Seen Any Cats?

Frank Modell's 'Seen Any Cats?' is a delightful early reader that, despite being listed as a 'chapter book,' functions beautifully as a longer picture book or transitional reader for young children. The premise is simple and engaging: two friends, Milton and Marvin, want to go to the real circus, but lacking funds, they decide to create their own cat circus to earn money. This leads them on a charming neighborhood hunt for feline performers. The narrative is lighthearted and driven by the boys' imaginative play and determination. It gently handles themes of friendship, teamwork, and creative problem-solving without any heavy emotional arcs, maintaining a joyful and optimistic tone throughout. This book is ideal for children who love animals, especially cats, and those who enjoy stories about imaginative adventures. Parents might reach for this when their child is showing an interest in circuses, animals, or needs a positive story about working with friends towards a goal. No specific preparation is needed, as the content is very mild and positive. Younger readers (ages 4-6) will enjoy it as a read-aloud, captivated by the idea of a cat circus, while older early elementary children (ages 7-8) can read it independently and appreciate the humor and the boys' resourcefulness. Its unique focus on gathering cats for a homemade circus sets it apart from more generic friendship stories, offering a specific and amusing premise.