There’s an old idea that we are all either dog people or cat people. While that may absolutely be the case for some of us, many of us love them both. Some of the most devoted cat lovers we’ve ever met used to say they would never have one. Cats have a way of purring their way into our hearts.
This month’s book list is for you cat lovers (don’t worry dog people - we’ve got you next month). There are SO many books for children to choose from, but we weeded through and selected some of the very best for infants right on up through teenagers. We are completely charmed by every single book on this list, and we think you will be, too.
Bonus idea: We know these are all very big ifs, but if your cat is in the mood, can sit still, and they don’t get distracted by that imaginary mouse they’re convinced just ran by, you might invite your cat to be part of the reading. Enjoy!
Board Books
Black Cat, White Cat by Silvia Borando
Black Cat is completely black and only goes out during the day. White Cat is completely white, and only goes out during the night. That is, until curiosity gets the best of them, and they decide to stray from their routines. They meet, and take each other on beautiful adventures exploring everything the other has missed.
ABC Cats by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Isabella Kung
There are so many options when it comes to alphabet books; this cat version is adorable and engaging. The details in the illustrations will make kids giggle - Dreaming Cat has drool dripping out of its mouth and Finicky Cat knocks its food dish over with a flourish. Love this book? Newman and Kung have created another title together: 123 Cats.
Picture Books
I Am a Cat by Galia Bernstein
Poor little Simon announces to the Lion, Cheetah, Panther, Tiger, and Puma that he is a cat. They all laugh and try to convince him he couldn’t possibly be. Luckily, Simon is patient and points out their similarities. This book ends sweetly, with the cats enjoying each other's company and doing what all cats do best.
Cats by Gail Gibbons
This may not be a new book, but it sure holds up well. Gibbons takes the concept of a picture book and has a knack for squeezing in a whole lot of nonfiction. Her gorgeously illustrated cats find their way into diagrams, poses that help readers understand their behavior, and even a litter of kittens growing up!
Cat Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith
The life of a pet cat is full of inconveniences - at least that’s what the cat in this book thinks. Why can’t the sun just stay still? How does one manage to get through the window to eat that noisy squirrel? Why does that other cat keep sitting in all the best spots? Ugh. Life is so rough!
Life is about perspective, right? This 2017 Caldecott Honor Book gives readers a charming peek at how one little cat can be seen in many different ways. As it walks through the world, a child sees it with large eyes and a smile, the fish sees a watery blur of yellow eyes, the mouse sees an exaggerated frightening beast, and the flea sees an expanse of fur. When a cat looks at its own reflection, imagine what it sees?
Early Readers and First Chapter Books
Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea by Cythia Rylant, illustrated by Authur Howard
The first in a delightful series, this book tells the story of how Mr. Putter and Tabby came to meet. Mr. Putter has a lovely life, but he feels lonely and wishes he had someone to share it with. He decides he needs a cat. A trip to the shelter brings him face to face with an aging orange and white cat, who seems to remind him a bit of himself. The two go on to eat English muffins together, sing opera together, and appreciate one another’s company.
Kitty and the Twilight Trouble by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Jenny Lovelie
“Girl by day. Cat by night. Ready for adventure.” This is book six, the most recently published in a much-loved series. Kitty can see in the dark. She can hear sounds from miles away. She can easily turn three somersaults in a row and land on her feet. This is all because she has cat superpowers, and actually turns into one at night. She and her cat crew run into some trouble at the carnival, and of course Kitty tries to save the day.
Graphic Novels
Cat & Cat Adventures: The Quest for Snacks by Susie Yi
The first in a series, this adorable graphic novel is written with children 6-10 in mind. Squash and Ginny make it their mission to find more snacks, and the best way to do this is by creating a special magic snack potion. They accidentally go through a portal into a magical world, making friends, meeting challenges, and finding adventures in a strange world. There’s also a nice side theme of putting our wants aside to make sure others have their needs met.
The Complete Chi's Sweet Home by Konami Kanata
A tiny kitten accidentally separates from her family while out on a walk, finding herself as a stray. A kind family takes her in, names her Chi, and the daily entertainment of having a cat as a pet ensues. This is the first of four volumes.
Middle Grade Fiction
Catwings (A Catwings Tale) by Ursula K. Le Guin, illustrated by S. D. Schindler
A classic first published in 1988, this is the first of four books. Somehow four kittens are born with wings. Much to their mother’s delight, who wants them to be able to fly from danger and enjoy a safer life, they eventually do just that. Unfortunately, not everything thinks their special gift is a good thing.
Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak
Leonard has spent the last 300 hundred years preparing for an epic journey. You see, Leonard is a creature from another planet, and his species celebrates their 300th birthday by visiting Earth for one month in whatever form they choose. He has prepared for his brief appearance as a human for as long as he can remember, but something goes wrong during the journey, and he finds himself landing in a tree, in a storm, as a cat. His adventures are anything but ordinary, and far from what he expected.
Young Adult Books
Shaw is best known as the Kitten Lady on YouTube where she helps people learn how to help foster kittens. This book is an extension of that work, and adorable photos accompany her tips and instructions on how to help these sweet little creatures. A perfect book for any adolescent (or adult) animal lover, it’s hard not to love this one.
The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival by Amra Sabic-el-Rayess, with Laura L. Sullivan
This biography was a finalist for the Excellence In Young Adult Nonfiction award by the YALSA-ALA. Detailing Sabic-el-Rayess’ experience as a Muslim teenager in Bosnia in 1992, she and her community are faced with war and persecution. Somehow, in the midst of it all, she finds a stray cat. After unsuccessfully attempting to forget about the cat, they end up saving one another.