Cats have captivated the hearts of people of all ages for centuries, and children are no exception. With their playful antics, mysterious charm, and fluffy companionship, cats make the perfect subject for children’s books. No matter your child’s age, there are plenty of cat books that will spark their imagination and foster a love for reading. In this article, we’ve curated a delightful selection of 19 cat books for kids that will leave them purring with joy.
I really hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we have!
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Understanding Our Feline Friends & some fun facts
Before we embark on our journey through the world of cat books, let’s take a moment to appreciate these fascinating creatures. Cats are known for their independent nature, agility, and keen hunting skills. They come in various breeds, each with distinctive traits and characteristics. From the regal Siamese to the playful Maine Coon, cats never fail to capture our attention.
Here are 10 fun facts about cats:
- Cats have a specialized collarbone that allows them to always land on their feet when they fall.
- A group of cats is called a clowder.
- Cats have five toes on their front paws but only four toes on their back paws.
- A cat’s nose print is unique, much like a human’s fingerprint.
- Cats have a specialized reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which enhances their night vision.
- The average cat spends about 70% of its life sleeping.
- Cats have a keen sense of hearing and can detect frequencies as high as 65,000 Hz, compared to a human’s range of 20,000 Hz.
- The world’s oldest cat on record lived to be 38 years old.
- A cat’s whiskers are roughly as wide as its body and help them navigate through narrow spaces.
- Cats have a specialized grooming tool called papillae on their tongues, which helps remove dirt and tangles from their fur.
These fascinating facts highlight the unique and intriguing nature of our feline friends.
Now, let’s go dive into books about them!
Our favorite Cat books for kids
1- The Cat in the Hat – by Dr. Seuss
No list of cat books for kids would be complete without this timeless classic. Join the mischievous cat in the Hat as he brings chaos and fun into the lives of two siblings on a rainy day. Dr. Seuss’s rhymes and whimsical illustrations make this book an absolute delight.
2- Tabby McTat – by Julia Donaldson & Axel Sheffler
In this heartwarming tale, Julia Donaldson introduces us to Tabby McTat, a busker’s cat with a remarkable meow. Follow Tabby’s journey as he gets separated from his owner and finds friendship in unexpected places. This rhythmic story is perfect for reading aloud.
3- 100 Cats: Cute Kitties to Count – by Michael Whaite
Counting has never been more adorable! This charming picture book takes young readers on a journey to meet 100 cats of all shapes, sizes, and colors. With lively illustrations and interactive elements, children will have a blast while learning to count.
4- Oi Cat! – by Kes Gray & Jim Field
“Oi Cat!” is a delightful children’s book by Kes Gray and Jim Field that continues the hilarious wordplay adventures of Frog, Cat, and Dog. With witty storytelling, clever rhymes, and vibrant illustrations, the book takes readers on a comical journey as Cat tries to find an alternative to sitting on gnats. Through playful language and unexpected friendships, “Oi Cat!” teaches young readers about words, rhyming, and creativity while keeping them thoroughly entertained. It’s a charming addition to the “Oi Frog!” series that sparks imagination and encourages a love for language, making it a must-read for children aged 3 to 7. We love it!
We also have the Yoto card “Oi, Frog!” where you can listen to all the books from the series. My children love it and I’ve found them listening to it while looking at the book by themselves. Just wonderful.
5- Max the Brave – by Ed Vere
Max is a fearless kitten on a mission to catch a mouse, but there’s just one problem—he doesn’t know what a mouse looks like! Join Max as he embarks on a hilarious adventure, meeting various animals along the way. This delightful story celebrates bravery and curiosity.
6- Slinky Malinky – by Lynley Dodd
Slinky Malinky is a mischievous black cat with a penchant for nighttime escapades. Follow Slinky’s adventures as he prowls the neighborhood, getting into all sorts of playful trouble. Lynley Dodd’s catchy rhymes and lively illustrations make this book a hit with young readers.
7- Pete the Cat series – by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat is a groovy feline with a positive attitude. Join Pete as he embarks on various adventures, spreading love, joy, and a cool sense of style. This series is perfect for preschoolers, with its catchy songs and colorful illustrations.
Some of our favourites are:
8- Cat Breed Guide – by DK
This guide is ideal for young cat enthusiasts eager to learn more about different cat breeds. Packed with fascinating facts, beautiful photographs, and concise descriptions, it provides an engaging introduction to the diverse world of cat breeds.
9- The Cat in the Hat Comes Back – by Dr. Seuss
Join the mischievous cat in the Hat on another adventure in this delightful sequel. When the cat in the Hat pays a visit to Sally and her brother, they find themselves in a colorful mess. With its playful rhymes and imaginative illustrations, this book is sure to entertain young readers.
