Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World is about a small town in Iowa who finds a cold starving kitten in the book drop one morning. Vicki Myron is the librarian who lobbies to keep him as a library cat, and thanks to the agreement of the board, Dewey Readmore Books becomes an irreplaceable member of the community. He gains worldwide attention, but none of this goes to his head. He remains oblivious to the attention, and continues to curl up in the lap of the library patron who needs it most that day, scavenge for rubber bands, and wave at Vicki each day as she came to work.
This isn’t just Dewey’s story. It’s Vicki’s too — how she survived a difficult marriage, single parenthood, and recurring illness in the midst of finding her niche in the small Iowa library. It’s also the story of a town — Spencer, Iowa — and it’s ups and downs as industry pulls out and this farming community hits hard times.
I don’t particularly love cats, but I do enjoy a good heartwarming animal story, and I do love libraries. If you enjoy any of these types of stories, I can heartily recommend Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World.
We have five copies to give away. You can win either the hardcover book, or the audiobook version. I haven’t heard the audiobook, but this kind of story is my favorite to “read” as an audiobook. Please let me know which you prefer.
For an extra chance to win, please leave a question for author Vicki Myron. She is recording a podcast on November 17, and they want to know what sort of questions you have for her! I’ll let you know if your question is selected, and I’ll publish a link to the podcast when it’s available.
If you post a question, also be sure to leave a separate comment (as your second bonus entry) telling me if you’d prefer the audiobook or hardcover book.
The winners of 201 Things to do When Kids Say I’m Bored:
#144 Jennifer Short
#245 flared0ne
#243 Marcia S.
5 Minutes for YOU to read, relax, & connect with other moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.
{ 284 comments… read them below or add one }
I think my question would be something like ‘how much of the story is auto biographical for the author herself rather than the cat?’ except phrased more politely!
Best wishes
Oh, I have wanted this book! It sounds so good.
I would love the hardcover book if I won a copy. Thank you so much for the chance!
My question for the author would be:
What do you think made Dewey so appealable and lovable? What made him different than other cats?
As a cat lover I find this book to be something I would love.
Thanks for the extra entry!
I hadn’t heard of this book till ow but it certainly looks like one I would love to read.
Ok my question is more about being an author then this particular book
“what do you do to get the juices flowing when you are suffering from writers block??”
Thanks for the extra entry and I really would like to know the answer to the question LOL
I love cats and I love reading, this is on my list of must reads. I would prefer hardcover
Thanks!
Looks like a fun book! I would love the hard cover copy:)
Since my kids have way too much say over the music we listen to, I’ll have to say I prefer the hardcover.
For the author: Are you a cat person?
I am a cat fanatic–I have been wanting this book ever since I first heard about it! I would prefer the hardcover.
I read something somewhere about clearing this with the Health Department because of allergies to cats, etc. I didn’t really read the whole article. Can you elaborate on that, please?
I would absolutely love to give the hardcover book to my mother for Christmas. She would just love it!
What a cute story (I’m assuming!). I’m curious… was this based on a true story? and if not, how did she come up with the idea?
I’d love to win this book–hardcover please!
For me second entry, I’d ask the author this:
-Is this a true story?
-Were there people that disagreed with the majority of the town about having a “library cat”
Hi. Are you having daily posts for your giveaways or do you have a page somewhere where they are listed? Thanks for the info.
I heard about this book, and it sounds wonderful and heartwarming! I would love to gift a copy to my cat-loving mother-in-law. Hardcover for me, if I win please. Thanks for the giveaway!
This sounds like such a cute story. I’d choose the audiobook.
I’d like the hardcover and I’d ask the author if there is any fact behind this story!
Author’s Question: In general what do you think the best topic for a non fiction book is?
I ment fiction not nonfiction
I would love the hardback copy. It seems like it would be a good curl by the fire book.
I would love the hardcover copy. I’m trying to type this with my cat on the keyboard!
I would love the hardcover copy so I can sit on my balcony and read it.
I enjoy these kinds of stories and would love the audiobook version
I just heard about this book from my dentist, and I have a Libby the librarian kitty rescued from outside our local library, she is the most trusting gentle and giving kitty. I would love the audiobook..my question What person was the most changed by Dewey?
I love to read and this looks like a great book. Hardcover Please.
Sounds like a good book! I love to read and am always looking for new authors and books! Thanks for the opportunity! I would like the autobook. I would like to try it out in the kitchen when I am cooking! thanks again!
I’d choose it in hardcover. Sounds like a good read.
