Reflections from Princess Gracie, Narrator, Muse, and Reluctant Cover Model

Greetings, dear readers and fellow admirers of feline refinement.
It is I — Princess Gracie, royal household manager, literary narrator, and muse-in-residence for the Gnomeward Bound series. You might know me as the voice behind The Gnome with the Golden Hat, Gnome Too: The Gnome Grove Gem, and Gnome Tree: Gnome Roots.

Today (October 27) however, I am not here to discuss gnomes or alpacas or trees. No, today I must address a most important subject: National Black Cat Day.

A Little History, Straight from the Paws of Experience

National Black Cat Day was first celebrated in the U.K. in 2011, thanks to the Cats Protection charity, and later adopted in the U.S. to highlight the plight — and beauty — of black cats. Historically, humans have been rather confused about my dark-furred cousins. In ancient Egypt, they were worshiped (and rightfully so). In the Middle Ages, they were feared — because humans tend to fear what they don’t understand, especially when it’s smarter than they are.

In Japan and Scotland, black cats are still considered symbols of good fortune. Yet in some corners of the modern world, they’re overlooked in shelters simply because their photos don’t “pop” on adoption websites. Imagine being passed over because you photograph like an ink spill instead of a sunset. Tragic. And deeply unjust.

On Shades, Shadows, and Spotlight

Now, if you’ve ever seen my royal portrait, I am not a black cat. I am a dignified blend of gray and brown with delicate creamy undertones — what you might call an “ombre of mystery.” I have nothing but admiration for my darker kin. After all, we share the same core traits: elegance, stealth, and the uncanny ability to knock over something valuable when ignored too long.

Still, I must confess a certain… complexity regarding visibility. You see, I narrate the entire Gnomeward Bound series — every pun, every bit of mossy wisdom — yet when it came time to design the book covers, my purrental unit (that’s the human behind A Heep of Words) decided to feature a tuxedo cat instead.

A tuxedo! Imagine my whiskered dismay.

I was told it was “for contrast” — something about “standing out against the grove background” and “working better in print.” A likely story. Perhaps the tuxedo had an agent.

Still, I’ve chosen to take the high road. After all, we cats understand branding. A tuxedo cat on the cover might attract attention but make no mistake: I am the narrative heartbeat within those pages. My voice, my commentary, my perfectly timed sighs. The tuxedo cat is, in essence, my stunt double.

Why Black Cats Matter (and Always Have)

In all seriousness, this day isn’t just about puns and pride. It’s about recognition. Black cats — and darker animals in general — are adopted less often than their lighter-colored peers. That means many spend far too long in shelters waiting for someone to see past superstition or screen contrast. And yes, my purrental unit has had adopted black cats before.

So, if you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your life, consider a black cat. They’re poetry in motion, the night sky with paws. They purr like thunderstorms and carry secrets older than civilization. And unlike humans, they never judge you for rereading your favorite book or needing a nap at noon.

A Final Purr

So, as I curl up beside my purrental unit while she edits her next book, I purr in solidarity with every black cat — regal, radiant, and ready to rule your heart. And to my tuxedo counterpart on the Gnomeward Bound covers: no hard feelings.

With admiration for all shades of fur and magic,

👑 Princess Gracie

• Narrator of the Gnomeward Bound Series
• Keeper of the Treat Schedule
• Professional Scene Stealer