10- There’s No Place Like Space – by Tish Rabe
This book is not technically about cats, but you learn about space with the Cat in the Hat! Blast off into outer space with the Cat in the Hat! In this educational book, the cat takes young readers on an intergalactic journey, exploring the solar system and teaching them about the planets, stars, and galaxies. It’s a perfect blend of learning and fun.
11- Mog the Forgetful Cat– by Judith Kerr
Meet Mog, the lovable but forgetful cat who always manages to find herself in amusing situations. This endearing story follows Mog as she causes chaos in her household, from forgetting she ate supper to forgetting that she has a flap door to go in and out of the house, but ultimately saves the day. Judith Kerr’s charming illustrations and gentle storytelling make this a classic bedtime read.
From Judith Kerr, we love The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Although not a cat, it is a feline that your little one will probably enjoy as well.
12- Atticus Caticus – by Sarah Maizes and Kara Kramer
In this whimsical picture book, readers are introduced to Atticus Caticus, a young boy’s cat with a flair for the dramatic. Follow Atticus during a day as he explores the world around him and embarks on small daily adventures with his friend. This book will capture young readers’ imaginations with its playful rhymes and colorful illustrations.
13- Negative Cat – by Sophie Blackall
After asking for forever, a young boy is allowed to get a cat from the shelter. But Max the cat is not what they had expected. He doesn’t engage, likes staring at the wall… they dub him the Negative Cat and want to send him back. But the little boy will do anything to keep his cat, from cleaning his room to doing the thing he dreads most in the world: reading aloud. But as it turns out, the cat loves it! And it has a positive ending. This book encourages children to embrace optimism, read aloud and do things that they might not enjoy doing at first.
14- The King CatРby Marta Alt̩s
This story is about a Cat, the king of the house, who does not want a new Dog in his home. It is a charming story where the cat will learn to love and accept that it is not just him around and that having a companion can be wonderful. This book will resonate with young readers with its delightful illustrations and heartwarming message. It is also great for little children that will be welcoming a new sibling into their home.
15- Monet’s Cat – by Lily Murray and Becky Cameron
Explore the world of art through the eyes of Monet’s mischievous and magical cat, Chika. This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a magical journey through Monet’s paintings, showcasing his iconic works while offering a playful narrative inspired by his feline companion. A very fun and lovely book with beautiful illustrations.
16- A History of Art in 21 Cats – by Nia Gould
“A History of Art in 21 Cats” by Nia Gould is a delightful art book that uses cats to depict famous artworks throughout history. The book provides a playful and amusing introduction to art history, organized chronologically and accompanied by informative descriptions. The illustrations are whimsical and detailed, making this book an enjoyable read for cat lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
17- Pussy Cat, Puzzy Cat, Where Have You Been? I’ve Been to London to Visit the Queen – by Russell Punter
This picture book takes young readers on a charming journey through the bustling streets of London. Join a curious and adventurous cat as it explores iconic landmarks, encounters interesting characters, and ultimately reaches Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen. With delightful illustrations and engaging rhymes, this book introduces children to the wonders of London while fostering a spirit of curiosity and imagination.
I have just seen there are 2 more books in the series, where the Cat visits other major cities:
18- Cat Problems – by John Jory and Lane Smith
In this humorous picture book, a cat shares all the everyday struggles and “cat problems” it faces, what could a pampered house cat complain about? But he is a whining and ungrateful cat that is never satisfied and takes everything for granted. A squirrel points out all the things he should be grateful for, although he doesn’t hear it, in the end he sees that his situation is not really bad. I feel it is a good book to spark a conversation about being grateful and acknowledging everything that we have good in our lives. And of course, even one who lives comfortable can have his problems too! (but let’s put things in perspective).
19- National Geographic Sticker Book About Cats – by National Geographic Kids
This interactive sticker book is a must-have for young cat enthusiasts. Packed with fascinating facts and vibrant illustrations, and over 250 stickers, it allows children to learn about different cat breeds, habitats, and behaviors while having fun placing stickers in the corresponding scenes.
Whiskers and words: Cat Books for kids that will ignite their imagination
In the captivating world of children’s literature, cats have always held a special place. From mischievous characters to lovable companions, cats have inspired countless stories that ignite children’s imaginations and nurture a love for reading. Whether your little one is a toddler, a preschooler, or an enthusiastic young reader, this selection has something for everyone.
Each book on this list is carefully chosen to entertain, educate, and spark the joy of reading in young minds. So whether you’re seeking a cozy bedtime story or an interactive learning experience, these cat books will surely delight children and create cherished reading moments.
Grab a book, snuggle up with your little one, and embark on a feline-filled adventure together!
I hope you have enjoyed our selection!
Happy reading *
P.S. If you have enjoyed our blog post, you might also enjoy reading some of the following 😉
