Table of Contents
How I Discovered Mr. Dill Pickles
I came across John Riddle on LinkedIn – a freelance writer, author, ghostwriter (and donut eater!) from Delaware – who shared the most delightful post about his grandsons, ages 10 and 14, proudly selling their funny cat books at the Kid Entrepreneur Expo in Virginia.
Their titles instantly grabbed me:
- Life Advice from Mr. Dill Pickles
- A Cat’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays
Curiosity got the better of me, so I sent John a message. He replied with warmth and enthusiasm – and the story that followed was just too charming not to share.
Meet the Cat Behind the Books
“Mr. Dill Pickles is a tuxedo cat who lives with my daughter and her family (including my two grandsons… co-author Alex, 11 and Gavin, 14).”
And just like that, a furry philosopher entered the publishing scene.
The trio – John in Delaware and the boys in North Carolina – met via Zoom and in person, brainstorming ideas and outlining stories from Mr. Pickles’ perspective. Their meetings became a delightful mix of creativity, laughter, and feline wisdom.
Writing From a Cat’s Point of View
I asked John what inspired him and his young co-authors (and I must say, quite the young entrepreneurs!) to write books from a cat’s perspective.
“I believe that everyone should write a book… or two. So when I asked the two boys, “When are we going to write a book together?” they replied they wanted to write a book with Mr. Dill Pickles.”
That’s how it all began – a simple idea that turned into a heartwarming collaboration between a grandfather, two grandsons, and one very opinionated tuxedo cat.
A Family Writing Adventure
Curious about how the process unfolded, I asked what it was like to write together across state lines.
“We had several in-person meetings (they live in North Carolina, and I’m in Delaware), and a few Zoom meetings as well. We brainstormed a few ideas, developed an outline and then we all started writing. Their favorite part was writing a book with their Pop-Pop.”
I could almost picture it – three generations huddled around a laptop, cups of cocoa nearby, channeling the thoughts of a cat named Mr. Dill Pickles.
Why Funny Cat Books Make the Purr-fect Gift
Each story in the Mr. Dill Pickles series delivers the kind of humor only a cat could craft: slightly judgy, deeply insightful, and oddly comforting. Readers describe the first book as “a philosophical journey through life from a house cat’s point of view.”
The holiday edition goes one step further – it’s part humor, part wisdom, and part survival guide for cat parents trying to keep both their sanity and their Christmas tree intact.
So I asked John about the kind of message he hopes readers will take away.
“Both books are full of LOL moments, along with some serious advice on how to take care of your furry friends… especially through the busy holiday season. The holiday book also has “cat poems” people can read to their cats to help keep them calm through any holiday stress.”
It’s that perfect blend of wit and warmth – the reason funny cat books like these make such thoughtful gifts for cat lovers.
From Family Project to Entrepreneurial Success
What started as a family writing challenge quickly became a business lesson in creativity, presentation, and confidence.
At the Kid Entrepreneur Expo in Virginia, Alex and Gavin proudly displayed their books, handled customer questions, and even spoke with a local reporter.
“The Kid Entrepreneur Expo was a big success! They sold books, interacted with customers, answered questions from a local newspaper reporter. They even designed the table display. They are very excited about finding more shows where they can show off their books!”
That entrepreneurial spark – mixed with their Pop-Pop’s experience and a healthy dose of cat charisma – turned a family idea into a full-fledged literary venture.
The Wisdom of Mr. Dill Pickles
Beyond the laughter, Mr. Dill Pickles offers lessons that only cats seem to master: patience, curiosity, self-care, and the art of staring into space as a form of meditation.
When I asked John whether the books include lessons about kindness, empathy, or responsibility – those subtle truths our cats teach us daily – his answer was simple and perfect.
“Of course. We all know our cats can teach us valuable lessons 24/7.”
Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. The Mr. Dill Pickles books blend humor and heart the same way titles like We’ll Prescribe You a Cat or Eula the Square Cat do – they remind us that cats aren’t just adorable; they’re tiny, furry life coaches with tails.
What’s Next for the Mr. Dill Pickles Series?
Every good series leaves readers wondering what comes next, so naturally, I asked John about future plans.
“Everyone is still brainstorming our next book idea. Stay tuned!”
That’s the best kind of answer – just enough mystery to make us curious. (Personally, I’m rooting for “Mr. Dill Pickles and the Great Catnap Manifesto.”)
Where to Find the Books
Before we wrapped up, I asked where readers could find copies for their own shelves – or stockings.
Both books are available on Amazon at these links:
These are short, witty, and genuinely joyful reads – ideal for anyone who loves cats, humor, or family-made creative projects.
The Mr. Dill Pickles Philosophy
As we wrapped up our exchange, John’s love for writing – and for his family – shone through every word. His project with Alex and Gavin is about more than selling books; it’s about storytelling, learning, and laughter shared across generations.
“Both books are full of LOL moments, but also remind people how much joy cats bring to our lives – even during the hectic holidays. It’s been a wonderful adventure writing with my grandsons and seeing readers enjoy what we created together.”
It’s that blend of humor, wisdom, and heart that makes Mr. Dill Pickles stand out – and makes these funny cat books an irresistible addition to any cat lover’s bookshelf.
From My Bookshelf to Yours
If you’re building your own feline reading list, add Mr. Dill Pickles right alongside Paws and Pages: My Top Picks for Books About Cats for Cat Lovers in 2024 and Top 10 Fictional Books Featuring Feline Protagonists. And, if you’re shopping for a literary-minded cat fan, my full guide to books for cat lovers might help.
Because in the end, whether we’re writing about them, photographing them, or cleaning up after their midnight zoomies, cats never fail to inspire.
And if Mr. Dill Pickles could speak (and honestly, who’s to say he hasn’t?), he’d probably remind us all to take life a little less seriously – and take more naps.
About the Authors
John Riddle is a freelance writer, author, and ghostwriter from Delaware – and, as he likes to say, a dedicated donut eater. With more than 30 books to his name and countless published articles, John’s real joy comes from collaborating with his grandsons, Alex (11) and Gavin (14), the youngest co-authors we’ve ever featured on Cats Magazine.
Together, they created Life Advice From Mr. Dill Pickles and A Cat’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays, inspired by their family tuxedo cat, Mr. Dill Pickles himself. Their books combine feline humor, heartfelt lessons, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit – proving that creativity (and curiosity) truly run in the family.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that links from Cats-Magazine.Com to Amazon.Com are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!