I would love to win this book! I think I’d prefer the audio version…it would be a good impetus to (try to) remove the loonies and quarters that my toddler meticulously fed into the CD player in the car!
Sounds like a great book – I’d love to win a hardcover!
I would love to win the hardcover book or the audio verson.
My middle son Evan is always reading. I would luv a Hard cover copy.
hardcover
subscriber
I have heard this book is great-I would love the hardcover version.
Sounds like a great book, I love cats. If I win I would want the hardback book.
what a great gift for a reader, so I would like the hardcover version.
Question for the author…How long did it take you to write this book?
If I won, I would pick the audio book, I love listening to audiobooks in the car when I am out running errands.
This looks like a very sweet book. I would have a hard time choosing between the versions, but I think I’d pick the audiobook so my son could also enjoy listening to it (at bedtime).
I would love the hardcover version. What a great story!
Question for author – Do you have any other pets?
Ooo, I’d love a hardcover copy of the book — I’ve been anxious to read this one for awhile!
My question for the author — Has Dewey and his circumstances made you more interested in working to help homeless animals?
Hardcover. I am a sucker for cats.
I would love the hardcopy. I love cat books. Thanks.
Saw the story of “Dewey” on TV – either 60 Minutes or one of the other News Magazine-type shows. Great story! Never wanted a cat – own two adoptees, plus 2 dogs – that I can’t see life without anymore. I will be devastated when they are gone. Each has a different personality. Would love the hard cover book to read and tell my grandchildren about so they can learn to appreciate life – not just human – all life.
I would ask if Dewey came along when she was at a low point spiritually and whether or not Dewey’s appearance gave her a new perspective on how she perceives God.
I would like the hard cover version. I like audiobooks, but there’s nothing like the feel of a book in your hands.
I would like the hard back book.
i would like the hard back book-this book sounds so heartwarming, i would love to read it
I have four cats myself and I’ve been dying to get my hands on a copy of this book. Either version would be great.
cute book, hadcover please~! Thanks!
My mom is a real pet lover! She enjoys all types of stories about animals. I would love to win a copy for her!
Sounds like a great read. I would choose hardcover. Thanks for the chance!
Question for the author: Where (what location) do you prefer to do your writing?
Hardcover so I could reread it over and over.
I’d like the hardcover!
I love cats AND libraries, so this sounds like a terrific book! I would love to read it. I’m a “traditionalist,” so I would prefer the hardcover version.
Question for author: How was having Dewey therapeutic for you in dealing with the struggles you were going through at the time?
We would love to win a hardcover book, thanks!
I’d love to win — this book sounds so fun!
Megret
My question for the author —
I have shopped in a lot of antique and other shops that have resident cats living there. It is so much fun to browse around and find sleeping cats here and there…..I am very much a cat person….but I can understand how this might turn someone off.
How does the library cat’s situation affect those who detest cats OR have cat allergies? Has this ever been an issue?
Thanks!
Megret
I would love to read the hardcover book!
audibook
I’d really enjoy the audio book please!
I would love this in audio! Thanks for the chance.
shelcows AT gmail DOT com
Sign me up for the audiobook please!
aww, Dewey looks like my Rex. I’d love to read the book!
I would love to win the hardcover version.
I would love to win the hardcover version.
hardcover
dewey decimal system
hardback would be my choice.
my question is : have you ever felt that animals could understand you, on a really connected level? some people feel than can communicate with animals. do you?
This cat is my Roxie-Baby…almost identical! I would like hardcover if I win…thank you
This looks like a adorable book. I’d like the hardcopy if we won. Thanks.
I’ve been eyeing this book for a while. If I won I’d choose the hardcover book.
I would like the hard cover version. Thank you
What an intriguing book – especially for animal lovers who spend a lot of time in the library.
Since I never get the time to sit down and actually read a book, I’d like to enter for the audiobook. I’ve been able to “read” many books that way – while driving, shopping, cleaning, etc.
I would like the hard copy of this book! Its sounds great!
Thanks
As a fellow Iowan, I can attest for the charm of the small Midwestern community and its people.
The question: Was the intent behind the book solely to talk about this extraordinary cat living in an unusual environment, or is there more to it – like a nostalgic ode to the small-town Iowa community?
Thanks!
Sounds like a sweet story. I’d prefer the hardcover book.
Our family loves animal books. I would like the hard copy of the book
Do you have other Dewey the Cat books in the works?
I would want the audio version to give my daughter to listen to as she goes to work. She is not like me because I love to read. She has been trying to read some lately but this would be ideal for her to listen to on her way to work. After I listen of course. Thank you for this chance.
