Nice Work for the Cat and the King

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling frustrated by mistakes or is convinced there's only one “right” way to do something. It’s a wonderfully silly chapter book that models creative problem-solving and the joy of teamwork. The story follows a well-meaning but bumbling King who is overwhelmed by his royal duties. Luckily, his clever Cat is always nearby with a purr-fectly unconventional solution for every problem, from polishing the crown to cheering up a grumpy princess. With its gentle humor and low-stakes challenges, this book is ideal for newly independent readers (ages 6 to 8). It reinforces themes of resilience and collaboration, showing children that thinking differently is a strength and that it's okay, and even fun, to not get things right on the first try.