washington — First lady Jill Biden will publish a children’s book in June called Willow the White House Cat — about her cat, Willow. The publisher, Simon & Schuster, announced Wednesday that the book tells the story of Willow’s journey to the White House. The short-haired tabby cat entered the Bidens’ life after she jumped on stage as 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 bounds from room to room, exploring history in her new home, she learns quickly about all of the incredible people who make the ‘People’s House’ run,” the first lady said in the publisher’s announcement. “They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did Joe and me, the First Families who came before us, and all of the people who step foot into this home.” The Bidens began their White House tenancy with Willow and several German shepherd dogs. However, one dog, Champ, died in 2021, and two others, Major and Commander, were sent away for aggressive behavior after biting security personnel and White House staff. This makes 4-year-old Willow the only presidential pet currently residing at the White House. Presidential pets have long been a source of public fascination. Willow now meows among the ranks of fellow famous felines such as President Bill Clinton’s black and white cat named Socks, who became iconic for her photo ops on the White House lawn. Socks had her own book, written by then-first lady Hillary Clinton, called Dear Socks, Dear Buddy, which included fan mail address to Socks and her canine companion Buddy the chocolate labrador retriever. First lady Barbara Bush also wrote a book about the family pet. Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush is a dog’s-eye view of the White House during the George H.W. Bush administration. First lady Biden has previously written several children’s books, including Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops and Joey: The Story of Joe Biden. She published her memoir, “Where the Light Enters,” in 2019. Proceeds from book sales will be given to charities that support military dogs. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press.
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