Mrs McTats and her Houseful of Cats - Alyssa Satin Capucilli

There are many wonderful authors who write for the early childhood grades, but one of my favorite authors for Kindergarten is Alyssa Satin Capucilli. She is the author of over 40 children's books ranging from her popular Biscuit and Katy Duck series to her numerous picture books and beginning readers. One of my favorite picture books by Mrs. Capucilli that I recently revisited is Mrs. McTats and her Houseful of Cats (2001).  This is a very clever book because it appears to be a cute rhyming story about cats,  but as you continue on there is counting and addition, and wait - it's an ABC book too!  I find that Kindergarten is the perfect grade to share this book because they will completely understand the ending of the story as most 3 and 4 year olds will miss it (my 4 year old  twins needed an explanation).

 In 2004, I had the opportunity to host Mrs. Capucilli for an author visit at my elementary school. She engaged the children with her presentation on how she writes her Biscuit books, and she was very warm and inviting during the book signing.  Her website has a wonderful array of information about her latest books, and even a readers theater on Mrs. McTats. I'm looking forward to reading more from this imaginative author.