RECEPTION / YEAR 1:
Bad Cat is a very funny book from award-winning Nicola O’Byrne. Those who know cats may recognise some of the things this ‘naughty’ cat gets up to.
Michael Whaite’s 100 Cats provides a short but entertaining read, good for extending vocabulary, with plenty to talk about. It has lots to look at too, so having read it aloud, I would leave it around for children to explore themselves. (There are 100 Dogs and 100 Birds too, if you want to diversify.)
In Jackie Morris’s I Am Cat, a domestic animal dreams of its wild cousins. It is written in short sections of lyrical prose, with wonderful extended language, set against large, breathtaking illustrations.
A lovely story about conquering shyness and fear, Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats, has lots to say to many children. Alicia Potter’s engaging text is enhanced with brilliant (and funny) modern illustrations by Brigitta Sif.
YEAR 1 / YEAR 2:
Picture books:
A Cat Called Trim by Corinne Fenton and Craig Smith is based on the true story of a cat who accompanied a voyage of exploration around the turn of the18th Century. It beautifully captures all the excitement of a sea adventure in words and pictures.
Trixie the Witch’s Cat is a delightful book by renowned author/illustrator Nick Butterworth, as much about accepting yourself for who you are as it is about a cat. (Recently republished.)
Chapter books:
There are three short stories in Wigglesbottom Primary The Classroom Cat, so it is an ideal transition from picture books. Author Pamela Butchart, with Becka Moor as illustrator, has created funny, school-based tales, with a good mix of diverse characters, that will appeal to many children. It is the first in a series, so plenty of chance to follow-up independently for children who wish to do so.
Renowned author and illustrator Lynne Reid Banks and Tony Ross make a star pairing and Bad Cat Good Cat does not disappoint. This highly entertaining animal adventure should be a sure-fire hit when read allowed
YEAR 3 / YEAR 4:
Chapter books:
Here are a ‘modern classic’ and one very much of our time.
There is a reason why Ursula Moray Williams’ Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat has survived over 75 years. It was and remains an enchanting story. This anniversary edition with illustrations by Catherine Rayner (or indeed any other edition) is well worth seeking out. It will be as much loved now as it always has been.
What’s more to want than an animal story with superheroes and dastardly villains? Super Cats by Gwyneth Rees is a great choice for engaging children in the fun and excitement of reading. There are more in the series for independent reading follow-up too. Becka Moor puts in another appearance with her hugely entertaining drawings.
Non-Fiction:
This wide selection of short stories, spread across a span of historical periods, features real cats who have played some significant role in events. Rebel Cats, Brave Tales of Feisty Felines by Kimberlie Hamilton is not a book to read cover to cover, but a good one to dip into. Many of the short sections make good talking points and some could provide interesting stimulus for children’s own writing too. (There is also an equivalent dogs book.)
Stretch level:
To Be a Cat is by turns both funny and dark , but ultimately reassuring, and this early novel from the now justly famous Matt Haig remains an excellent story. A boy wishes to escape his life’s difficulties by becoming a cat, but discovers that it isn’t perhaps quite as desirable an option as he imagined. This short novel could provide a good challenge, and quite a lot to discuss, if read to committed readers in this age group but would also work well with older children.
YEAR 5 / YEAR 6:
Engagement level:
S.F. Said’s reputation as a fine writer for children rests on only a handful of titles. But even if there were only this one, Varjak Paw, that reputation would be fully justified. The story of a cat with martial arts skills is clever, beautifully written, a delight to read aloud and sure to engage older KS2 children. This is a modern classic I would not want anyone to miss. Dave McKesn’s drawings are super too. (There is a also sequel.)
The Girl, the Cat and the Navigator by Matilda Wood is also beautifully written and although it feels very accessible with copious illustrations by Anushka Allepuz, has more to it than first appears. With a strong girl protagonist and engrossing, highly imaginative storyline, it will provide plenty to talk and think about, as well as much engaging enjoyment.
Stretch level:
Katherine Applegate is a very highly regarded (and popular) children’s writer in her native USA and really ought to be better known over here. In Crenshaw, protagonist Jackson, from a very poor family, is having a hard life, but works things through with the aid of a huge imaginary cat. It is quite a demanding book to listen to, but very entertaining and ultimately compassionate, as the author sensitively helps children reflect on a range of important issues. Overall, it is excellent for encouraging empathy and not to be missed. (It does require some understanding of American life and language use, but many children are well attuned to this through TV programmes, films and other media.)
(Practical tips and helpful suggestions for planning regular ‘Story Time’ can be found in the NOTES PAGES of this blog.)
