To continue our monthly series of book lists for children and teens, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles:
June, 2006 -- Cat Tales!
Bella Arabella by Liza Fosburgh. Pampered ten-year-old Arabella overhears her mother and stepfather discussing sending her to a boarding school. While pouring out her heart to her cat Miranda, Arabella learns that she too can become a cat, and decides to do so. Her new life is full of trouble and fear, and she soon comes to appreciate her former state as a privileged little girl. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 26248.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Nonsense verses tell how the fantastic cat in the hat entertains two children one rainy day. Grades K-3. Print/Braille book BR 8932. Cassette book RC 33062. Braille book BR 13461. Also, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Braille book BR 13451. Cassette book RC 35107. Large print book LP 15291.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth. Soon after adopting a lucky three-colored cat, a poor Japanese artist is hired to paint a masterpiece. The devoted pet watches patiently as the man draws the animals Buddha has blessed. At last he draws a cat and earns a special miracle. Grades 4-7. Newbery Medal. 1930. Braille book BR 15444 or BR 6277. Cassette book RC 58398.
How to Talk to Your Cat by Jean Craighead George. Cats, being independent creatures, like to initiate conversations on their own terms, the author explains, through touch, scent, sound, and body language. She also discusses appropriate responses and special ways to speak to a cat first. Grades 2-4. Cassette book RC 050302.
It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville. The story of a fourteen-year-old New York boy and his relationships with a stray tomcat, an eccentric old woman, a troubled older boy, his first female friend, and his father. Grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. Braille book BR 9722. Cassette book RC 22850. Large print book LP 1238.
Socks by Beverly Cleary. Socks, the pampered cat of the Brickers, rules the household until the Brickers bring home a new baby. Grades 3-5. Cassette book RC 10399. Braille Book BRW 1012.
Stories to Tell a Cat edited by Alvin Schwartz. A collection of cat tales and poems mined from folklore around the world. Included are stories of monster cats, brave cats, magical cats, and foolish cats. The book also includes revealing source notes for the selections. Grades 3-6 and older readers.Cassette book RC 39095.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst. A small boy quickly remembers nine good things about Barney, his cat who died. His father helps him think of the tenth good thing about Barney, which they agree is "a pretty nice job for a cat." Grades K-3. Cassette book RC 40467.
Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander. Gareth is a black cat with special powers who takes his friend Jason to nine different places in history, including Egypt in 2700 B.C., Rome and Britain in 55 B.C., Peru in 1555, and America in 1775. Grades 4-7.Cassette book RC 36142. Large print book LP 20140.
Varjak Paw by S. F. Said. Varjak is a Mesopotamian blue cat who lives with his family on the Contessa's estate. But trouble comes when a new owner arrives with a pair of evil black cats. Varjak, who knows the martial arts of his ancestors, goes out into the world for help. Grades 4-7. Braille Book BR 15369.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.