Catnip's Magic Suitcase

Name: Catnip's Magic Suitcase
ISBN: 978-1665774574

by Barbara Polidura

Publisher

Archway Publishing

Publication

Jun 13, 2025

Format

EBook

Illustrated

Yes

Price

$3.99

Dimensions

8.5 x 11 x 0.11 in

ISBN

978-1665774574

ASIN

1665774576

Pages

Age

4 - 6 years

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

On a sunny island in the Caribbean, little Abby receives a mysterious birthday surprise: a blue suitcase left on her doorstep, surrounded by butterflies. Inside she discovers a playful black-and-white cat she names Catnip—and soon learns the suitcase holds an extraordinary secret.

Whenever Catnip jumps into the suitcase and Abby grabs his tail, they are magically whisked away to new places across the island. Along with Abby’s loyal puppy Scout and a tiny mouse named Vinny, Catnip leads her on whimsical adventures through colorful gardens, lively beaches, and charming villages.

Along the way they meet an unforgettable cast of animal friends—from ducks and hedgehogs to otters, turtles, and butterflies—each hiding somewhere within the illustrations. Children are invited to look closely, discover the characters, and even create their own stories as the seasons and holidays pass on the magical island.

Filled with bright illustrations and playful questions that encourage observation and imagination, Catnip’s Magic Suitcase is an interactive picture book that invites young readers to explore, discover, and dream.

Who will you find in the pictures? And where will Catnip’s suitcase take you next?

Author(s)

Barbara Polidura

Barbara Polidura has loved drawing and painting since childhood. After studying fashion design in Berlin, she immigrated to the United States in 1974 and later settled in Tennessee. She returned to university, earning a BS in psychology from Austin Peay State University and an MS in psychology from Murray State University.

During her professional career as a therapist, she directed several mental-health programs and helped establish the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) pilot program in Tennessee, working closely with law enforcement and emergency services. She is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and has presented her work at international conferences.

Now retired, Polidura enjoys returning to her early passion for painting and storytelling. Catnip’s Magic Suitcase combines her love of art, animals, and imagination into a playful interactive book for young readers.