Meet Our Gang
Learn more about Cheryl the author, Norman the (real) cat, and all their wonderful friends!
Cheryl Cage, Author
Cheryl Cage is the author of fifteen books and counting, including children’s book series ‘Norman the Interested Cat.’ Her varied career includes founding the aviation consulting firm Cage Marshall Consulting (still going strong after 35 years!) and twenty years as a political consultant and community activist. Her work has provided plenty of inspiration for stories to captivate and inspire the imaginations of people big and small.
Cheryl’s values like equality, inclusiveness and kindness have found a new home on the pages of her popular children’s books as she uses storytelling to teach children important lessons like caring for your neighbor, being true to yourself and solving problems. She lives in Tucson, Arizona with rescue pups Jake and Bert. She and Norman have been friends since 2015!
Norman, Muse
Cheryl first met Norman in 2015 when he and his humans came to live with her while their house was being built. Cheryl had never lived with a cat before, but Norman was a welcome addition to her animal family!
Norman is very self-confident but also exceptionally patient and kind. He never judges his friends and, as long as he isn’t bothering anyone, never feels the need to explain the reasons for the things he is interested in (of which there are many!). Norman listens well and asks for what he needs clearly and kindly.
If Norman were in human form, he would be the one friend you could always count on and the friend who is always up for adventure!
Dennis Caldwell, Artist
Dennis Caldwell is a Tucson, Arizona-based freelance graphic designer and illustrator, specializing in natural history educational outreach, and his beautiful watercolor illustrations bring Norman and friends to life in the ‘Norman the Interested Cat’ series. His work is featured at various parks and cultural sites throughout the United States and Mexico. Dennis has a passion for wildlife and the natural world. His conservation work specializing in habitat design/build and recovery of threatened and endangered species has earned him local and federal awards.
Dennis at work
Nick & Flossie Coventry, Musicians
Nick Coventry is an accomplished musician (violin, guitar, mandolin), song writer and performer. He writes, performs and plays most of the instruments on Norman’s songs. Nick plays in various bands around Southern Arizona but his main band is the popular Black Market Trust based in Southern California.
He is dad to two-year old Flossie and nine-year old Norman! Flossie accompanies her dad on several of Norman’s songs!
Nick & Flossie at work
Did you know?
All the friends in Norman’s stories
are all REAL friends he adores,
And, he’s sure, once you get to know them,
they’ll also be friends of YOURS!
Want to meet us?
All the animals in Cheryl's books are personal friends and they regularly attend virtual readings with her!
Cheryl is available for virtual classroom visits, school fundraisers, personal readings for birthdays and children's celebrations! Send us a note today about your event and we will be in touch shortly.