Tom's Tweet by Jill Esbaum

Summary: When a cat finds a bedraggled baby bird that has fallen from its nest, an unlikely friendship develops between the two.

Little ones are sure to enjoy this book for its silly humor. I enjoyed the grumpy character, Tom.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 3

Amazing True Stories About Animals

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I Had a Cat 

by Mona Rabun Reeves

Summary: The owner of a cat, dog, bird, ape, frog, elk, deer, and a multitude of other animals finds new homes for all but one.

This is a fun, repetitious story. This story celebrates cats as pets. However, I could not help thinking, “Why did he have to get rid of the dog?” In all fairness, all of the animals he gives away serve a purpose at their new homes.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

Interest Level: grade k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Kitten's Winter

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: A young kitten explores the woods on a cold winter day as other animals shelter from the weather or engage in their usual seasonal activities.

This story in rhyme is a wonderful read aloud. I love the illustrator’s use of collage. The story is appropriate for use as an introduction to lessons on hibernation, winter, or seasons in general.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Summary: After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas.

I love this book! The book contains three alphabetical lists, including naughty things kitty did. The rhyming lists are woven beautifully into this heartwarming story. The text is lengthy, and may be most enjoyed when read one-on-one with a child. Like other books in the Bad Kitty series, this holiday story involves humor.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-tale of Mystery

by Deborah Howe

Summary: Though scoffed at by Harold the dog, Chester the cat tries to warn his human family that their foundling baby bunny must be a vampire.

This is a humorous tale with a ridiculous, though enjoyable, plot. I have recommended this book to older readers on a low reading level. They have told me that they enjoyed it. There are several other Bunnicula books to try if you like this first told tale.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: Grade 5

My Dog, My Cat

by Ashlee Fletcher

Summary: A child points out the differences between a dog and a cat, but finds something they have in common, as well.

This book with minimal text is fantastic for reading one-on-one to young children. The story is ideal for teaching children opposites. The cat and dog often do opposite activities. For example, one will go up and one will go down.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Pumpkin Cat

by Anne Mortimer

Summary: Mouse shows Cat how to grow pumpkins, then turns one into a surprise. Includes facts about growing pumpkins.

This is a short Halloween story that is great for sharing with little ones. It is not scary in any way. The book is an excellent read aloud before discussing pumpkins or planting.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Tucker: Little Dog Lost and Found

by Danny Sit

Summary: Tucker the Jack Russell terrier packs his bags and takes the train to the beach for an adventure, but after a fun day he discovers that he does not know how to get home.

This is an adorable book that will be enjoyed by any dog lover! This book contains photographs that I especially appreciated as a Long Islander.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

 

Oh the Pets You Can Get

 by Tish Rabe

Summary: The Cat and Co. take off to the faraway land of Gerpletz where they know quite a lot about caring for pets—especially cats, dogs, guinea pigs, birds, and bunnies! From the food, shelter, exercise, and medical care they need to the love and companionship they crave, the Cat teaches beginning readers how to keep their pets (and themselves!) healthy, safe, and happy.

This is a cute beginning reader. It is especially useful to discuss the new arrival of a pet and as an introduction in how to care for it. I am not a huge fan of writers other than Dr. Seuss using The Cat in the Hat character. However, I doubt that young readers will notice the inferior writing skills Rabe has when compared to Dr. Seuss.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

A Cat Like That

by Wendy Wahman

Summary: A cat presents the characteristics of a perfect human friend.

This is a sweet story that may be used to discuss proper pet etiquette.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Best Birthday Ever!

by Charise Mericle Harper

Summary: Lana Kitty, little sister of Fashion Kitty, guides readers through everything necessary for the ideal birthday party.

This is an adorable story that a parent can read to a child before attending or throwing his/her first birthday party. It will prepare him/her for what may happen at the party and how they should behave. The book contains a great deal of glitter and pink.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Cat Secrets

Cat Secrets

by Jef Czekaj

Summary: Important secrets about how best to live a cat's life will be revealed only to those who can prove that they are genuine cats.

This is a precious picture book that could be used as an easy reader. It is also a great interactive read-aloud. For example, when the cats test the reader to see if they can purr, an adult can ask a group of children to purr.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Dewey: There's A Cat In the Library!

Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!

by Vicki Myron

Summary: Tells the story of Dewey Readmore Books, a kitten abandoned in the Spencer Library return box and nursed back to health by a librarian, who discovers that (like his librarian friends) helping people big and small is what he is meant to do.

This is an adorable picture book that is wonderful for celebrating libraries. Of course, it is also great for cat lovers! This sweet story is appropriate for young children who are not quite ready for the nonfiction versions.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Do You Have a Cat?

Do You Have a Cat?

by Eileen Spinelli

Summary: Introduces famous, historical figures and the cats that they have owned

This is an entertaining book, especially if one is a cat lover. People have labeled it for ages 4-8, but I think it is most appropriate for third-fourth graders to read to themselves. Perhaps, it may be appropriate for strong second grade readers as well.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 2

Raj, the Bookstore Tiger

Raj, the Bookstore Tiger

by Kathleen T. Pelley

Summary: When a new manager brings Snowball, a grouchy cat, to the shop where Raj and his owner live and work, Snowball informs Raj that he is not the tiger everyone believes him to be.

This heart-warming story is terrific for discussing a range of subjects including self-perception. It also may be used for celebrating libraries, bookstores, and reading.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

There Are No Cats in This Book!

There Are No Cats in This Book!

by Viviane Schwarz

Summary: Filled with the spirit of adventure, three cats pack their suitcases and try to escape from their book.

This is a fun book. It is appropriate to read to a young class or reluctant readers to get them involved in a story.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 1

All the Seasons of the Year

by Deborah Lee Rose

Summary: Describes in rhymed text how a mother cat's love for her kitten will last through the seasons of a lifetime.

This is a sweet story that is appropriate for bedtime and discussing the seasons of the year with young children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3