10+ Best Cat Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that combines adventure, mystery, and whiskers? Look no further! Our roundup of cat books for 7-year-olds is packed with tales that will captivate your young reader's imagination. Whether your child is a budding cat enthusiast or just loves a good story, these picks are sure to delight. Keep reading to discover our favorite cat books for 7-year-olds that promise to be the purr-fect fit for your little one’s library!

Fun Cat Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mischievous cat in a tall hat turns a rainy day into an unexpected adventure for two young siblings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that plays with language and rhymes, making it great for developing reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful stories and imaginative adventures.

• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change colors as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes!
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and rhythmic text helps build reading confidence while teaching colors and the spirit of resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love singing along and learning through repetition.

• Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Splat the Cat is nervous about his first day of cat school. This story follows his hilarious attempts to avoid going to school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common fears about school with humor and fun, making it a comforting read for children facing their own school anxieties.
  • Perfect for: Children who are apprehensive about new experiences, especially school.

• Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. With his big ears and vivid imagination, he transforms into El Skippito, a great sword-fighting chihuahua!
  • Why we recommend this book: The imaginative adventures and playful language stimulate creativity and joy in reading.
  • Perfect for: Energetic kids with big imaginations and a love for adventures.

• Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Kitty's owners run out of her favorite food, she goes through all the alphabets with very bad behaviors before learning to behave better.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the alphabet in a humorous and memorable way, engaging young readers effectively.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and learning through humor.

Educational Cat Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Professor Astro Cat and his team as they embark on a journey through the cosmos. They explore the solar system, the stars, and even distant galaxies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, scientific curiosity, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents complex scientific concepts in a simple, engaging way that is perfect for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have an interest in space and science.

• The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Travel, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A cat sets off on a picturesque journey across France after his owner passes away, discovering the sights and culture of the country.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cultural awareness, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle narrative about loss and recovery, wrapped in a travel adventure that showcases the beauty of France.
  • Perfect for: Young travelers and cat lovers who dream of visiting new places.

• Lost Cat by C. Roger Mader
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Slipper the cat is accidentally left behind when her family moves. The story follows her brave journey to reunite with them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches about determination and the importance of home.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories of adventure and animals showing courage.

• Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: It's the first full moon for this little kitten, and she mistakenly thinks the moon is a bowl of milk in the sky. The book follows her attempts to reach it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of natural phenomena, empathy, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: The simple and beautiful illustrations complement a sweet story that stimulates imagination and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy sweet, imaginative tales with charming artwork.

• Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Early Math Concepts
  • Synopsis: Cats of various colors and sizes stack up in different formations, introducing basic math concepts like addition, subtraction, and division in a playful way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic math skills, counting, grouping
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a fun and visual approach to introduce early math concepts, making learning engaging and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who enjoy playful stories and are just starting to learn about numbers and math.

Challenging Cat Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel
  • Synopsis: Jason and his magical cat, Gareth, travel through time to visit nine different historical periods. Gareth talks and offers wisdom that helps Jason understand more about life and history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex historical contexts and the concept of time travel, which requires a higher level of comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with educational content, making historical learning exciting and imaginative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by history and adventures through time.

• Varjak Paw by SF Said, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Varjak Paw is a young cat from a traditional family who must venture into the dangerous city to save his family. He learns the mystical martial arts of his ancestors along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of self-discovery, martial arts philosophy, and survival, encouraging deeper thinking and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about growth, bravery, and the importance of self-belief.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories about overcoming challenges and finding one's courage.

• The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Spiritual, Cultural
  • Synopsis: A poor artist and his cat, Good Fortune, embark on a spiritual journey when the artist is commissioned to paint a picture of the Buddha for a local temple.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep spiritual and ethical questions, intertwined with elements of Japanese culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle introduction to philosophical questions and the importance of compassion and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in different cultures and philosophical storytelling.

• The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot, illustrated by Ruth Brown
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Holiday, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming tale tells the story of a kitten named Buster who finds a home on Christmas day, bringing joy and love to his new family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with themes of love, loss, and the joy of giving, requiring emotional maturity to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy that pets can bring into our lives.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animal stories and the warmth of holiday tales.

• The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide, translated by Eric Selland
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: A couple in Tokyo experiences subtle, yet profound changes in their lives when a neighbor’s cat decides to frequently visit their small home.
  • Why this book is challenging: Originally written for adults, this book offers a sophisticated narrative style and themes that encourage introspection and a deeper understanding of human relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, contemplative story that can enhance empathy and appreciation for life's small joys.
  • Perfect for: Older children ready for more mature themes and reflective storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to make reading about cats even more fun and beneficial for your 7-year-old, you've come to the right place. Here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while diving into the delightful world of cat books. Let's make reading a paw-sitively purr-fect adventure!

• Create a Cat Character Chart
  • What it is: Draw a chart or a book character map featuring different cat characters from the stories.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in remembering details about the characters.
  • Tips: Use colors and pictures to make the chart visually appealing and easier to recall.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Make cards that depict scenes from the cat books and arrange them in order.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of story structure and sequence.
  • Tips: Start with simpler books and gradually increase complexity as sequencing skills improve.

• Cat-Themed Reading Nook
  • What it is: Create a cozy reading space decorated with cat-themed items.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience enjoyable and special, encouraging more frequent reading sessions.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the space to increase their excitement and involvement.

• Book-Based Cat Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts based on the cat characters or elements from the books.
  • How it helps: Extends engagement with the book content and aids in creative expression.
  • Tips: Use simple materials and include a variety of crafts like coloring, cutting, or even building.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time to discuss the book after reading, focusing on the cat characters and their adventures.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking about the story and characters.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connections.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Implement a system where your child earns stickers or marks for each book or chapter read.
  • How it helps: Motivates continued reading and helps build a habit.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for completing a chart, like choosing the next book or a cat-themed treat.

So, there you have it! With these fun exercises, your young reader will not only improve their reading skills but also deepen their love for books, especially those about our feline friends. Remember, the key is to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of their daily routine. Happy reading!