The Best Cat Books For Kids
If you’re a cat enthusiast and looking for the perfect book to help your children fall in love with these furry creatures, there are plenty of choices. From board books to chapter books, here are some of the best cat books for kids.
Toddlers will love the ideal cat book with a sturdy construction and vibrant pictures to engage their hands. Plus, it should rhyme for extra entertainment!
1. The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat by Nurit Karlin
The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat is an essential addition to any library’s shelves. Boasting award-winning illustrations, it promises a captivating read aloud experience that kids will love. Be prepared for this book to wow in the classroom and beyond – you might find yourself re-reading after your kids have grown up and moved away! Plus, reading it aloud yourself can be fun too – hopefully you’ll have some laughs along the way! Don’t forget to give this gem a big pat on the back for being such an enjoyable read aloud!
2. The Cats by T.S. Eliot
Eliot, a renowned British poet, created an array of children’s poems which would one day form the basis for the beloved musical Cats. He composed these works through letters he sent to his godchildren during the 1930s.
These poems are hilarious, yet they also possess a deeper significance. Like much of Eliot’s other work, these cat poems were inspired by his real-life experiences with cats.
One of the best-known pieces from this collection is “The Song of the Jellicles.” This poem introduces readers to a group of cats known as “the Jellicles,” who are described as being “not too big” and adept at dancing two European folk dances: a gavotte and jig.
3. The Little Lost Fishing Cat by Mary Oliver
One of the best books I’ve ever read, The Little Lost Fishing Cat is an entertaining tale about an unlikely pair of twins with similar interests and personalities. Their offspring tend to be happier than their parents – though that doesn’t guarantee it! Additionally, the kids enjoy dressing up and being the center of attention (two words: tidbits and tepid tones!), so it’s no surprise they can’t wait to show off their newly acquired talents to the world. Luckily for them, they get plenty of fun outdoors thanks to their parents’ loveable cats as well!
4. The Cat in the Hat by William Styron
Styron was an author who delves into the darker corners of human experience. His works included The Cat in the Hat, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize.
He also published a novel about Nat Turner, an African slave who led a revolt in 1831. This book caused great controversy and was labeled “psychologically sick” for writing it.
Styron remains one of the greatest writers of all time, despite all his critics. His novels explore themes such as good and evil, sin and atonement, as well as inextricable bonds such as place and family that cannot be broken.
After the publication of his debut novel, Lie Down in Darkness, Styron quickly achieved notoriety as an author. He produced several more works such as The Long March and Set This House on Fire before passing away January 21, 2014 on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts at 81 years old.
5. Marigold Bakes a Cake by Mike Malbrough
Marigold loves Mondays because it’s baking day! Armed with his favorite recipe, ingredients and favorite cake-baking spoon, he’s all set to get creative in the kitchen!
Marigold is overjoyed as he breaks eggs, measures flour and stirs with joy. However, things get even more complex when he adds in some finch feathers and pigeon poop!
This industrious little feline knows that even with the best intentions, things don’t always turn out as planned. So he decides to teach the birds how to bake – but they aren’t so sure and keep interrupting him!
6. Kitten’s Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
From the award-winning author and illustrator of Wemberley Worried, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, and Caldecott Medal winner Harold and the Purple Crayon comes a captivating new character and thrilling adventure perfect for reading aloud or sharing with preschoolers at home.
Kevin Henkes takes a departure from his usual style with this deceptively straightforward story told through stark black-and-white illustrations. Kids will relate to Kitten’s dilemma and be delighted when she finally receives her desired bowl of milk.
This picture book will captivate young children and their parents alike with its coarse but masterfully controlled line and heavy black outlines, creating an infectious energy.
7. Cats in the Kitchen by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Janet and Allan Ahlberg have created numerous award-winning children’s picture books. Their work is distinguished by beautiful, nostalgic illustrations combined with vibrant scenes that perfectly encapsulate the atmosphere and wonder of childhood.
They possess an extraordinary talent for crafting quiet funny stories that enchant children. Additionally, their collaboration is special; it allows them to work together more efficiently.
The pair has formed an emotional connection through their shared work environment at home – in a converted hayloft – where they have had the chance to constantly discuss and relate about their work.
They have a passion for quality and produce only one book annually – an approach which has proved beneficial in numerous ways. Both are quite self-deprecating, but believe their ability to illustrate is something which has come with time and practice. Furthermore, they take great care when selecting what projects to work on – it would be easy for them to compromise their artistic integrity in order to get their books out there.
8. Cats in the House by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
For three and a half decades, Janet and Allan Ahlberg have been creating award-winning children’s literature, from picture books to poetry to stories. Their award-winning works include Peepo!, Each Peach Pear Plum and Kate Greenaway Medal winner The Jolly Postman.
Allan hails from Oldbury in the Black Country, which he describes as “the dirtiest, scruffiest place in the world.” Throughout his childhood there he worked as a gravedigger, plumber’s mate and postman before embarking on his literary career. It’s this harsh yet beautiful setting which has inspired much of Allan’s work which he now revisits in his latest book.
Allan’s books are known for their clever jokes, and this is no exception. He and his wife Janet have created over 100 books together that are beloved by children of all ages. Additionally, they collaborated on two books with Raymond Briggs – creator of The Snowman – in collaboration with each other.
9. Cats in the Garden by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This book is ideal for sharing with young readers. It features straightforward rhyming text and vibrant illustrations.
It’s an ideal book to read before bedtime and an excellent way to help your child learn the alphabet. There is also a downloadable e-book version with both the story and songs included.
Ahlberg is an expert at crafting playful, intelligent tales for picturebook and storybook readers. His tale about a boy and his family’s new kitten is an excellent example of this skill set.
10. Cats in the Kitchen by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
A beloved children’s book featuring a family of cats, this picturebook is full of delightful humor. The illustrations speak directly to readers and invite them to act out the story – squelching through mud, wading through rivers and fighting off snowstorms.
Janet and Allan Ahlberg have created many remarkable picture books, but this one stands as their finest work. They share an intimate working relationship which allows them to communicate with one another with humor and affection.
They both acknowledge their children as their greatest inspirations. They understand the significance of pictures in helping children develop language and interpret the world around them.