The Cat who Came in Off the Roof

Reach for this book when your child is feeling timid, struggling to find their place in a group, or feeling like their quirks make them an outsider. This whimsical story follows Tibbe, a shy journalist who is about to lose his job because he is too afraid to ask questions, and Minou, a young woman who was recently a cat and still retains feline instincts. Together, they form an unlikely partnership that helps Tibbe find his confidence and expose a local injustice. It is a charming exploration of integrity, the importance of community, and the courage it takes to speak the truth. Written by the beloved Dutch author Annie M. G. Schmidt, the story is perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers. It uses a lighthearted, magical premise to address deeper themes of social anxiety and moral courage. Parents will appreciate how the book models that being different is a strength rather than a flaw, all while maintaining a brisk, humorous pace that keeps children engaged.