They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but there’s no doubt that children are drawn to cats. It’s a natural attraction: Cats are soft, lovable, and just the right height for children to reach. And now it’s Adopt-a-Cat month, a great time to find some fun and educational books for your children that enhance their love for our feline companions. We have a few selections that’ll add whimsy and delight to your child’s library.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat is a pretty cool cat. The book follows Pete as he grooves to his favorite tunes and handles everyday hurdles with ease, showing us all that you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. He’s so happy with his white shoes, even as we watch them change colors thanks to mishaps along the way. But it’s his happy-go-lucky attitude that keeps Pete moving forward and singing his songs. This book is fun to read with your children — you might even find yourself singing the song right along with Pete the Cat. Don’t worry; we won’t tell anyone. [Rated for ages 4 to 8 years.]
Kitten’s First Full Moon, by Kevin Henkes
In Kitten’s First Full Moon, a young kitten sees the full moon for the first time and mistakes it for a big bowl of milk. Naturally, she goes off on an adventure to get to it. After all, what cat is going to turn down a bowl of milk? A simple, yet beautiful story, Kitten’s First Full Moon won the Caldecott Medal in 2005 and has become a popular book among parents and their children. Short and sweet, this is the perfect story to read to your little ones at bedtime. [Rated for ages 2 to 7 years.]
Have You Seen My Cat?, by Eric Carle
You’ve probably already heard of Eric Carle, who’s a well-known children’s book author. This specific book is a popular selection for parents with younger children. Carle tells the story of a little boy who has lost his cat and sets off looking for him. The boy travels around the world looking for his lost cat, encountering people of many different cultures. Unfortunately, the boy never finds his cat — spoiler alert! — but Carle succeeds in teaching a small, cat-sized lesson on diversity in this big, big world. And, of course, Carle’s signature artwork is beautifully done. [Rated for ages 3 and up.]
Three Stories You Can Read to Your Cat, by Sara Swan Miller
This selection is for the older and more independent readers. It’s a compilation of three short stories that can be read aloud to one’s cat. The real task, of course, is getting the cat to stay still for long enough. Let us know how that goes. But even if the family cat runs away mid-story, these animated tales of cat antics are sure to make your children laugh. The book’s language level is just enough for budding readers to gain confidence in their ability and introduce them to the wonderful world of chapter books.
Cats (Usborne Beginners, Level 1), by Usborne
Worried your kids don’t know enough about cats? Don’t fret. This is a great book for children to begin their cat education, as it explores cat behaviors and explains why they do what they do. Not only is the book informative, but it’s also lighthearted and fun, making the learning process more enjoyable. Usborne Publishing is famous for its kid-friendly, educational books that are approved by both kids and their parents. [Rated for ages 5 and up.]