Question: Does the author have cats and how many?
I have been looking for a new book to read. I would love the hardcover version.
Thanks for the giveaway!
love to win the hardcover
would love to have the audio if I won- could listen while I drive..but love reading the book
my question is how did they bypass the cat in a public place- especially govt owned -
How fun is it to see your name on the best seller’s list? Did you always feel that you had a “book” in you?
Love audiobooks.
audio book please.
I would like a chance at a hard cover please.
I would love the hard cover version.
What a great looking book. I’m a cat lover as well so a particularly interesting looking read!
Would love the chance to win a hardcover.
Thanks!
i love audiobooks…. I am finshing Lucky Me by Michael J Fox….. If you are looking for a great book this one is good
I would like a hardbound book.
either is fine hard cover OR audio. But i would really love to win becasue im a cat freak.
Hardcover please.
I would prefer the hardcover. Thanks for the chance to win.
As for a question to the author, I would ask:
“What breed of cat do you think is the cutest?”
I would love the audiobook!
Question for author: Did you have problems with any of the library’s patrons having cat allergies?
I’ve heard of this book before and always thought it was non-fiction, but the description makes it sound like a really good story. (Only now I’m not sure if it’s fiction or not, forgive me if that makes me sound really ignorant.) I’d prefer to read the hardcover version.
audio version for me please!
Here’s my question….
Did she ever read aloud to the cat? If so, what did she read? What kind of books does Dewey prefer?
would love to win
Hardcover——Looks like an interesting read. Please sign me up for your contest.
Great story! I’d like to have the hardcover.
This book has been my argument to have a cat in our library! =) I would love to have the audiobook.
The audio book please. I can listen while I do my contesting.
I’d like to receive the hardcover copy.
My daughter is a librarian and a cat lover. I would love a hard cover book!
Audio version
hardcover, please
I would love to learn more about Dewey!I would choose the book.
Oooh please enter me I so want to win the hardcover of this book.
Question for the author:
What made you decide to write about Dewey in the first place?
I have wanted to read this book so bad. Thanks for the chance to win it. The book version would be great.
Though I am blind, I do love cats, and I prefer the hard cover version, I will scann it and listen on my computer, then have the book on my shelf to loan to others.
Enter me please
I would like the hardcover book, please. Thank you!
I love to win hardcover book please
Please sign me up for this one! I think I’d prefer the audiobook version, but really, either one would be welcome and enjoyed!
Cool. I would prefer the hardcover copy.
I prefer the hardbook version. I like audiobooks too, but there is nothing like curling up and reading a good book.
Looks like a good one…hardcover. thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com
i would love the hard cover of this book, thanks!
I’m an animal lover AND a librarian, so Dewey is my kind of mascot! I’d love to have the audiobook version, as I do a lot of driving.
Looks like a terrific read. I would like the hardcover version, please. Thanks!
I am love to read and LOVE cats so would LOVE to read this.
I would like the hard cover one if I should be lucky enough to win.
Thanks:)
i would like the hardcover edition.
I’d like a hardcover and would ask if there was ever a problem with any library patron being bothered by either allergies or asthma as far as Dewey was concerned.
I would like the hard cover please.
Cheers!
My question for the author is:
How did you prevent “Cat Damage” in the library.
I was just looking at this book the other day, but decided against getting it because I’m trying to save money. I would be thrilled to win the hardcover!
I would love to win the audiobook version so that I could listen while I walk.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I saw the story of Dewey on TV and would love the hard covered version if I win.
I’d pick audio book so it could be shared. What was the authors first writing attempts, and age at which she knew she wanted to write.
Audio, and what is the authors favorite subject?
I’d like to know how having a bestseller has changed your life and if you ever believed the book would be such a success?
I’d love to have the hardcover if I win. Thank you!
I would love the hard cover book. Thanks!!
I’d love the audiobook version. I love to listen to a good story while I’m driving or travelling.
hardcover!
hardcover, thnx
Sounds like a good book. Hardcover please.
As one who works in a library, loves to read AND owns 12 cats, I would love to read about this very lucky cat! I prefer the Hardcover please.
Thank you for offering this as a giveaway!
This sounds like an awesome book, and I’d love to read it and review it for my book blog. If selected I’d prefer to go for a hardback copy if possible.
Thanks!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
I have a question for Vicki….
Were you the one responsible for naming Dewey? It’s such a clever name for a library cat.
Thanks!
RebekahC
littleminx@cox.net
P.S. I’d prefer hardcover if selected to win.
hardcover
We saw a TV spot on Dewey a couple of months ago, and I’d love to read the book! If I win, I’d like the hardcover version, please.
