Mister Kitty is LOST! written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli is perfect for preschoolers who can readily feel the problem that certainly comes when kitty is not where kitty should be. Mister Kitty’s owner is a little girl with pigtails and an “oh no” look on her face. She invites the reader to help her find Mister Kitty. She is accompanied by her little dog.
The well-constructed pages can stand the not so gentle grasp of young page-turners. There are also peek holes that allow the young reader to see specific colors. The book cleverly uses numbers to tell the story. “Mister Kitty has 5 yellow spots. Do you see five yellow spots?” There are five peek holes on the page as well as the little girl’s dog who barks five times to enhance the concept of the number five. When the page is turned, however, the five yellow spots turn out to be five little snakes wiggling about. “UG-OH! That is not Mister Kitty!”
Next, the little girl tells the reader that Mister Kitty has 4 orange paws but when the child looks at the “peek holes” and then turns the page it becomes clear that the paws are really 4 orange monkeys dancing around!
This delightful book counts from 5 down to 1 as it reveals snakes, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and finally Mister Kitty. Children will enjoy the surprise situation at the very end of the book, too.
Mister Kitty is LOST! designed, written, and illustrated by the highly praised Greg Pizzoli is full of fun for children 0-3 years of age. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2023).
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Activity Questions for Mister Kitty is LOST!
For parents of preschoolers: In this book there are snakes, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that move in particular ways and make certain noises. Discuss with the child how each of the four animals in this story moves and could sound. A snake quietly makes a hissing sound while it slithers across the floor on its stomach, a monkey jumps and tumbles across the room while making screeching sounds, an elephant makes a long and loud noise while lifting its trunk and crocodiles quietly “sneak up” on their bellies. Next, find an area that gives children a safe room in which to play out each of the four animals. Have FUN.
Study Mister Kitty’s angry face toward the end of this book. Ask the child how they know Kitty is angry and what made Kitty angry. Then study Mister Kitty’s happy face on the very next page. Discuss how they know Kitty is happy and what made him happy. With drawing paper and crayons have the child draw a picture of themselves with a happy face and then with an angry face. Discuss what makes them happy and what makes them sad.
