadia Publishing (SC) - April 17th, 2008

Fifteen year old Holly Potter has returned to visit her Uncle David Potter during a family reunion he planned at his home, only to learn that he was recently killed in a train wreck in Florida. Holly is afraid to face her relatives alone so she convinces Judy to pretend to be her redheaded older sister Doris.


Black Cats Tarot Deck By Maria Kuara, Lo Scarabeo Cover Image
$23.95
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ISBN: 9780738738789
Published: Llewellyn Publications - September 8th, 2013

Black Cats 2023 Square Foil By Browntrout (Created by) Cover Image
By Browntrout (Created by)
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ISBN: 9781975448936
Availability: Out of Print
Published: Browntrout Publishers - July 20th, 2022

I Hate My Cats (A Love Story): (Cat book for Kids, Picture Book about Pets) By Davide Cali, Anna Pirolli (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Davide Cali, Anna Pirolli (Illustrator)
$13.59
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ISBN: 9781452165950
Published: Chronicle Books - October 2nd, 2018

Ginger is the weird one. She plays with peas, purrs at artichokes, and has a strange fondness for chicken (but only the neighbor's chicken). Then there's Fred. His greatest talent? Sleeping. Oh, and hiding. And when he's not hiding, he's conspiring with Ginger to destroy the house! Such is life with cats. . . can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em—if you love them, that is.