There’s a Cat in Our Class!: A Tale About Getting Along
Jeanie Franz Ransom, Author
Bryan Langdo, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Aug. 15, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Animals, Dogs, Cats, Diversity, Embracing differences, Tolerance
Opening: “There were eighteen students in Miss Biscuit’s class. Until…”
Synopsis: Just before lunch, Miss Biscuit shared the exciting news that there would be a new student joining the classroom — Samantha. Max, Rusty, Ginger, and Tanner assume that their new classmate will be just like them … a DOG. But Samantha is a cat! “But cats make me nervous,” Rusty said. Me, too! Ginger said. “I’m going to start shedding any minute.” How does that make Samantha feel? That leads to some hilarious acting out and a heap of questions among the classmates. When Samantha saves the ball game at recess, the other dogs thinks she’s a pretty cool cat. Then Miss Biscuit announces that there will be another new student arriving tomorrow…
Why I like this story:
Jeanie Franz Ransom has written a clever and humorous story for young children about embracing the differences in each other. With the growing diversity in our country, this is a very timely book. The students in this story are curious and brutally honest with their questions to their new classmate, Samantha. They want to know if she eats mice, walks on a leash, wags her tail and uses a litter box or goes outside. The cast of characters are lively and learn about acceptance, tolerance and how to get along. Bryan Langdo’s illustrations are colorful, expressive and tickle the imagination! I love the book cover.
Reading this book to children will help them discover how they are more alike than different, no matter their skin color, ethnicity, language, LGBT issues or disability. There’s a Cat in Our Class emphasizes compassion and connectivity with our beautiful diverse human family. Although their lives may vary, children enjoy learning, playing games and sharing feelings of joy and sadness. This book fosters acceptance of others.
Resources: This book includes A Note Readers written by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, that discusses how parents, teachers, and other adults can talk with children about diversity in a way that’s meaningful and effective.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Looks really cute. Love the cover art there.
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Yes, so do I. The looks on the other dog’s faces are priceless.
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A very cute cover. Love the theme of diversity and told in such a lovely way kids will really enjoy this. I also love the questions that the dogs ask about the cat. I must look out for this one. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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Kids just blurt out what they are thinking and it works well in this book! Such a great book about accepting others for their differences. And, of course there will be a new addition to the class the next day, which adds to the humor.
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Hold on. As one who regularly discriminates against cats, is this book telling me that I’m doing wrong?
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Only you would test me! Look at the larger picture! 🙂
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😉
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The cover says so much!
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Agreed!
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The cover is so expressive!
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Yes, the cover is absolutely priceless! I love the expressions on the other dogs’ faces. Wait until they see who arrives the next day!
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What an adorably clever way to handle this topic! Thanks for sharing this, Pat.
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Yes, I agree with you! It is the perfect book for young children about getting along with others who don’t look like us!
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I like it! That’s a good way to bring up important issues with young kids.
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Yes, it is written for young children! And, it is the perfect way to discuss diversity.
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Sounds like “pet therapy” to me 🙂
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Ha! I hadn’t thought of that! Thank you!
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Fun approach to diversity!
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Yes, it is a fun approach to diversity for young children!
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What an amazing way to talk about diversity and acceptance of someone new in the classroom. This is a must read and is on my library check out list.
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It is a fun way to address acceptance and diversity with young children. They will get it!
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What a great idea! This one is going to find its way into our school library! Thanks, Patricia!
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Glad you enjoyed the book. It is a fun read. Then ending is really fun!
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Can’t wait to read it!
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Pat this looks like a great book. Have to check it out. What a great idea to use cats & dogs in this story.
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Hmm – not in my library…..
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That’s too bad. I many times request that the library to purchase a book.
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Yes, I agree.
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Love this. What a neat way of looking at diversity and fear of difference.
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I agree. Young children will understand the importance of diversity and getting along.
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How delightful. A great way to explain that although we are all different we have similarities. Kids at this age relate to animals. The dog and cat thing has gone on far too long!!!
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Yes, I believe this using animals was a perfect way to help young children understand diversity. Love your comment about the “dog vs cat” thing.
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Books about friendship, compassion, and acceptance are always high on my list, Patricia. With the addition of notes to help parents and teachers discuss diversity with children, this sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing.
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My favorites too! Glad you liked the book!
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What a wonderful way to explore issues of diversity – and it sounds hilarious! This dog owner can’t wait to read what happens when you introduce a cat into a class of dogs.
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It is a very humorous, but important story for kids. I think it is perfect for young children. Love that cover!
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Clever way to explain a difficult concept to kids. Simple yet powerful. Thanks for the recommendation Pat!
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Yes, it is a powerful story. Got to love that cover.
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