I would love to read this book. It looks sooo cute!
This book sounds very heartwarming and cute. I would prefer the hardcover version. Thanks so much for sucha wonderful giveaway!
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
I would like the hardcover version. I have been wanting to read this. Thanks for the chance!
just to cool
hardcover
Sounds like a great book! I think I’d rather Hardback.
I would love the hardcover copy! Thans for offering it
HI,
I am new to the forum and to the emails…but I look forward to learning more about your forum.
That book is so befitting for us. I am recently divorced, come from a small town in Michigan…we moved closer to the city after the divorce…I am currently looking for a job after 17 years of being a home maker…and we just rescued a small kitten a couple of weeks ago… that story sounds so befitting…lol…
look forward to our chance at winning…
good luck everyone,
Perri
oops I did it again…I forgot to put the link in the response…
sorry,
Perri
<a href=”http://www.5minutesformom.com/4734/under-the-tree-
I would love to win a copy of the audiobook. Thank you for the chance.
hardcover please
hardcover please
I would prefer the hardcover!
Sounds fabulous!
I’d love the hard copy version.
I’m definitely a ‘read it’ book person. Hard copy please.
i havent heard of these books before but I would love to win them so i can read them
I’d love a chance to win this book…I love cats and am in fact looking at my cat sunning herself in the window as I type this!!
Question for the author for my second entry. My husband’s office has an “office cat” and I know of a jewelry store who has a “store cat”. My question is…how did that affect those who came in who had allergies? Was that one reason you had to lobby so hard to keep the cat as a “library cat”?
Oh yes, and I prefer a hard copy.
I would enjoy the audiobook. I love to listen to books while I’m doing housework.
hardcover
hardcover please
I’m on the newsletter list
I’d love to win the hardcover, thanks.
I’d love to win this book!
I’m a subscriber!!
I would love the hardcover book if I won a copy
I would love to win the hardcover book for my niece.
Thank you for the nice giveaway.
I love taking my wonderful and smart grandchildren to the library. The parents will not take them. thank you for this great contest and prize!
Aw, Dewey. What a cutie. Hardback please. Libraries and cats are a great combination!
I would love to have the hardcover copy of the book; it sounds wonderful!
A library and a cat makes for a good listen or read. Would love to win the audio.
I want to read this (well LISTEN) to it so badly. I’d love it on audiobook.
Question: Do you think having Dewey in the library encouraged more patrons to visit and check out books, and was there a substantial increase in circulation? Hardcover please.
I’d pick the audiobook
This looks like a good book. I would like to win the audio book. I listen to them a lot when I drive. Thanks for the contest!
We are all pet lovers in my family and I would love to win this book!
I’ve almost got a certificate in a library tech program and would love to have the hardcover of this book.
I would love the chance to win the hardcover. Thanks!
I would like the hardcover book if I won .
I would like the hardcover, please? What makes this cat so appealing?
I’d take the hardcover
Where do you get the inspiration for your stories and what do you do to overcome writer’s block?
Would like either version for my daughter…a BIG cat lover.
I would love a hardcover version of this book. Thanks!
This does look like a cute book and I’d love to hear/read his story.
I would prefer the audio book version, please. Thanks!
I would love to win this book! I am an animal lover and would also pass this book unto others when I was done. I can soooo relate to Victoria’s story too.
…and my question would be, how did you keep focus on writing when everything around you needs attention as well? I ask that, because that is what stops me always, things around me that need ME.
hardcover please..
I would love the hardcover book if I win!
Hardcover, please!
I would love to win the hardcover to read to my granddaughter as cats are her fav! This is so adorable!
This would be great to win, would want the
hardcover, hard to do audio books in bathtub.
I’m a real cat lover—so I’d like wo win this—in the hardcover version.
I would be happy to win either version!
I’d like to win the audiobook. This sounds like a wonderful story and I’d love to ask Vicki if it’s based on a true incident that she heard about or read about.
I would love the audiobook
sounds like a great story! I’d love the hardcover
for the author: do you own a cat and if so, how many?
I would love to own a hardcover copy of this book.
Thanks
I would like to have the hardcover version
I would love the audiobook version.
I would like the hardcover book so that I can read it on the train and bus. Thanks!
Does not matter which one , Thanks.
HARD COVER.
I would like the hardcover. I really want to read this book.
I would love the hardcover book, so I can share the wonderful story with my friends.
Oh, I’d love to have the audio book…I just read about that cat.
My question would be “What got you through the difficult times of going through a divorce and being a single mother?”
