Kitten's First Full Moon, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal for good reason. Kitten's First Full Moon is the story of a kitten who mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk, and wants it. She persists over and over, using different tactics, to try to achieve her goal, working through pain, frustration, and exhaustion. The kitten is rewarded in the end, by finding a bowl of milk at her home.

While children will see humor in the kitten's thoughts and actions, this story has the underlying message of going after our dreams and not giving up when things don't first work out.

Being illustrated in shades of gray and white is perfect for a story set at the night of a full moon. Rather than being bland, the stars seem to twinkle.

The negative aspect to this story is that yet again, milk is portrayed as something good for cats and kittens. In truth, it can cause diarrhea (unless it is lactose free milk). But, still, this book is worth reading to children, and hopefully the reader will mention that milk is not good to give kittens, except as a once-in-a-while treat, in a small amount.

This book is appropriate for toddlers (as a read-aloud) to grade 1.

A Kitten Tale, written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann

For ages 3-8

This picture book is the story of triumphing over fear. In A Kitten Tale, four kittens come upon cards in the mailbox with winter scenes on them. Three of the felines are worried about the upcoming snow and that they will be freezing and wet when it comes. But the fourth one, a yellow kitten, "can't wait." The three kittens continue to worry as the seasons change, with each one chiming in with its own refrain. Still, the yellow kitten optimistically says, "I can't wait."

As the seasons change, the fearless yellow kitten chases frogs and rolls in the fall leaves, with his activites illustrated. The tale unfolds mainly through the pictures, as should be the case in a picture book. When the snow finally comes, he runs out to play, making it easy for his littermates to get over their fears and join in the fun. 

The apprehensions of the three kittens are respected, never mocked or chided by their yellow littermate. His example of postive optimism helps them overcome their worries. This book is an especially good choice for children who approach the unknown with fear. It is also a good book showing the change of seasons.

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A Home for Nathan, by Claudia Roll, Illustrated by Finn Rizer

This colorfully illustrated book tells the true story of a cat who is dropped off at an animal shelter, and then adopted into a loving home. A Home for Nathan helps children learn about the important role that animal shelters play in our society, and what is involved with owning a cat. It brings awareness about the need for responsibility and forethought when considering adopting an animal, in a fun story.

For ages 4-8.