17 Puurrr-Fect Children's Books About Cats
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It's a great time to get the kids into reading, and who better to do it with than our furry feline friends?
These books about cats and kittens are timeless and very fun to read. From picture books to novels for older kids, there's something for everyone on our list.
Felines come in all different shapes and sizes. What do they get up to when the humans are away?
For decades, books on cats have excited and enthralled young readers. On this list, you'll find classic children's books as well as new favourites in the cat books genre. Cats love nothing more than finding a nice place to relax, and kids can do that too by curling up with a good book in their very own reading den!
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean.
© HarperCollins.
Age range: 3+
Rain or shine, Pete is a super cool kitten who loves music and will always keep on singing. The first in a series that now includes over 60 titles, I Love My White Shoes is a great book for early readers.
If you like reading this one, be sure to check out the others in the Pete The Cat reading series.
Kitten's First Full Moon
Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes.
© Greenwillow Books.
Age range: 3+
This adorable tale tells the story of a little kitten who mistakes the full moon for a delicious bowl of milk. With beautiful illustrations, this sweet picture book story is sure to be a bedtime reading hit by author Kevin Henkes.
Splat The Cat
Written and illustrated by Rob Scotton.
© HarperCollins.
Age range: 3+
Even kitties get first day jitters! Join Splat the cat as he begins his school adventure with his pet mouse Seymour. A host of hijinks will follow as Splat discovers the fun of reading and learning. Kids will relate as his initial worries eventually fade away to an exciting time at school.
They All Saw A Cat
Written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel.
© Chronicle Books.
Age Range: 4+
How do you see cats? While they might be feline friends to humans, cats can be seen pretty differently from a mouse's point of view. Author Brendan Wenzel helps us change our perspective with this lovely easy reading tale that will enthral younger readers.
Annie And The Wild Animals
Written and illustrated by Jan Brett.
© GP Putnam & Sons' Books for Young Readers.
Age range: 3+
When Annie's cat mysteriously runs off, she tries to befriend a variety of woodland creatures. Unfortunately for Annie, it doesn't turn out to be a very good idea, but there's a lovely surprise in store for her. The thoughtful and sweet artwork of author Jan Brett helps to make this enchanting book a generational favourite.
Mog The Forgetful Cat
Written and illustrated by Judith Kerr
© HarperCollins.
Age range: 4+
Mog has been a lovable companion at bedtimes since she was first introduced to us in 1970 by fantastic author Judith Kerr, and her timeless tales still hold true today.
This classic story is certain to charm kids and adults alike, and there are plenty more children's books to enjoy in the Mog the Cat set if you like this one.
Slinky Malinki
Written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd.
© Puffin Books.
Age range: 4+
Slinky Malinki is a cheeky kitty based on the true story of author Lynley Dodd's own cat, Wooskit. A friend of the famous canine Hairy Maclary, Slinky sneaks off to be a cat burglar at night.
But when morning comes around, he realises that crime doesn't pay. This rhythmic tale from one of New Zealand's best children's authors makes for brilliant bedtime reading.
Max The Brave
Written and illustrated by Ed Vere.
© Puffin Books.
Age range: 4+
Max is a very brave kitten who strikes fear into mice everywhere. There's only one problem; Max has no idea what a mouse looks like! After some questionable advice from the other animals Max meets on his adventure, he ends up facing a much tougher opponent. This hilariously sweet story is sure to be popular with little readers.
Tabby McTat
Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
© Alison Green Books.
Age range: 5+
Tabby McTat loves music and his life as a busker's cat, but when he sees green-eyed Sock, he falls head over heels in love. Follow Tabby on his adventure as he figures out what to do. This is another endearing tale from the always brilliant author and illustrator duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Bad Kitty
Written and illustrated by Nick Bruel.
© Macmillan USA.
Age range: 5+
A list of books on moggies wouldn't be complete without a look at the mischievous side of our furry friends! Based on author Nick Bruel's childhood cat, Kitty the kitten may cause mayhem for her owner, but for young readers, she's sure to bring some big laughs.
The first book in the series is a picture book, but there are also chapter books - making Kitty a purr-fect character to accompany kids as they develop their reading skills.
Mr Mistoffelees, The Conjuring Cat
Written by TS Eliot and illustrated by Arthur Robins.
© Faber and Faber.
Age range: 5+
This picture book adaptation of a story from British poet and author TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike. With cute drawings and the timeless words of Eliot, this magical moggy will be a brilliant addition to any book collection.
I Am Cat
Written and illustrated by Jackie Morris.
© Frances Lincoln Children's Books.
Age range: 6+
In this informative book about cats, we find that house kitties aren't the only felines around. Join this sleepy kitten on his adventure as he dreams of the life of his distant relatives.
He's a tiger in the jungle, a lion on the savanna. With beautiful illustrations and extra info on all of the ten different types of cat featured in the book at the end, this makes for brilliant and educational reading.
Me and My Cat?
Written and illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura.
© Andersen Print.
Age range: 6+
There's a shock in store for Nicholas when he finds out that he's woken up in the body of his pet cat, Leonardo. Join him on his adventure as he realises life for a cat isn't as easy as it seems. This adorable book by Japanese author Satoshi Kitamura is a funny and exciting book on cats.
The Story Of Tantrum O'Furrily
Written by Cressida Cowell and illustrated by Mark Nicholas.
© Hodder Children's Books.
Age range: 6+
This modern-day fairy tale comes from the author of the celebrated How To Train Your Dragon books. A hungry stray cat and her three little kittens travel through the night looking for a bite to eat.
The mummy cat comes up with an interesting tale to keep her little ones occupied. They soon discover that amazing things can happen with the power of stories.
Six Dinner Sid
Written and illustrated by Inga Moore.
© Hodder Children's Books.
Age range: 7+
Sid's got it good; he gets six dinners every night from six unsuspecting neighbours on Aristotle Street, none of whom realise the cheeky but lovable cat is living six lives at once! Unluckily for Sid, when he gets a bad cough, all six of his owners decide to take him to the vet.
This delightful story makes for enthralling reading and will have kids coming back again and again.
Atticus Claw Breaks The Law
Written by Jennifer Gray.
© Faber and Faber.
Age range: 7+
Atticus Claw is the world's best cat burglar. But when he gets a new call from a group of mischievous magpies who want him to steal all the jewels of a small seaside town, he begins to rethink his ways. Young readers will love this cheeky tale, the first in the Atticus Clawseries by author Jennifer Gray.
Warrior Cats: Into The Wild
Written by Erin Hunter.
© HarperCollins.
Age range: 10+
This book is the first in the Warriors series, which tells the story of Rusty the cat, who leaves his comfortable life with his human owners to join a group of feral tabbies. He helps them in their fight against other evil feral felines and eventually becomes a true leader of the group.
This novel from author Erin Hunter is sure to be a favourite with fans of fantasy reading series.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Politics and Modern History
Zachary MacphersonBachelor of Arts specializing in Politics and Modern History
Zachary's bold move to New York at the age of 15 opened doors to incredible experiences and strengthened his relationships with his younger siblings. Now back in the UK, he has discovered his passion for writing and music. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Politics and Modern History at the University of Manchester, Zachary showcases his dedication to personal growth and learning.
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