Joey Cheshire got an invitation to Isabella’s birthday party. (Yes, he is related to THAT Cheshire cat. However, he would like everyone to know that Lewis Carroll exaggerated that cat’s ability to fade away leaving behind his smile.) Regardless, Joey thought that Isabella was the most beautiful cat he had ever met and wanted to get her the perfect present.

He asked his sister what he should get. She was friends with Isabella.

Joey: Sheila, what are you getting Isabella for her birthday? Can you help me think of something?

Sheila: I’m getting her a book. She likes to read.

Joey: That’s nice, but I’m thinking about something a little fancier. Does she like jewelry?

Sheila: She was looking at a fancy tiara and collar set.

Joey: That sounds good. Let me check it out.

Joey went to the jewelry store and looked around. He asked the lady behind the counter whether they had any tiara and collar sets.

Salesperson: May I help you?

Joey: I’m looking for a gift for the most beautiful cat in the world. She wants a tiara and collar set.

Salesperson: Hmmm. Perhaps she’d like something like this?

She showed him a set that was covered in tiny diamond chips. It sparkled when she held it up.

Joey: That would be perfect!

Salesperson: It is beautiful. However, it may be a little pricey for you.

Joey: How much is it?

The salesperson showed him the price tag. Joey couldn’t believe it. It was way more than he had. He trudged out of the shop, dejected. He went home to think.

Mama Cat: Hi Sweetie! How was your day?

Joey: You remember that beautiful cat I told you about?

Mama Cat: Isabella?

Joey: Yes. She invited me to her birthday party.

Mama Cat: That’s wonderful!

Joey: That’s what I thought too. But the present that she told Sheila she wants is really expensive. I need another idea.

Mama Cat: Why don’t you get her a silvervine toy? Everyone likes those.

Joey: That’s not going to make a good impression. I want her to love my gift.

Mama Cat: You could give her some flowers. Or a catnip plant.

Joey: Thanks, Mom. I think I’ll keep looking.

Joey went to his room and laid on the bed. He was tired of thinking about the present and decided to take a nap. He dreamed about chasing a mouse. Joey thought it was a sign that he should get a mouse for Isabella. He tried to decide whether it should be plate-ready or alive. They were a lot more fun alive.

He was in the middle of planning when he was called to dinner.

Papa Cat: How was everyone’s day?

Mama Cat: I went to a new shop today. It’s called La Crémerie. It has the best cream I’ve ever tasted. Soft cheeses too.

Papa Cat: That sounds delicious. What about you two?

Joey: I got invited to Isabella’s birthday party. I am planning on giving her a couple of mice.

Sheila: That’s a terrible idea. She’s allergic to mice. You might kill her.

Joey: Rats! Now I have to think of something else.

Sheila: No rats either.

The morning of the party, Joey still didn’t have a present. He was walking beside the river and had an idea. He was sure that no one else would have the same gift.

Joey walked up to Isabella and dropped his present at her feet. She purred and rubbed his face.

Pictures are courtesy of Google Images