 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Cat in the Hat
Common Sense Media says
A kids classic that put Dr. Seuss on the map.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that young readers will likely side with the fun-crazed Cat and his sidekicks, not the guilt-tripping goldfish who serves as the voice of reason. The book's colorful illustrations capture the Cat's exuberant spirit and match the rapid-fire rhyming text, which will likely encourage multiple readings.
What's the story?
Two children are moping indoors on a rainy day when in strolls the Cat in the Hat. Making one of the most unforgettable entrances in the history of children's literature, the lanky feline, stylishly dressed in a candy-striped stovepipe hat and oversized bow tie, creates a whirlwind of misbehavior that the kids are at first powerless to halt.
Is it any good?
In response to a pivotal Life magazine article titled "Why Johnny Can't Read," children's author Theodor S. Geisel -- aka Dr. Seuss -- spent over a year shuffling what must have seemed like a meager assortment of words, polishing and polishing, until he produced THE CAT IN THE HAT. And when the Cat strode into primary classrooms, boring old Puff and Spot slunk out forever.
The Cat is almost amoral: He traipses into the house, juggles possessions, and invites his odd pals to help him trash the place. (That's why the children's grumpy goldfish, a self-appointed baby-sitter/morality czar, is a perfect foil for the mischievous Cat.) That said, the Cat is hardly shameless. After the boy finally asserts himself and orders the fun-loving feline to "pack up those Things" and hit the road, the Cat is the picture of remorse -- even his whiskers and bow tie droop. This is a must-read classic for every child.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Dr. Seuss's unique use of language and can even use the book to introduce the concept of rhyming.
How many sets of rhyming words can you find in the text?
Do you notice
any kind of pattern with rhyming pairs? Parents can also reinforce the
real-life ramifications of the Cat's crazy behavior.Do you think the
children will be honest with their mother about what actually happened
in the house that day?
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AGE
5 Hats out of 5 for the Cat
I love reading The Cat in the Hat to my 2 yr old. We have lots of fun reading through it. The first time through he thought it was too long, but now he asks for each each night before bed. I had previously thought he was zoning out during sections of the book, but a few days ago he was playing off by himself and talking to himself and I realized he was reciting part of the text from one of those sections!
Others have expressed concern about the cat and the "things" as role models. You can't explain proper versus improper behavior without examples of the latter to counter with the former. The kids are mostly bystanders, who don't try to stop the cat or the things until pressed at the end. In the end, they take the right action. And, the cat himself, redeems himself to some degree by righting what he has done wrong. The story ends with a question -- that I believe -- is there for you to address when the story is presented and complete: When the mother comes home, should the kids tell her what happened while she was gone?
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great, funny book for kids learning how to read
i've always enjoyed the cat in the hat. The simple writing makes it easy for beginner readers to read. It's a cute book and there isn't any inappropriate content (unless people dislike the cat's bad behavior but he fixs things at the end) I think kids will love it and parents will find it funny
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AGE
i think the book cat in the hat is a good book.for younger kids...
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Children 4 and older will love it!
The Cat in the Hat is very, very Educational!
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