First lady Jill Biden will release a children’s book in June titled Willow the White House Cat – about her cat, Willow.
Publisher Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday that the book tells the story of Willow’s trip to the White House.
The short-haired tabby cat entered the Bidens’ lives after jumping on stage while the first lady was speaking at a Pennsylvania farm during President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Soon after, Jill Biden adopted the cat and named it after her hometown, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
“As Willow hops from room to room, exploring the history of her new home, she quickly discovers all of the incredible people who make the ‘People’s House’ work,” the first lady said in the publisher’s statement.
“They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did for Joe and me, the first families who came before us, and everyone who sets foot in this house.”
The Bidens began their White House tenure with Willow and several German Shepherd dogs. However, one dog, Champ, died in 2021, and two others, Major and Commander, were fired for aggressive behavior after biting security personnel and White House staff.
This makes 4-year-old Willow the only presidential pet currently residing in the White House.
Presidential pets have long been a source of public fascination. Willow now meows among famous felines such as President Bill Clinton’s black and white cat named Socks, who became iconic for his photo ops on the White House lawn.
Socks had her own book, written by then-first lady Hillary Clinton, called Dear socks, dear friendwhich included the email address of fans of Socks and his canine companion Buddy the chocolate Labrador retriever.
First lady Barbara Bush also wrote a book about the family pet. Millie’s Book: Dictated to Barbara Bush is a bird’s eye view of the White House during the administration of George HW Bush.
First Lady Biden has previously written several children’s books, including Remember, God bless our troops And Joey: The Joe Biden Story. She published her memoir, “Where the Light Enters,” in 2019.
Profits from the sale of the books will be donated to charities that support military dogs.
Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press.