Five of Our Favorite Picture Books about Cats!

Happy National Cat Day!

Below are five of our favorite picture books about cats.

What are some of your favorites?

Captain Cat

 Captain Cat by Inga Moore (links to review)

Meet Captain Cat — he is a trader who happens to trade his wares for cats.  There’s nothing he loves more than traveling on his ship, the Carlotta, with his cats.  Other traders think he’s crazy for trading valuable goods for cats — but Captain Cat gets the last laugh.  (Except, actually, Captain Cat is too busy being himself to even have that register.  He’s a good man.)  One day he takes his cats on the adventure he’s been meaning to go on and finds good people and his happily ever after.  There are twists and turns to this gorgeously illustrated story that made our whole family laugh (hard). I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to give anything away because it’s fantastic and I don’t want to spoil it at all for you.  So go read it right now.  (Or at least very, very, very soon.)

Ages 3+. Candlewick Press.  October 2013. 48 pages. ISBN:  978-0763661519. Fiction.

Black and White Cat

Black and White Cat, White and Black Dog by Marlaena Shannon (links to review)

This is a beautifully illustrated and endearing story of a cat and dog that, at first, don’t get along.  However, when the dog shares her food with the cat, they begin a wonderful friendship.  It’s a delightful story about friendship and a gentle reminder how a simple act of kindness can completely change a situation.  This is a fantastic book to share with anyone.  It’s pure goodness!  We all enjoy and highly, highly recommend this book. 

Ages 1 – 99+ (ideal for 3 to 7 years old). Muse Direct.  2013. 36 pages. ISBN: 978-0989773218. Fiction.

Opera CatOpera Cat by Tess Weaver and Illustrated by Andrea Wesson (links to review)

Opera Cat  is another book that I randomly picked up off the shelf because I thought, “An opera cat?  How fun!”  This is a story about the opera star Madame SoSo and her cat, Alma.  Alma loves to hear Madame SoSo sing.  She loves listening in on Madame SoSo’s rehearsals at home.  However, one afternoon Madame SoSo develops laryngitis.  Whatever is she going to do?  Never fear.  Alma is ready at the rescue.  It turns out that Alma can sing as divinely as Madame SoSo.  Alma sings for Madame SoSo and she is so moved that she brings Alma to the opera with her, hides her in her hair, and Alma gets to perform the opera with the audience being none the wiser.  Madame SoSo takes her final bow with Alma in her arms.  The story ends with Alma now attending every opera just in case Madame SoSo needs a backup.

Ages 4 – 8. Clarion Books. October 21, 2002. 32 pages. ISBN: 978-0618096350. Fiction.

Old Robert and the Sea-Silly Cats by Barbara Jossee and Illustrated by Jan Juttee (links to review)

This book is about Old Robert who lives by himself on a boat and does not sail at night.  His life is fairly predictable and orderly.  One night he hears something and discovers a cat.  The cat asks if he can come in.  Other cats find their way to Old Robert and he takes them in.  Old Robert finds belonging and love and the story ends with him sailing away with the cats at night because the time seems right.

This is a wonderful bedtime book or naptime book or anytime-you-need-serenity book.  It has such a wonderful and tranquil rhythm to it.  My son has asked for me to read this book to him again and again and again and again and I only too willingly oblige.  The illustrations are elegant and timeless.  This picture book is appropriate for all ages.

All ages.  Philomel Books. April 2012.  40 pages. Fiction.  ISBN:  978-0399254307

The Amazing Hamweenie by Patty Bowman (links to review)

Hamweenie, an indoor city cat, dreams of being famous and adored by children.  However, he must bide his time until he can escape his current fate. The illustrations and story line are imaginative and humorous.  The illustrations are done in pen and ink and watercolors on watercolor paper.   I love reading this book to my son.  He’s asked for me to read this book to him several times.  He is now able to finish some of the sentences when I read it to him.  It’s an elegant and sophisticated picture book that made me and my son laugh quite a bit.  I highly recommend it.  

Ages 4 – 8+. Philomel Books.  October 11, 2012. 32 pages. ISBN: 978-0-399-25688-2. Fiction?

Where Obtained:  Black and White Cat, White and Black Dog was received by the author for review.  The rest were obtained from the library and/or purchased myself.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

18 comments

  1. Carol

    I had no idea it was Cat Day – makes me miss my kitty all the more…. 😦 That’s okay though because this is a great list! So right now, I’d have to go with The Tenth Good Thing About Barney – even though it’s sad, it’s a really good book. And hmmm….oh yes, isn’t there a picture book version of the folk song, “The Cat Came Back?” That song cracks me up.

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    • The Picture Book Review

      I’m sorry you miss your kitty. They’re amazing animals.

      I’ve never read or heard of The Tenth Good Thing About Barney — I have now placed it on hold at my library. I look forward to reading it.

      Have you seen, “The Cat Came Back,” video? I found it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW9f04Dctz4 I had forgotten all about this. Thank you!

      Mr. Wuffles is one I forgot to mention. I’ll have to make a longer list. My son adores this book and it just got a Caldecott Honor. There are so many good cat books. 🙂

      Thank you for your suggestions and for reading my list!

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  5. kateywrites

    What a great list! My girls love to pretend that they are cats, though we can’t have one due to allergies. I’ll be checking out a few of these at our next library visit! One of our favorites: Mama Cat has Three Kittens by Denise Fleming. (I, of course, am Mama Cat. And my 3 girls? You guessed it.)

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  7. Lee Wardlaw

    The companion title to WON TON will debut March 17th, 2015! WON TON AND CHOPSTICK – A CAT AND DOG TALE TOLD IN HAIKU continues Won Ton cat’s story when his purrfect life with Boy is changed forever the day the family adopts a (gasp!) dog. (Think sibling rivalry with whiskers!) I hope you’ll take a peek! Purrs, Lee Wardlaw

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    • The Picture Book Review

      Hi Lee! Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m thrilled that there is a companion title coming out for WON TON. It’s a great book and this one looks fantastic! I will definitely find a way to get a copy of this book.

      Thank you so much for letting me know! I really do appreciate it!

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