Critics label this illustrated book series by R.S. Vern as "grim", "whimsical", "quirky" and "bittersweet"
"This book is appealing to all age groups. The simplicity and originality of the theme is endearing. The beautiful illustrations make the book exciting to readers. Those who have already read the first and the second parts will definitely love this book. The black and white sketches are beautiful, thought provoking, and original, and they give a personality to the characters mentioned in the story." - Rated 5 stars by Readers' Favourite
"... a beautifully-illustrated book with an engaging main character and storyline. While the story can be understood by readers of all ages, given its depressing subtext, this book is more suitable for teens and adults. Nothing is what it seems to be in Middling City, including the hope for a better tomorrow. The illustrations are poignant, while spartan text accentuate the overarching theme of this memorable narrative." - Rated 5 stars by IndieReader
"This book goes beyond that of children's picture book. There are kids that it will appeal to. There are more adults who will find their fancy tickled by middlings and Haee. The illustrations carry as much of the tale as the words. Page 16 was a happy surprise with homage to Van Gogh's Starry Night. The lessons in the little books abound. Haee learns about self-reliance, mutual dependence, exploring the great world, recognizing impossible situation and the value of home. These three little volumes would be conversation starters in any home or gathering." - 2nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards
Book
Relatable and endearing, this is a journey for all ages that explores the banality and poignancy of life through the eyes of an ingenious cat. R.S. Vern’s simple and lucid tale is not so poetic, perhaps less intense, but likely to last following the likes of Edward Gorey and Shel Silverstein.
Watch #booktrailer at https://youtu.be/KocLs1twAU4
R.S. Vern is the creator of book trilogy series: Haee and the Other Middlings. The 1st part of this series won the International IndieReader Discovery Award in 2013.
An oddly conflicted soul, she finds herself constantly torn between the challenges of saving the world and the realities of making a living. She calls herself a middling – urbanised, uneased, and most of the time, in a flux.
Haee is a real cat living in her home. Instead of writing as herself, she feels that it is less brutal seeing life through the eyes of a cat.
R.S. Vern holds a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in Communications, and a G.D. in Applied Positive Psychology.