It's Raining Cats & Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases

by Jackie Franza

You will go "hog wild" when you learn the meanings and origins of common animal expressions. Discover what it means to take "the bull by the horns" and what people are supposed to be when they are "as happy as a clam." From the writers and editors at Cat Fancy and Dog Fancy magazines comes a book that word lovers and animals lovers will both love. The origins of our favorite words and phrases are endlessly fascinating. This becomes even more true when our animal friends are involved, illustrated with cute and crazy artwork. Parents and kids, writers and teachers, and word and game lovers will be educated and entertained by this unique collection. What does it really mean to "Bark up the wrong tree?" And find out what it means when—as we all know—sadly, "curiosity killed the cat."

64 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Susan Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While checking out at Pet-Co today, I noticed the books, of course, that they use to tempt you much like a candy bar at the grocery store. You know the books I'm talking about. 'Why Your Dog Will Follow You to the Ends of the Earth but Your Cat Won't Follow You to the Next Room' & 'Your Gerbil and You on the Exercise Wheel of Life'. I always look at them, because I am a book & animal lover.


Today I hit the jackpot! It's Raining Cats and Dogs is all about the origins of famous animal phrases. Why did we start saying 'A Little Bird Told Me', and what about 'Happy as a Clam'? I am forever asking where phrases came from. Unfortunately, I tend to ask my smart-elleck boss and learn nothing from the experience. I get a good laugh, though.


It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a great book for word-junkies like me. I love learning the origins of things I use in conversation on a daily basis. The book is a quick read, but you'll walk away with a little more trivia trapped in your head. You just might needit on the next Family Pursuit Trivia night! My rating: 4/5