Reading and writing are the most important skills a child acquires during his or her lifetime--and it all begins in the early childhood classroom, where creative play, discovery and time to explore are at the heart of a developmentally appropriate and child-centered curriculum. Striking a balance between these often competing priorities can challenge even the most experienced educator.

Three little kittens, they lost their mittens, and they began to cry. The three little kittens may be a bit careless, but they always manage to correct their mistakes in this favorite Mother Goose rhyme.

From kitten rescuer and New York Times bestselling author Hannah Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady on YouTube and Instagram, comes an inspiring picture book that takes readers on the adorable journey of foster kittens from their first days after birth all the way to adoption! Did you know that kittens are born with their eyes closed, and they are so small that they can fit in the palm of your hand? Or that being groomed with a toothbrush reminds orphan kittens of their mothers’ tongues, and helps them feel comfy and safe? Learn these facts and more in Kitten Lady’s first picture book! Hannah uses her engaging, fun voice to show how she helps orphan kittens grow up, get adopted, and become healthy, happy cats. Featuring irresistible photographs and playful doodles, Kitten Lady’s Big Book of Little Kittens shows what you can do to help the tiniest felines in our big, big world.

A humorous reimagining of the classic nursery rhyme about three kittens, who lose, find, and ultimately mess up their mittens--and share their pie with one hungry mouse.

The acclaimed author and illustrator of Chickens to the Rescue has created a sweet, funny, and entirely irresistible new character—a little dog just bursting with good intentions. Katie is so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can't stop herself from howling "AROOOOO!" and trying to run after them. She loves them so much! But Katie's enthusiasm frightens the kitties, and she's sad when they run away from her. Don't they know that she just wants to play? Katie Loves the Kittens is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

A 2018 Caldecott Honor book There was a cat who lived alone. Until the day a new cat came . . . And so a story of friendship begins, following the two cats through their days, months, and years until one day, the older cat has to go. And he doesn’t come back. This is a poignant story, told in measured text and bold black-and-white illustrations about the act of moving on.

Five darling kittens are lovingly cared for by a mama and papa cat as they in turn care for their toy mouse. It's cream and porridge for breakfast, fish soup for lunch, and then baths, naps, chores, and plenty of play to fill the day until bedtime, when five sleepy kittens tuck in their toy mouse and snuggle into bed. Simple, soothing verse and luminous illustrations that fill the page join here to create a delightfully cozy original nursery rhyme.

A learn-to-read story about a mouse knight.

“Lucky kitten, lucky readers: a sweet, special Halloween story.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “This gentle story is a sweet option for a Halloween read-aloud and will please young feline fans any time of the year.” —Booklist From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes a charming autumnal story about a little girl who must return a lost kitten to its home, lovingly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die cut pages. Ollie and her cat Pumpkin are out frolicking on a beautiful fall day when they come upon a tiny kitten shivering in a pile of fallen leaves. Ollie warms the kitten up and the three become fast friends, but when Ollie sees “Lost Kitten” posters hanging on the trees in the forest, she knows she has to help her new friend get home. As Halloween draws nearer, magic is afoot, and Ollie’s good deed is rewarded in an unexpected way.

Three little kittens go outdoors for the first time and enjoy scaring away all the animals they meet until a fierce dog appears.