Jill Biden to publish children’s book about White House cats

First lady Jill Biden will publish a children’s book in June called white house cat willow —about her cat Willow.

Publisher Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday that the book tells the story of Willow’s rise to the White House.

The short-haired tabby cat entered the Biden family’s lives during President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign when the first lady gave a speech at a farm in Pennsylvania. Shortly after, Jill Biden adopted the cat and named him after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

“As Willow jumps from room to room, exploring the history of her new home, she quickly learns about all of the incredible people who make ‘The People’s House’ run,” the first lady wrote in the publisher said in the announcement.

“They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did with Joe and me, the first family before us, and everyone who steps into this home.”

The Bidens began renting the White House with Willow and several German shepherds. However, a dog named Champ died in 2021, and two other dogs (Major and Commander) were sent away due to aggressive behavior after biting security personnel and White House staff.

That makes 4-year-old Willow the only presidential pet currently living in the White House.

Presidential pets have long been in the spotlight. Willow now meows along with other famous felines, such as President Bill Clinton’s black and white cat “Socks,” who became iconic after being photographed on the White House lawn.

Socks has her own book, written by then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, called Dear socks, dear friendswhich includes fan mail addresses for Sox and her canine companion, Buddy, the chocolate Labrador retriever.

First Lady Barbara Bush also wrote a book about family pets. Millie’s Book: Following Barbara Bush’s Instructions Here’s 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 Joe Biden Story. She published her memoir “Where the Light Enters” in 2019.

Proceeds from book sales will be donated to charities that support military dogs.

Portions of this report were provided by The Associated Press.