Top 10 recommended cat books for older girls and boys

Every parent wants their child to read, but we want them to enjoy it rather than seeing it as a chore. Our daughter lost interest in reading for a while, so we were keen to get her reading again. Her passion is cats – she adores our two cats, Misty and Boo. They are her world therefore we set on a mission to find some excellent novels – based around cats – for her to try. And here are our tried and tested, top 10 cat story books for older children. These book vary in suitability from ages 8 to 13 based on our experience and opinion.

1.‘Kaspar Prince of Cats’ by Michael Morpurgo

“After you’ve read this book you will truly believe that cats have nine lives” is how my daughter described this book. Written by Michael Morpurgo, OBE, MBE, he is one of the UK’s best-loved authors and storytellers who has won many much-deserved awards. Children adore his books and as you can see, three of his books are included in our list of recommended books.

The story is based around a cat called Kaspar who comes to the Savoy Hotel initially. Johnny Trott, the hotel’s bell-boy, ends up with Kaspar and events take them all around the world surviving many adventures including theft, shipwrecks and rooftop rescues. Prince Kasper Kandinsky, the Prince of Cats, is certainly an extraordinary cat – indeed Kaspar is the only cat to survive the sinking of the Titanic.

A heart-warming historical tale, suitable for boys and girls. Many adults have also enjoyed this book too.

To purchase this book, please click here: Kaspar Prince of Cats

2. ‘Winston and the Marmalade Cat’ by Megan Rix

The author of this book, Megan Rix, was born in London and has lived in America, Singapore and New Zealand before settling back in England. She has written many books for children based around the subject of pets. Her tales of animals are perfect for children who love the combination of adventures and animal tales.

Any story based around a rescue is pretty much a sure hit in our household as this is how we got Misty, our first cat. This is a story about a nine year old little boy called Harry who adores animals and is desperate for a pet of his own. He spends his time helping out at an animal shelter. One day he rescues a little ginger cat caught in a dirty pipe. He names the cat Little Houdini and Harry is desperate to keep him, but little Houdini is due to be delivered to someone very famous. This famous person is none other than Sir Winston Churchill who also adores cats. This book combines fascinating history with animal cuteness.

To purchase this book, please click here: Winston and the Marmalade Cat

3. ‘Queenie’ by Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson was born in Bath, United Kingdom, in 1945 and is a very popular author amongst older and teenage girls. She has written over a hundred books, many based around adoption, divorce and various challenges but nevertheless are enjoyed by many children all over the world. Many of her novels have been enjoyed in our household for sure.

This novel is set in 1953, the year of the Queen’s coronation. Elsie Kettle and her grandmother are excited to go to London to see the coronation celebrations, but tragedy strikes. They both fall ill with tuberculosis and are confined to hospital beds, in separate hospitals, for several months. Elsie makes some very special friends during her hospital stay but Queenie, the hospital’s white cat, makes a particular impact on her.

Although sad in parts, all ends well, and this is a beautiful, heart-warming tale.

To purchase this book, please click here: Queenie

4. ‘Paws and Whiskers’ chosen by Jacqueline Wilson

This book ticks the boxes for dog lovers as well as cat lovers! This is a collection of short stories, a mixture of new and old. New short stories are included from well known, much loved authors such as Jaqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Malorie Blackman to name but a few. There are also extracts from well-known classic animal tales such as ‘The hundred and one Dalmatians’ and ‘The Incredible journey’. Short stories are perfect for a quick bedtime read and it’s a book that can be dipped in and out as you choose.

To purchase this book, please click here: Paws and Whiskers

5. ‘The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips’ by Michael Morpurgo

The second of our Michael Morpurgo books is a tale set in the era of the second world war. A story of a deserted village, an adventurous cat and a determined little girl called Lily. The tale is told through Lily’s diary and these diary entries gives a real insight into Britain at the time of the war from the perspective of this determined, compassionate twelve-year-old girl. A heart-warming book with a happy ending.

To purchase this book, please click here: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

6. ‘The Nine Lives of Montezuma’ by Michael Morpurgo

They say cats have nine lives…and here is the story of Montezuma, a farm cat, and his nine lives. Adventures and excitement and indeed how we all know cats to be. Easy to read, fairly large print and each chapter telling the tale of one of Montezuma’s life. Although the ending is sad, it is still a very worthwhile read.

To purchase this book, please click here: The Nine Lives of Montezuma

7. ‘The Birthday Kitten’ by Enid Blyton

“A 5-star book with a very magical story” and a firm favourite in our household which has been read over and over. I even read this story myself when I was a little girl. Written by Enid Blyton, one of the most treasured children’s authors of all time, it is a classic Enid Blyton book of adventures children and animals.

A beautiful story about twins, Terry and Tessie, who are desperate for a pet of their own. They rescue a little white fluffy kitten and their mission to keep this kitten. Heart-warming, super cute and given a well-deserved a 5-star rating by our very own reader.

To purchase this book, please click here: The Birthday Kitten

8. ‘Rebel Cats! Brave tales of Feisty Felines’ by Kimberlie Hamilton

This is a great book to dip in and out. It contains true stories of many historic cats alongside all kinds of facts about cats. The fact that these are tales of real-life cats who have either been Hollywood stars, lifesaving heroes or a champion in their own right make the stories even more heart-warming. Over 150 pages of amazing stories and incredible facts – simply brilliant. The illustrations in the book are also fantastic. I’ve enjoyed reading this book as much as my daughter has – I would consider it a must have for any cat lover and a perfect gift!

To purchase this book, please click here: Rebel Cats

9. ‘Cats: 101 Amazing facts about Cats: Cat Books for Kids’ by Jenny Kellett

Although this is a factual book rather than a story, I’m sure most parents would agree, getting a reluctant reader to read can be challenging and if a factual book captures then interest then that must be encouraged. This is a very easy read, simply as it says on the cover – 101 amazing facts about kittens and cats. The photographs are lovely, the facts are interesting, nicely spaced out finished off with a little word search at the end. A reminder that books can be fun, interesting and educational at the same time.

To purchase this book, please click here: Cats:101 Amazing facts

10. Top Trumps – Cats

Our last recommendation is not a book – but we simply had to recommend these Top Trump cards – all about Cats! Top trumps is an easy fun game, perfect when travelling or needing a ten minute activity. Top trumps are available on so many topics – and for cat lovers, these are perfect. Full of facts and different breeds, it is fun to see how they compare. These are well used in our household and come highly recommended.

To purchase these cards, please click here: Top Trumps – Cats

We hope you enjoy a few, or all, of our recommended books.