With so many books available, it can be hard to choose which cat books for kids to introduce your child to. Here are ten of the top titles that combine exciting stories, educational fun, and plenty of fun to keep any young reader entertained.
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Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág
The oldest American children’s book continuously in print, Millions of Cats is a very special picture book, and it was included in Anita Silvey’s work, 100 Best Books for Children. One of a few picture books to receive the Newbery Honor (award for “most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature”) it is easy to understand why generations of children have fallen in love with this book for nearly a century. The book reads like a folktale, and readers are introduced to a lonely elderly couple. The wife desires a cat and the husband sets forth to find one. Only he finds it so difficult to just find one, and returns home with “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” How can one choose just one? Ages 2+
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
A clever picture book about a cat walking through the world, and how it is perceived by others. The illustrations are outstanding (hence recipient of the Caldecott Honor). Each picture illustrates the cat through the eyes of the creature who sees it. For example, in the picture next to a child, the cat looks sweet and cute, whereas the same cat looks big and scary to the scared little mouse. This is an excellent book to utilize when teaching kids about point of view. Ages 2+.
Cat Problems by John Jory and Illustrated by Lane Smith
A humorous book about many of the challenges a cat encounters. This title is part of the Animal Problem series (I previously wrote about Penguin Problems here.)
Max The Brave by Ed Vere
“Max is a fearless kitten, Max is a brave kitten, Max is a kitten who chases mice. Max the Brave just needs to find out what a mouse looks like…” A sweet and funny book, Max The Brave is about an adorable kitty who is confident and brave and goes searching for a mouse to chase, which can be tough if you’ve never seen a mouse before. Ages 1+.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin Illustrated by James Dean
A modern classic, Pete the Cat is a beloved staple for any kid bookshelf! Pete is out enjoying his day wearing his white shoes, when he steps on a strawberry. His shoes turn red. Does he get upset? “Goodness no!” He keeps walking when suddenly he steps on blueberries. Does he get upset? “Goodness no!” Pete just keeps on going and singing his song.
This is a marvelous book about acceptance, going with the flow, and keeping a positive outlook. The cadence of the book is super appealing, there is even a downloadable song that goes along with it! Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes is the perfect book to read if you are teaching about colors, or if you just want something delightful. If you like this book, you are in luck! This is part of a series, we are also big fans of Pete the Cat’s Groovy Bake Sale by James Dean.
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Kitten sees a full moon in the sky for the first time and thinks it is a bowl of milk! So she chases it…Follow Kitten on her adventure as she seeks her milk. I admire the determination of this kitty who despite obstacles pursues she stays focused on her goal no matter what. The black and white illustrations are fabulous, and emphasizes the nighttime story setting. I love the details in Henkes art. Kitten’s face is full of endearing expressions. Purr-fect for kid who adores kitties. Kitten’s First Full Moon won the 2005 Caldecott medal.
And a Cat From Carmel Market by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Illustrated by Rotem Teplow
Bubbe (yiddish word for Grandmother) is getting ready for the Jewish sabbath. To prepare, Bubbe visits the local outdoor market to get challah, chicken soup, a tablecloth, potatoes, carrots, squash. When she comes home, Bubbe finds that lots of stray cats have found their way into her shopping bags! This is a sweet book that invites readers to armchair travel to Tel Aviv, Israel. Read this beautiful picture book and see the preparations that go into the weekly Shabbat celebration. Enjoy spotting the sneaky kitties as they cleverly hitch a ride with Bubbe! Ages 3+.
Dragon’s Fat Cat by Dav Pilkey
Colorful, funny, and easy-to-read, Dragon’s Fat Cat is a chapter book for emergent readers. In the book, a lovable dragon who adopts a cat. Only, Dragon does not know much about caring for a cat. Join Dragon as he learns from his mistakes about caring for a cat. Ages 4+
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
When Kitty runs out of her normal food and is left with asparagus, beets, cauliflower, dill, and other food in alphabetical order she doesn’t find appealing, she acts out and acts out! She ate homework, bit grandma, and clawed the curtains! When the food improves, so does her behavior. This is a humorous picture book that kids can enjoy pointing out the words in abc order, as well as discuss positive and negative choices. Ages 4+.
The Curious Cat Spy Club by Linda Joy Singleton
Three classmates serendipitously happen upon an abandoned litter of kittens in an alleyway dumpster. Upset that someone would be so cruel, the kids become friends and form the Curious Cat Spy Club to care for and solve the mystery of the abandoned kitties. Age 9+.
Love to hear YOUR thoughts!
I am always on the lookout for a great book! Please DM me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian or Facebook at Sheryl Hoffman with recommendations!
Happy Reading!
XO, Sheryl