That’s Not My Kitten: A Cozy Touchy-Feely Adventure
As a mom of two young kiddos, our bedtime routine can sometimes resemble a circus act! With stories to tell, prayers to share, and of course, the inevitable "please don’t let your brother steal my book again!", it can feel like quite the challenge to squeeze in those quiet moments of connection. Recently, though, I stumbled upon a delightful gem that has become a favorite in our evening lineup: “That’s Not My Kitten…” by Fiona Watt.
The moment I opened the book, I was greeted by a colorful splash of illustrations that instantly drew my little ones in. This interactive touchy-feely journey introduces us to five fluffy kittens, each with its unique texture to explore—fuzzy, furry, and oh-so-smooth! As soon as we turned the page to meet the first kitten, my youngest, Lily (just about two), squealed with glee, her little fingers reaching out to feel the kitten’s soft fur. Meanwhile, my big boy, Ethan (four), chimed in with his best cat impressions. “Meow!” he declared, pausing only to spot the cheeky little white mouse on each page, which we all delighted in finding together.
One of the most charming aspects of “That’s Not My Kitten…” comes from the rhythmic, repetitive text. With each page, we eagerly exclaimed, “That’s not my kitten!”—engaging not just in reading but in an active, joyful call-and-response. It felt like we were participating in a playful conversation, which kept both of their attention levels high! The cozy dialogue opened the door for discussions about their own favorite pets (we might need to adopt a kitten soon!) and curiosity about different animals.
I can’t help but chuckle at how seriously the kids took their “work” of feeling the textures. In between giggles and playful banter, Lily would always insist on the “fuzzy” patch on the next page. Oh, the joy of seeing her little face light up was priceless! It turned into a family game of who could guess which kitten came next based solely on the texture of its fur. I loved that this book not only provided reading time but also sparked fun, interactive moments—we even invented textures of our own to feel, like a “not-so-smooth” potato!
The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, perfect for little eyes and encouraging visual development. The sturdy board pages made it easy for my toddlers to flip through themselves, giving them a sense of accomplishment as they "read" the story, which was a huge hit in our home!
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend “That’s Not My Kitten…” for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 who are just starting to discover the world of books. It’s ideal for curious little hands eager to explore with their fingers while whispering and giggling with a loved one. Whether they’re animal lovers or just enjoy textures, this book is bound to become a treasured addition to your bedtime routine.
As a mom, I cherish these small, sweet moments with my kiddos, especially when a simple story can turn into a lasting memory. So, grab a cozy blanket, and dive into this delightful adventure—you and your little ones won’t regret it!
