Cats in Books

In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring cats that we found around the web. We also had a free download of a cat paper bag puppet pattern.

We are continuing the cat theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a cat puppet.  We’ve noticed that kids become more engaged during reading when a puppet is used to help bring a book alive.

WHY USE A PUPPET WHILE READING?
    • Kids love puppets.
    • Puppets boost creativity and stimulate kids’ imaginations
    • Sometimes kids feel more comfortable reading to a puppet rather than to an adult
    • A puppet can be used as an impartial character allowing kids to express their true emotions.
    • A puppet made from our patterns is perfect for story time because it is soft and pliable.  It can be stuffed into a small place ready to pop out to engage the kids.  And it is easy to wash!
Books Featuring Cats

We’ll start the list with one of the most popular cats with the preschool set – Pete the Cat!  I’ve lost count as to how many Pete the Cat books there are.  My favorites are the earlier ones.  Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean was the first book in the series.  What I like most besides the great artwork is that no matter what happens to Pete, he keeps singing his song.
 


I can see why this book has received so many awards.  Kitten’s First Full Moon is written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes.   Even though it is in black and white, the expressions on the kitten’s face tell the story.  Studies have shown that babies respond to black and white better than color.  This would be the perfect book to read to babies all the way through preschool and even beyond.  When Kitten sees the full moon for the first time, she thinks it is a saucer of milk and she tries her best to get a drink.


They All Saw a Cat written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel is an adventure in how every pair of eyes perceives the world differently.  With beautiful artwork the cat is pictured accurately how different animals (and a little boy) “see” the cat.  To the mouse, the cat is a huge monster.  To the boy, a cat is cuddly and cute.  To the bird in the sky, the cat is a small blob of color.  The book is a New York Times bestseller and 2017 Caldecott Medal and Honor Book.  For ages 3 and up.    


Cat Nap written and illustrated by Toni Yuly is for ages 1-3 years.  With delightful illustrations Yuly tells the story of how Cat tries to take a nap.  But little kitten wants to play.  ps, look for the little mouse hidden on each page. 


National Geographic Kids: Cats is written by Joan Galat.  For ages 4-6, preschool to 1st grade.   Geared for kids learning to read though younger ones will enjoy the pictures and having the book read to them.  Has pictures and information about domestic and big cats.  This is a co-reader book.  One page is for the beginning reader and adjacent page for a fluent reader.  The book is about both domestic and wild cats.  It talks about the differences and similarities between the two. 


Free Download of a Cat Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

Don’t have the time to sew a puppet?  Need a puppet fast?  We have a free download for a cat hand puppet pattern using felt squares available from craft stores.  The puppet can be made without sewing – all you need is a hot glue gun.

Need a puppet with a moving mouth and make expressions?  We’ve got the pattern!

Need a puppet that can talk and make facial expressions?  You can sew one with our Cat Puppet Sewing Pattern.  The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. We recommend using fleece and felt fabrics because they are inexpensive, readily available from craft stores, washable and easy to sew.  Customers tell us how easy our step by step patterns (with lots of pictures) are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials.  In fact you can watch our free video tutorial on how to sew the cat puppet right now!  

What our customers are saying: 

“Very detailed step-by-step instructions with color photos. Can’t wait to get all the supplies and make this puppet.”

“The puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!”

Cat Puppet Pattern

Includes 0% tax