The Tale of Tom Kitten

Reach for this book when your child has had a messy mishap or struggled to stay on their best behavior during a formal event. It is an empathetic, humorous look at the natural friction between a child's instinct to play and a parent's desire for order. The story follows three kittens whose mother dresses them in fine clothes for a tea party, only for them to lose every piece of clothing to a group of passing ducks while playing in the garden. While the mother is understandably frustrated, the book captures the whimsical and inevitable nature of childhood curiosity. It provides a gentle space to discuss expectations, the consequences of our actions, and the fact that even when we mess up, we are still part of the family. The classic illustrations and rhythmic prose make it a soothing read for toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to navigate social rules.