Embracing Fall with “The Little Kitten”
As the leaves begin to crunch beneath our feet and the air turns crisp, I’ve been on the lookout for cozy reads to share with my kids. One afternoon, while picking through our bookshelves, we stumbled upon The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen. I was immediately drawn to its charming cover, and so was my daughter, Olivia—who adores anything cat-related. Wanting to embrace the warm, snug feel of autumn, I thought, “Why not make this our next storytime adventure?”
The Little Kitten is a delightful tale that follows a little girl named Ollie and her fluffy companion, Pumpkin. One lovely fall day, they come across a shivering kitten nestled in a pile of leaves. The story unfolds with Ollie warming up the lost kitty and their blossoming friendship. However, warm hearts lead to a noble quest: upon seeing “Lost Kitten” posters, Ollie knows she must help her new furry friend find its way home. The book beautifully balances themes of kindness and friendship while encapsulating that little touch of Halloween magic that we all love around this time of year.
What captured my kids’ attention was not just the story, but the illustrations. Killen’s use of limited colors, particularly the bright orange foiling of leaves and pumpkins amidst shades of gray, truly brings the scenes to life. My son, Max, couldn’t stop pointing at the shimmering elements, exclaiming, “Look, Mom! Sparkly leaves!” It was heartwarming to see how the visuals sparked their imaginations, leading to a delightful conversation about why leaves change color in the fall and if our own kitty might ever go on an adventure like Ollie’s.
One of my favorite moments was when we reached a page with a die-cut design, allowing Olivia to peek through and discover what lay ahead in the story. She squealed with delight, “It’s like a window to the next page!” Her enthusiasm was contagious, and we found ourselves pausing to guess what would happen next, the joy of reading together underscoring the experience. If you’re looking for a perfect book for snuggling up on the couch with a warm cup of cider, this is it.
I particularly enjoyed how the conclusion of the story brought a sweet twist, revealing the unexpected reward for Ollie’s kindness. It’s precious moments like these that remind us, as parents, why we cultivate little readers in the first place—exposing them to the beauty of helping others and those feel-good surprises life has to offer.
I would wholeheartedly recommend The Little Kitten to families with children aged 2-4, particularly those who adore animals or are looking for a good Halloween season read without the spookiness. Whether you’re reading at bedtime or during a cozy afternoon break, this book feels like a delightful hug on a cool autumn day. It has certainly found a place in our hearts and our rotation of favorite fall stories, and I envision us returning to it for many years to come.
So grab a cozy blanket, some hot cocoa, and settle in with this charming tale. You’ll not only ignite your child’s love for reading but also create cherished memories, one page at a time.
