Book excerpt: Set in the 1950s, farmer Josh adopts two kittens left motherless. This is unheard of on his farm, as the folk there know that the boss prefers dogs. He appoints his housemaid to care for the kittens and become their mommy. She reacts badly because she is only fifteen and is scared of the little bundles of fur. But she overcomes her fear and takes good care of them, despite the fact that they can be very naughty. Life on Josh’s farm is interesting, as something new happens every day. The kittens grow into young cats, exploring the farm and getting to meet new animals. They also finally make friends with their “poor relations,” the barn cats. Farmer Josh is a wise man and has many stories to tell his grandchildren who come to visit him from the city. The children learn about farm life, and when they leave with their mother, they have a greater understanding of the differences between life on a farm and life in the city. In the end, Josh comes to believe that he is finally ready to meet a new woman, one who can be his friend and perhaps … his new wife.