Cat-Themed Kids Books I Need to Read
- Cana Clark
- Oct 2, 2024
- 5 min read
I've rounded up recent cat-themed kids titles that are on the top of my reading list! If you don't see me review these in the next year, you have my permission to send a demanding email.
Picture Books
Ethan and the Strays written by John Sullivan, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Oct 2023, HC, ages 4 to 8)
This one is at the top of my list because it's about the dilemma of stray animals, and the ways that we can
Parents of empathetic children with a big heart for strays will find comfort and practical steps in this picture book. Have you ever seen a cat on the street and wondered what you should do? What if you're not allowed to have any pets? (Or any more pets)...? That's the problem Ethan faces when he comes across a few stray cats. He can't bring them home, so what should he do?
Ethan and the Strays is essentially a book about Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR), which is one of the leading methods for ethically controlling stray cat populations. I was pleasantly surprised to see rescue discussed so seriously in a picture book. I think this book hits on an issue many people, both old and young, have been faced with. My favroite part is that this book presents a compassionate solution. I can't wait to read!
Paula Wiseman Books/ Simon & Schuster
Kitten and the Night Watchman written by John Sullivan, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Sept 2020, HC, ages 4 to 8)
I discovered this title because it's by the same author of Ethan and the Strays! This picture book has multiple starred reviews and is an Ezra Jack Keats Award winner and a Margaret Wise Brown Prize winner.
Kitten and the Night Watchman tells the true story of author John Sullivan's cat and how he and his cat came to know each other! As the story goes, one night on the job, a night watchman comes across a kitten. I'll have to find out what happens next when I get a copy.
I think kids who like construction and job-focused stories will enjoy this as much as animal-loving kids!
Paula Wiseman Books/ Simon & Schuster
Willow the White House Cat written by Jill Biden with Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Kate Berube (June 2024, HC, ages 4 to 8)
You may have heard of this book — likely because it's written by the current First Lady of the United States. I like these kinds of books because they serve to humanize an often high-up role (ie. First Lady)... even if technically this book is about a cat. I also find it interesting to get an inside look at life inside the White House.
Besides being about a president's cat, this book is also about a small-town barn cat who finds herself in a very fancy new home. Willow the White House Cat is from Willow's own perspective, so I'm excited to read how the authors' interpreted the White House from a cat's view!
(Plus, you might recognize Alyssa Satin Capucilli's name... she's the author of the beloved Biscuit series!)
Paula Wiseman Books/ Simon & Schuster
Not My Cat written by Stacey Patton, illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn (Apr 2024, HC, ages 4 to 8)
Another true story, Not My Cat is about a woman who reluctantly finds herself part of the so-called Cat Distribution System (my words). I was drawn to this book by the title — it's a refrain you often hear when meeting neighborhood cats. I've had more than one neighbor call to me while I pet a cat in their yard, telling me that "he's not my cat," but expressing affection for the creature nonetheless.
The main character is sure she's too busy for the cat that keeps showing up, but she also keeps spending time with it and buying things for it... eventually though, the cat disappears!
This title comes from Denene Miller Books, and imprint of S&S that focuses on the everday joys and whimsy that "speak to the human experience of African American children" (https://simonandschusterpublishing.com/denenemillnerbooks/).
Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Floof written and illustated by Heidi McKinnon (Apr 2024, HC, ages 3 to 6)
Floof has been everywhere on my social media feeds... probably because of that incredible cover illustration and the adorable title!
The plot is fairly simple, following the titular Floof around as Floof causes mischief and looks adorable while doing it.
Algonquin Young Readers/Hachette
Middle Grade
Sparrow Being Sparrow written by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia Case (July 2023, HC/TP, ages 7 to 10)
With such a charming cover, I nearly bought this one earlier this week. Sparrow Being Sparrow is a story of intergenerational friendship, being new in town, and of course, cats!
Busy girl Sparrow and her family move to a new town, where Sparrow befriends her elderly neighbor Mrs LaRose and her seven cats. But when Mrs LaRose has to move into an assisted living facility, Sparrow decides to help find new homes for all seven cats. Of course, maybe her task of finding news homes for the cats might also help Sparrow find a home, too.
As a military brat with several elderly friends, I expect this one will make me cry.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster
Nimbus by Jan Eldredge (Sept 2023, HC, ages 8 to 12)
Nimbus is a classic animal journey home, combined with witches! Nimbus the kitten battles a demon, gets abandoned at a dump, befriends a theatrical rat, and discovers her hidden powers. This one is perfect for spooky season!
I may have to move this one to the top of my list this fall.
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Katie the Catsitter : (A Graphic Novel) written by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue (Jan 2021, HC/TP, ages 8 to 12)
Now, I'm not a huge graphic novel fan. I find myself a bit overwhelmed by everything on the page at once. However, a whole series dedicated to cat sitting might be enough to get me to pick up a copy, especially since it's been reviewed by The New York Times!
Katie is desperate to get herself to an expensive summer camp with her friends, so she tries catsitting for her upstairs neighbor. Here's the catch - her neighbor has 217 cats. Hoarder, much? Plus, these cats aren't normal cats... and the other catch? Oh yeah, her neighbor might just be a supervillain.
WOW! What a premise.
Plus, the award nominations speak for themselves...
A Florida Sunshine State Reader Award nominee
A South Carolina Book Award nominee
A Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award nominee
A Vermont Golden Dome Book Award nominee
A Maine Student Book Award nominee
A North Carolina Children's Book Award nominee
An Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award nominee
An Illinois Bluestem Readers’ Choice nominee
Random House Graphic/Penguin Random House
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