I would love to have the hardcover book! Thanks for taking the time to do this!
I would like the hardcover book.
I would prefer the hardcover. Thanks
I’d like the hardcover! Thanks so much!
I Would Love The Audiobook Please
Hardcover please
I would love to have the audiobook if you select me. Thanks!
I would love the Hardback book. Need a good read to curl up next to the fire with.
Thank you for the chance to win! I would like the hardcover.
hardcover
I’d like the hardcover please.
I would love to win the hardcover book.
I would love this book. Hard cover version please
Hardcover please.
I love cats and libraries. If I am selected, I’d prefer the hardcover.
Question for the author — did she keep a journal during this time in her life?
That sounds like a fun read for the upcoming holidays. I would like the hardcover version. THank you
Hardcover/Reading is FUN!
id love the hard cover book
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 
I love audiobooks, thanks!!!
great story
I love books! I would love the hardcover.
I would love to win the hardcover! Thanks!
I would love to win the audiobook. Sounds good.
Met this great guy in a library, so married that librarian…27 years ago. We often go on long car trips so the audio book version would be a perfect way for us to share this wonderful library story.
Vicki: What seems to create that magic connection between libraries and cats?
Ever since I’ve seen this book on the ‘bloggyspere’ I’ve wanted it..the cat kinda looks like mine..
I would love the Hardcover copy…
Lots of info on this book because it was in IA!!! Lot of story lines about the changing town while this cat was in the library. No sex, violence. What better book to read! I would love to meet the author and thank her for taking time to add pleasure to so many. A Hardback is always a gift. Thanks!
Hardcover, please! Looks like a good book.
I would love the hardcover copy if I win.
My question would be “In giving Dewey permanent resident status in the library did you consider patrons who might be allergic to cats?”
BTW I love cats.
I would really like to win the hardcover book. It seems like a terrific book.
Question: I haven’t read the book but Vicki did you have cats growing up when you were a child?
If I win I’d like the audio book
I’d love to win the hardcover book.. please enter me
I would like to win the hardcover version. Thanks
I’d love to win a hardback copy please!
I’d like to win the hardcover book. Thanks!
I’d love to win the audio book to listen to while I’m on the treadmill.
I’d like to know from Lisa which books she’s reading or fellow authors she’s following.
The book, I love cracking the spine and the smell of the paper.
I prefer the audio book so I can listen while I take my morning walk.
Nothing beats the feeling of a good book in your hand! I would chose the hardcover version.
Please enter me into the contest for the hardcover book. Thanks!
My question for Vicki Myron is: what is your favorite food?
Please enter me into the contest for the hardcover book. Thanks!
I’d love to win the hardcover book for my cat-crazy five year old.
Thanks!
foxsquirrelrabbit AT gmail DOT com
My question for Vicki is: What were your favorite things to do when you were a child What did you want to be when you grew up?
Thanks!
foxsquirrelrabbit AT gmail DOT com
I’d like the hardcover if I won. I love to read and I love cats, so this would be perfect for me.
I’d like the hardcover.
My question would be, “Any idea why smll bookstores so often have a resident cat?” (I approve, but I don’t think it’s because of mice.)
I’d love to win an audiobook version to listen to in my car!
Here’s my question, when did Vicki decide to write the book and was the process what she expected?
I’d heart to win an audiobook version to listen to in my car!
I have four cats, so I would like a to read this book. I would like the book.
I would truly enjoy the hardcover. Thank you for the contest.
Please enter me for the audiobook. I love to listen to books on my way to work. Thanks!
I would love to have the hardcover copy. Thanks so much
I would like the hardcover book.
I would ask “How many cats do you have?”
Audiobook!
I have five cats that have adopted me (all have now been “fixed”) and would love the audiobook version.
I would ask “How did you ever get started?”
Audio sounds good. I drive daily.
I am a huge cat lover! With two purebred Bengals and an adopted stray, I’m kind of like the crazy cat lady. I would love to read the hardcopy book. Thank you so much for the great contest.
It sounds so good.
If this contest is still going, please sign me up! Audiobook, please.
I didn’t realize you get extra entries for feeds and newsletter…so here is my extra entry.
Perri
<a href=”http://www.5minutesformom.com/4739/christmas-giveaway-
I didn’t realize you get extra entries for feeds and newsletter…so here is my extra entry.
Here is my other one for feeds…
thank you,
Perri
<a href=”http://www.5minutesformom.com/4739/christmas-giveaway-
I would love to win the hardback! Is it true that this book is being made into a movie?
guess I’m too late… I love cats.