The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read
Illustrated by Kate Berube
It's not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.
Nick loves to read books — and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it's a great idea to teach his cats to read. But Verne and Stevenson don't appreciate when Nick wakes them up with a flashcard that says "nap." Nick finally piques Verne's interest with words like "mouse" and "fish." But not Stevenson's. While Nick and Verne go to the library, Stevenson hides under the porch. Will Nick ever find a way to share his love of reading with his feline friends?
"The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read" was nominated for the South Carolina Picture Book Award for 2019 as well as named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and a Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year.
Bio
Curtis Manley liked stories with cats when he was young, but never tried to teach his cat Inky to read. When his daughter came along years later, she also liked stories with cats — and stories with mice! He received a Master of Science and a doctorate in geology from ASU in 1986 and 1994, respectively. Curtis lives in the Seattle area with his wife, daughter and just one cat.
Praise for this book
This quirky tale filled with subtle humor makes a fun read-aloud, especially for cat lovers, literacy lovers, or anyone looking for a great story.
School Library Journal
“Manley’s conversational text flows smoothly…. Berube’s charmingly childlike art… captures the cats’ personalities perfectly and creates a cozy, everyday world with just enough amusing details to reward repeat readings. Young listeners of all stripes (and species) will enjoy this warmhearted celebration of literacy and imagination.”
Kirkus Reviews
