LITERARY LAS VEGAS

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Las Vegas resident Sylvia M. Barker, in spite of her surname, is a cat person. Her affection for felines shines through in her new children's book "Snuggles: A Link to Love."

The book, recommended for ages 9-12, tells the story of a shelter cat's search for a loving new home. Told straight from the cat's mouth, the tale also includes explanations for many of the quirks and charms common in cats and kittens.

Barker is scheduled to sign copies of "Snuggles: A Link to Love" at 2 p.m. Sunday at the 8915 W. Charleston Blvd. Barnes & Noble and 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at the 567 N. Stephanie St. Barnes & Noble. For more information about the book, visit the publisher's Web site at www.tatepublishing.com.

Excerpt from "Snuggles: A Link to Love"

Being a cat is not really as easy as some might assume. If you don't believe that then perhaps after I explain a little of what we cats have to cope with you will understand. First we have people's fascination with dogs and their inability to accept the fact that cats and dogs are two different species. People seem to think that cats should do "dog tricks," when, of course, no self-respecting cat would stoop so low. Cats do not roll over and play dead, they take a nap. Cats do not fetch, they walk away and check out something that is interesting to them. Cats do not come when called or whistled for, they turn their back, sit down, and totally ignore you. Also, cats do no relieve themselves all over your yard so that you have to go out with a shovel and clean up their messes or aggravate your headache by barking loud and long at every delivery person that comes along. On the contrary, cats take care of their business in a box in one easy spot for easy removal and meow softly to alert you to an intruder's presence. Just think of the fact that you call an undesirable person a "dog."