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 found at Preschool Education.
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.