Great Read Alouds: Purr-fect picture books

As long as there have been books written for children, there have been books about cats. Kids love reading and learning about all kinds of animals. Cats make ideal book characters due to their cuteness and strong personalities. Here are some of the latest picture books featuring felines that your kids will adore.  

I Am Cat written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Chris Chatterton

Follow along as Cat leads you through his day of playing, eating, napping and preening. Cat wants you to believe he is as fierce as a lion, but the humorous illustrations tell a different story. With its rhyming text and cheerful colors, this book is a celebration of all things cat.

"An insightful title for teaching point-of-view or personification, this could also be useful for engaging children with poetry, or for nudging them to write about pets—real or wished for—in their lives. A delightful combination of art and verse that entertains and appropriately honors the magnificence of being in a world where there are cats."–School Library Journal, starred review

Pete the Cat’s Cool New Ride by Kimberly and James Dean

Check out this STEM picture book about friendship and counting. Pete – the ultimate cool cat – is back, this time with a snazzy new car. All his friends want to ride along, but will everyone fit?

As always, Pete maintains his positive attitude and comes up with a groovy solution. With rhyme, rhythm and repetition, Pete the Cat books are made to read (and sing) aloud and are all inspired by James’s real-life rescue pet.

Jungle Cat written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Udayana Lugo

Bob fancies himself as a mighty jungle cat as he visits various neighbors in his apartment building. But in the urban jungle outside his building he finds himself in need of help. Fortunately, jungle cats are good at making friends. Vibrant illustration and interesting characters contribute to this sweet story about a city kitty living his best life.

The story was inspired by a real-life apartment cat named Georgia, who spent her long, rich life connecting people to each other through her very being. One of her neighbors even wrote an operetta about her!

“Engaging…Full of good humor and patience, creating an ideal existence for a spoiled kitty.” ―Booklist

Two Together by Brendan Wenzel

If there is any pet more endearing than a cat, it is a dog. A story with both is usually a winning combination and this book is no exception.

Cat and Dog's daylong journey home is filled with adventure. There’s so much to see and smell and hear, and the two of them experience the world very differently. A stream, for instance, is watery fun for Dog, but it may not be so delightful for Cat! However, they make it through side by side.

The simple text is rhythmic and pleasant, but it is the illustrations that make this book stand out. Wenzel uses mixtures of colors and darkness, styles, and mediums to create visually stunning art from cover to cover.