The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read

Nick lives with two cats named Verne and Stevenson who show no interest in his books or reading. When Nick decides to teach his cats to read, Verne proves more receptive to lessons than Stevenson. Nick uses creative techniques and patience to engage Verne in reading activities. The story follows Nick's determined efforts and Stevenson's continued resistance to learning. Through playful illustrations and straightforward storytelling, this book celebrates the connections between reading, imagination, and relationships. The narrative demonstrates how sharing books can strengthen bonds and open up new worlds of possibility.

Readers celebrate this book's humor and heartwarming portrayal of a boy's patient effort to share reading with his reluctant cats. Parents and teachers note it encourages reading without being preachy. Likes: - Kate Quealy-Gainer (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books) praised the "gentle humor" and "understated charm" - Teachers report it engages reluctant readers - Parents appreciate the realistic depiction of different learning styles - Art receives praise for expressive cat expressions Dislikes: - Some found the story's pace too slow - A few readers wanted more interaction between the two cats - Minor criticism about text length for youngest readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (589 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (108 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) School Library Journal gave it a starred review, noting "a perfect read-aloud that celebrates the joy of reading."

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The Not So Quiet Library by Zachariah OHora Two kids and their librarian uncle encounter book-hungry monsters during their Saturday library visit.

Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) by Barbara Bottner A reluctant reader discovers her perfect book with help from a persistent librarian.

Book or Bell? by Chris Barton A student refuses to stop reading during school announcements, leading to a showdown between books and bells.

🐱 Like Nick in the story, author Curtis Manley grew up with cats as pets and spent countless hours observing their unique personalities and behaviors. 📚 The illustrator, Kate Berube, used her own cat as a model for some of the book's artwork, particularly studying how cats move and lounge around. 🎨 The book's distinctive illustrations were created using ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint to capture both the whimsy and realism of cats learning to read. 🌟 The story was inspired by real-life programs where children practice reading aloud to therapy animals, which helps build confidence in reluctant readers. 📖 The book includes a subtle nod to classic children's literature through the titles visible on Nick's bookshelf, including several well-known cat-themed stories.