If there are two things my cat Tonka Jahari knows best, it’s food and a good cat story. From cool pizza-loving cats to heartwarming tales of friendship and love, Tonka has purrfectly paw-picked six of her favorite children’s books that celebrate all things cat. These six stories are filled with lessons, laughs, and perfectly lovable characters that are sure to charm your young reader, and maybe even yourself!
1. Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly and James Dean
Tonka’s favorite food is pizza, but she would never eat a whole one by herself. So, who better to share a pizza with than Pete the Cat and friends! But when Pete the Cat makes a perfect pepperoni pizza, and his friends show up with their favorite toppings, things start to get a bit chaotic. In this fun and food-filled picture book, your child will learn that sharing and trying new things can make everything just that much better!
“I FREAKING LOVE PIZZA!”
From Tonka Jahari
2. If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
Tonka might’ve received the wrong message from this classic children’s story, but either way, it’s one she always likes to recommend. When you give a cat a cupcake, it won’t be the only thing they ask for! So, join this chaotic cat for a story full of mischief and plenty of cupcakes!
“Don’t listen to this propaganda! Give cats cupcakes!”
From Tonka Jahari
3. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
Tonka has read all of Splat the Cat’s books and considers him her closest friend (even though she’s never met him). But Tonka especially loves the story of Splat’s first day of school and how even though he’s worried, he’s also excited about what it may bring. In order to help Splat through this nerve-wracking day, he brings his pet mouse Seymour along. But when Seymour escapes and causes chaos in the classroom, Splat has to find a way to keep it together, and in the process realizes, maybe school isn’t so bad. Tonka likes to say that Splat reminds her of herself on vet appointment days.
“Splat is the coolest cat ever! I hope I can meet him one day!”
From Tonka Jahari
4. How To Be a Cat by Nikki McClure
Tonka claims that being a cat is not easy. Luckily, she’s found a fun book that teaches you perfectly how to be a cat! Follow a cute kitten around as they practice the basics of cat behavior with things such as how to stretch, groom, pounce, and eat. Sometimes the kitten struggles, but it also succeeds and realizes that, at the end of the day, being a cat isn’t too bad, and in fact, it can be the best thing to be!
“Being a cat is so fun! You should try it!”
From Tonka Jahari
5. Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)
Tonka is a tabby cat, and according to her, that’s the best type of cat you can be! Tonka loves to read about Tabby McTat and his friend, Fred, as they spend their lives singing along while people throw coins in their hat. But one day, when Fred has an accident and gets separated from Tabby Mctat, Tabby doesn’t think he will ever find him again. Tonka was a street cat before she was mine, and she always loves a good story about love being found in even the most unexpected places!
“I met Tabby McTat and Fred once while I was on the streets, they’re so cool!”
From Tonka Jahari
6. The Legend of Mistletoe and the Christmas Kittens by Joe Troiano and Lydia Halverson (Illustrator)
Tonka’s favorite holiday is Christmas, because that means she gets lots of treats and play mice, her two favorite things in the world! But Tonka gets sad when she realizes that not all cats get to celebrate Christmas with their family, but luckily, Mistletoe and her Christmas kittens do! Tonka loves the story of Mistletoe and how, even though all the kittens would run away after seeing his red and green fur, Mistletoe never let it ruin his kindness. And just when Mistletoe nearly gives up all hope of finding a home, he finds three lost kittens who need a home as well. When Santa finds Mistletoe and the Christmas kittens, he gives them the best gift ever! Tonka will never admit this, but even this story makes her cry.
“All cats and kittens deserve a home!”
From Tonka Jahari
Whether your young one is a cat lover or simply looking for a new cozy read, these Tonka-approved picks are sure to bring lots of smiles, snuggles, and maybe even a few happy tears. But be warned! Your child might just start asking for a pet cat (or a pizza) by the end!
Looking for more books recommended by cats? Check out our article, You Need to Read These Purrfect Recs for Cat Lovers!
Find these children’s books and more on our Bookshop Mini Bookworms Delightful Recommendations Bookshelf!
