As Swifties well know, one of the roles that megawatt music artist Taylor Swift loves most is that of cat parent. Her trio of captivating kitties—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—accompany her on tour, make frequent cameos in her social media posts and music videos, and Benjamin Button famously appeared draped, boa-like, around Swift’s neck for her Time magazine Person of the Year cover shot in 2023. On January 7, the fluffy felines will truly take center stage when Ten Speed Press publishes their unauthorized “biography” Karma Is a Cat, the cover of which is seen here for the first time.
The picture book, written by children’s book editor Farrin Jacobs and illustrated by designer and art director Katty Huertas, paws deeper into the furry Swift siblings’ adoption stories, provides information about their breeds (Ragdoll and Scottish Fold) and offers insights on their personalities. And, as fans have come to expect with any Swift-related project, the book includes lots of hidden messages. The title, of course, features a lyric from Swift’s song “Karma,” a track on her 2022 Grammy-winning album Midnights.
Karma Is a Cat was produced with a warp speed turnaround and is the first title from Ginee Seo, who took the helm as Ten Speed’s VP and editorial director last November. “I can honestly say this is some of the most fun I’ve had putting a book together in the many years I’ve been an editor,” she told PW. “As someone who knew next to nothing about Taylor Swift before I got into this project, I learned so much. She’s amazing, the cats are adorable, and I think the book reflects all of that along with goodies that will surprise and delight fans of all ages. I can’t wait to see what they think of it!”
Karma joins the parade of Taylor Swift titles already on the market as the pop icon wraps up the European leg of her record-breaking Eras tour this weekend in London.
Jacobs, who has described herself as a “proud cat lady,” shared her enthusiasm for the project as well. “When [agent] Elise [Howard] came to me with Ginee’s idea to do a book about Taylor Swift’s cats, I knew immediately it was brilliant,” she said. “I loved Taylor Swift and her cats before, but having just spent several weeks doing tons of research—and listening to Taylor on repeat for the right ambience—I am in awe of everything she has accomplished and admire her even more. And Katty’s art is the perfect balance of gorgeous and irresistibly adorable.”
Karma Is a Cat by Farrin Jacobs, illus. by Katty Huertas. Ten Speed, $12.99 Jan. 7, 2025 ISBN 978-0-593-83758-0
