In early June, there is a very important celebration called Hug Your Cat Day and it is the best. You should definitely partake, and give your pet cat a nice little snuggle. If you don’t have a cat, maybe you could borrow one. If you are allergic to cats, a stuffed one will do. Just make it happen, people. Cats are the most wonderful creatures on Earth, and you should honor them every day, but especially on June 4th.
If you would like to add a bonus to this special day, I would suggest you read the books listed below. You should read them to your cat. All cats like stories. Especially me. Oh! I mean, if I were a cat, which I most certainly am not, I would love to be read to. But I am not a cat. A cat definitely did not write this book blog. Nope. This list was 100% written by an adult human librarian, and not an adorable, smart, well-read feline who has a unique talent for typing. Not at all. Absolutely not. Nothing to see here. Stop thinking silly things and get to reading. Bye!
FICTION
No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons (picture book)
PICTURE EMMONS
Clever stray cat Clarisse, who LOVES books, stumbles upon a library and, sneaking inside, finds exciting new stories and even helps a little girl practice reading, but when the librarian finds her, she hopes she’ll be allowed to stay. I really love the South Huntington Public Library, but I think that they should be more open to letting cats borrow books. Why should humans have all the fun? I really need to speak to someone about this.
Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani (picture book)
PICTURE GHAHREMANI
A whimsical story about how an incremental number of kitties engage in various activities and might briefly cooperate if organized into groups, invites toddlers to practice counting forward and backward. I once acted out this story with some of my friends, and it was a blast! And how cute is that cover?! How can you resist this book?!
Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Steven W. Martin (picture book)
PICTURE MARTIN
Fluffy McWhiskers is so cute that anyone who sees her instantly explodes into balls of sparkles and fireworks, making it difficult for the little cat to find a single friend. This is a fun story, but it is definitely fiction, because I am even cuter than Fluffy and I have never made anyone explode.
Ballet Cat: the Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea (easy read)
EASY READ SHEA
Unable to decide how to spend their play date together, Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony share secrets that they fear will challenge their friendship. I really like this story of two friends who discover it’s okay if they disagree or have different interests. Me and my friend Danny the Duckling actually learned this lesson recently, and now we’re even better friends!
Sammy the Shy Kitten by Holly Webb (chapter book)
PAPERBACKS WEBB
Emma loves the stray cats at the riding school stables, especially a kitten she names Sammy. She wants to take Sammy home, but can she talk her parents into adopting a half-wild kitten? If I ever find a kitten without a home, I hope that my owners…I mean my parents…will let the kitty live with us. I’ve always wanted a sibling!
Graphic Novels:
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett
GRAPHIC NOVEL BARNETT
When it is discovered that rats are eating the moon, there is only one hero who can save the day- a fearsome beast who has been bioengineered in a secret lab to be the moon’s savior and Earth’s last hope! It’s First Cat to the rescue! I am a cat human who prefers to keep their paws feet on the ground, but I do admire a feline who shoots for the stars! Go, First Cat, go!
The Evil Secret Society of Cats by Pandania
GRAPHIC NOVEL PANDANIA
Under the direction of the purple-caped Feline Commander, the Evil Secret Society of Cats schemes against humanity in a series of humorous stories as adorable as they are diabolical. LOL! This graphic novel is so ridiculous! Cats are not trying to overthrow humanity! We would never plan something like that and then tell you about it. Instead, we would keep it a secret, and then launch a surprise attack.
Katie the Catsitter by Colleen A. F. Venable
GRAPHIC NOVEL VENABLE
Twelve-year-old Katie is dreading the boring summer ahead until she realizes the mysterious neighbor who hired her to cat sit is one of the city's greatest supervillains. I am a big fan of this book, especially the 217 interesting and strangely talented cats that Katie is in charge of! Two paws up for the whole series!
Nonfiction:
My Book of Cats and Kittens edited by Kathleen Teece & Srijani Ganguly
J636.8 MY
Discover fascinating information about cats and kittens--from their hair type, fur pattern, colors, and distinct personalities, to the differences and similarities that celebrate the unique identity of every feline! Cats need more than just hugs and storytimes and treats (lots of treats). This book is a great way to learn what else you need to know to take care of the most majestic creatures on Earth- cats!