Cat’s Cafe is a safe place, a comic about friends being there for each other in difficult times. And in One Cup at a Time, the newest collection of comics, Cat’s Cafe is open for business, inviting friends and strangers in and offering comfort, coziness, and coffees to anyone needing help or warmth.

These gentle comics show us a glimpse of the lives of several different animals, from Lub Shark who loves to give hugs to Kiwi who carries a knife (a small knife, which he uses to protect his friends from dark thoughts). Many of these sweet woodland creatures find themselves suffering from some anxiety, shadow thoughts, insomnia, social anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. Some are wired differently and prefer to stay up all night or just have trouble expressing themselves. One is hard of hearing and clearly feels like he is a burden at times, but Cat is able to find ways to communicate that helps Fox feel like he fits in too.

These comics are imbued with sweet and encouraging reminders that we all need, like taking time to care for ourselves, asking for help when we need it, snuggling up with cozy blankets and beloved plushies, or retreating from the world when it’s overwhelming. There is no judgment at Cat’s Cafe, just genuine friendship and support from others who understand.

There are some story lines that go on for a few pages, like when Penguin is feeling like a genuine gumshoe detective trying to solve a mystery, or when Rat finds a drawing of a place that looks like it could be home and goes on an adventure to find it. There are interactive pages, with a maze to help Hyena find his favorite Duckie or to find the Star Bunnies in the illustration. And there are comics that make you stop and ask yourself things like how could I help more, or what are my Care Instructions, or what are my reasons for getting up every day.

I have been a big fan of Cat’s Cafe for a while now. I watch for new comics as they appear on social media feeds and I love the books. As someone who deals with anxiety, reading these stories about others who also struggle helps me feel like I’m not alone. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the characters are adorable and charming. And there is always a positive twist, no matter how dark the characters may be feeling.

One Cup at a Time does deal directly with some of the difficult feelings we all had during the quarantines, the loneliness and the creative ways we found to connect in spite of our circumstances. I was surprised at how emotional some of those comics made me, but it’s healing to look back on the dark times with some distance and feel the warmth of Cat and friends like a soothing hug.

I think One Cup at a Time is self-care. Reading these gentle, sweet comics is a balm to my soul. And if you know someone who struggles with dark thoughts, with anxiety, or with feeling like they don’t belong, then this would be an ideal gift to give them (or to give yourself, if that person is you). Grab your warmest blanket, your softest plushie, and snuggle in with all the characters in Cat’s Cafe to warm your soul, thaw the cold thoughts, and add some sunshine to your day. It’s what I do, and it helps.

Egalleys for One Cup at a Time were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.