TORC the CAT: A Furry Ambassador for Books, Animals, and Endless Discovery

Meet TORC the CAT: a curious, talkative tuxedo cat whose passion for books, animals, and exploration has captured the hearts of children across North America.

Inspired by a real-life rescue cat adopted in 2009, TORC stars in two exciting series of children’s books and coloring books that blend adventure, education, and whimsy. Through his dream-world escapades as a “kitty detective,” TORC introduces young readers to fascinating animals from farms, continents, and beyond, sparking a lifelong love of discovery.

TORC’s books, beautifully illustrated and written by author Nona, aren’t just stories- they’re invitations to explore.

In titles like TORC the CAT discoveries in North America and TORC the CAT discoveries on the Farm, TORC meets charming creatures, shares fun facts, and encourages kids to observe the world around them. Paired with matching coloring books, these tales make learning interactive and joyful, perfect for young children.

But TORC’s love for books goes beyond the pages. Through the #SMILESwithTORC charitable campaign, launched in 2018, TORC (and his dedicated humans) has been on a mission to spread literacy far and wide.

In 2025 alone, TORC donated 386 books to 123 Little Free Libraries across 5 states (California, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas), bringing smiles and stories to neighborhoods everywhere.

Since the campaign began, the impact has been extraordinary:

3,959 TORC children’s books and coloring books have found homes in 1,193 Little Free Libraries spanning 32 US states and 2 Canadian provinces.

These tiny book-sharing boxes become portals to adventure, ensuring kids from all walks of life can discover TORC’s world at no cost. Early child literacy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the new generation and unfortunately one of the biggest challenges for low-income families with regard to early literacy is the lack of access to books in their household.

What is a Little Free Library (LFL)?

It’s a network of book exchanges, a way for you to read and share in your neighborhoods. They are always free. When you’ve finished reading, return the book to the library from were you got it or any other LFL. Or bring back a different book to share with others. Check out the map at https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/ to find LFLs near you.

TORC embodies the magic of curiosity: a cat who dreams big, loves fiercely, and shares generously. Whether through his animal-filled stories or his real-world book donations, he’s proving that one small act- like leaving a book in a Little Free Library- can ignite a child’s imagination and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

If you spot a TORC book in your local Little Free Library, tag #SMILESwithTORC and join the adventure.

Join TORC on His Journey

TORC the CAT reminds us that passions like books, animals, and discovery can unite us all. In a world full of distractions, his simple joys-flipping through pages, befriending creatures, and seeking out the new-offer a refreshing escape. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging reads for your kids, a teacher building a classroom library, or just someone who loves a good story, TORC invites you to join the fun.

Paws and applause for TORC the CAT- the ultimate furry ambassador of wonder! What’s your favorite book or animal discovery? Share in the comments below. 🐱📚✨