As I was going through the list of themes already published under ACL’s Storytime list, I was surprised to see that “Cats” hasn’t been listed yet! I admit I am a “dog” person, but am happy to list my favorite cat books. You probably have favorites too; I have limited this list to regular cats that are cats, not talking, clothes-wearing cats. For a craft, you can make simple masks using paper plates and construction paper ears, whiskers, and other facial features (see www.preschooleducation.com).

• Gag, Wanda. MILLIONS OF CATS.
  Kids will chant along with this storytime favorite.
• Harper, Dan. TELLING TIME WITH BIG MAMA CAT.
  Plastic moveable clock hands help kids learn to tell time as they hear about a cat’s daily activities.
• Fleming, Denise. MAMA CAT HAS THREE KITTENS.
  Fluffy, Skinny, and Boris follow Mama Cat. Repetition will engage young listeners and the vibrant artwork can be seen from the back row!
• Day, Nancy Raines. A CAT’S YEAR.
  The first year in a newborn cat’s life helps kids learn the months of the year.
• Henkes, Kevin. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON.
  Last year’s Caldecott winner concerns a cat who thinks the moon is a bowl of milk.
• Ryder, Joanne. COME ALONG, KITTEN.
  A rhyming story of a dog who takes care of the family’s new kitten.
• Mockford, Caroline. CLEO THE CAT.
  The first of seven books starring Cleo, an orange cat, featuring a rhyming text.
• Kraus, Robert. WHERE ARE YOU GOING, LITTLE MOUSE?
  Ignored at home, Little Mouse runs away but the cat still can’t catch him!
• Galdone, Paul. CAT GOES FIDDLE-I-FEE.
  Traditional folksong set on a farm. The repetition will get everyone to sing along!
• Keats, Ezra Jack. HI, CAT!
  Archie is followed by a stray cat who disrupts things but remains a friend.

June 16, 2005