Cats have been worshiped and honored by human beings since ancient times. Here are nine stories that pay homage to the mysterious, magical, nine-lived cat, who has faithfully guided and protected us through the ages.

In these pages, you'll meet the tabby who, in the time of beginnings, decided that a human hearth was the proper place for a cat. You'll discover a Japanese bobtail who uses her cunning and martial arts skills to protect a master swordsman from an uppity rat. And you'll find a Siamese who helps her owner defeat a monster and win the hand of a princess.

These stories come from a wide variety of cultures around the world, ranging from ancient Egypt to the Polynesian islands of the Pacific to the German-Swiss Alps. The Hausmans' storytelling style varies to complement each culture, but their infallible ear makes each tale an irresistible read-aloud. And Leslie Baker's delicate watercolors beautifully capture the features of many different breeds. Cats of Myth is a thoroughly enjoyable tribute to our most clever companion, the mystical cat.