The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale
Rosie, Tulip, and their parents are ready to welcome the perfect kitten to their family. Unique from many other books, this story is told from Mommy’s perspective. Mommy gently narrates the journey, as she gathers information from her family on whether to seek a young kitten or an older cat and what name might be a good fit. Readers will quickly become invested in the search, and connected to the feelings of excitement, disappointment, waiting, and finally, rejoicing. We are letting the cat out of the bag – this book is one you don’t want to miss.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children are curious and observant. They may wonder why Blizzard was not in a nice cage like the other cats at the shelter. Children might enjoy caring for stuffed animals in a classroom pretend play area. What will they need to create their shelter? Creating a list of needs and supplies and then gathering them for the shelter is a great learning activity, and the illustrations in the book can serve as a helpful guide. What did they see in the shelter illustrations, and in the family’s home, that would be necessary for an animal to have?
This book tells its story through text, but also shares additional details through its illustrations. Adults can pause after reading the text on each page and allow time for younger readers to take in the illustrations and add their thoughts to the story. Adults can ask guiding prompts such as, “Rosie and Tulip really like kittens and cats. What do you see in their bedroom that gives us a clue that they really like kittens and cats?” Children will also like to share what kind of cat they would vote for when Mommy asks, and what they would offer as a possible name for their pet. Do they prefer one that Rosie and Tulip suggested, or something different?