Raising kind and compassionate kids is a priority for many parents, myself included. That kindness extends not just to people but to animals too. Growing up as an introvert, I found comfort and adventure in the pages of books—and I hope to pass that love of reading on to my own children.
In this article, I’m diving into a particularly purr-fect topic: children’s books about cats. After scouring Amazon for the most delightful, highly-rated options, I’ve curated a list of must-reads for any young cat lover. Of course, there are likely countless other fantastic titles out there, so if you have a favorite or wrote one yourself, I’d love to hear from you!
Ready to explore some meow-velous additions to your little one’s bookshelf? Let’s get started
Top Cat Books for Kids: Furry Friends and Fun Reads
Cats have a way of adding joy, laughter, and a touch of magic to our lives. The books in this list capture that charm, offering imaginative tales, lovable characters, and meaningful life lessons for young readers. So grab a cozy spot, cuddle up with your little one, and get ready for a reading adventure filled with whiskered wonders and plenty of giggles.
1. “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin
In Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete struts down the street in his shiny new white shoes—but his adventures quickly take a colorful turn. From red (thanks to strawberries) to blue (hello, blueberries) to brown and even wet, his shoes keep changing with every step.
The best part? Pete doesn’t sweat the mess. He keeps groovin’, movin’, and singing his laid-back anthem: “It’s all good.” This delightful story invites kids to join in, guessing the colors of foods and objects along the way. It’s an interactive, upbeat read that’s sure to charm young readers.
2. “Splat the Cat” by Rob Scotton
Meet Splat, an endearing and quirky black cat who faces his first day of school. With his big imagination and lovable personality, Splat embarks on a hilarious journey, making new friends and overcoming his fears. Rob Scotton’s humorous illustrations and relatable story will tickle your child’s funny bone and ease first-day jitters.
3. “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss
No list of children’s books would be complete without the classic tale from the master of whimsical storytelling, Dr. Seuss. In this iconic book, the mischievous Cat in the Hat visits two bored children and turns their rainy day upside down with his chaotic and entertaining antics. With its catchy rhymes and imaginative illustrations, this timeless story will ignite your child’s imagination and love of reading.
4. “Socks” by Beverly Cleary
Socks lives with Mr. and Mrs. Bricker, who love him very much. Ever since they saved him from a life spent in a mailbox drop slot, Socks has been the center of their lives. He always has everything he needs, including yummy kitty treats and as much lap time as he wants!
After the birth of a new baby, the Brickers don’t have as much time for Socks. Little Charles William is getting all the attention. Socks feels left out, so he gets into trouble. Now, the Brickers need to make Socks see how much they care for him.
5. “Skippyjon Jones” by Judy Schachner
In this imaginative and whimsical series, Judy Schachner introduces readers to Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese cat with a wild imagination. Skippyjon thinks he’s El Skippito, a great sword fighter ready to battle! Together with his alter ego, he embarks on thrilling adventures in his closet with playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, these books celebrate imagination, courage, and being true to oneself.
