Millions of Cats and One Mouse

Author

• Part One: Adapted from Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág (1928), a public-domain work. Free adaptation by Mara Seronda.

• Part Two: Original companion story by Mara Seronda.

• Illustrations: Mara Seronda 

Publisher

Ollada de Tinta

Edition

First Edition — September 2026

Format

Illustrated picture book · Full-color interior

ISBN

979-13-992803-1-9

Language

English

Recommended Age Range

Ages 5–7

Designed for young children developing early English language and reading skills. The short sentences, repeated phrases, familiar vocabulary, visual clues, and connected story structure make the book suitable for shared reading and repeated reading with an adult or teacher.

Recommended Grade Levels (USA)

Kindergarten–Grade 1

Particularly suitable for shared reading, early English learning, guided classroom activities, and repeated reading.

Reading Level & Accessibility

Early English Learning · Beginning Readers

The book uses:

• Short, accessible sentences

• Repeated phrases and familiar vocabulary

• Simple dialogue and a clear narrative sequence

• Strong visual support

• Full-page illustrations that provide visual clues to the story

• Opportunities for repeated reading and oral participation

The book can be introduced through teacher- or adult-led reading before children begin returning to the stories with increasing independence.

Educational Value

Millions of Cats and One Mouse brings together two connected stories.

Part One — Millions of Cats is a free adaptation of Wanda Gág’s classic tale. It follows Grandpa as he searches for a kitten and returns home with millions of cats. After the cats leave, a small, quiet kitten remains and finds a home with Grandpa and Grandma.

Part Two — One Mouse is an original companion story. A little mouse who has always lived safely in Grandpa and Grandma’s house encounters the new kitten. Although the mouse is initially afraid of the cat, the two gradually discover that they can share their home, play together, and become friends.

Together, the stories explore friendship, courage, belonging, and the possibility of finding safety and companionship in unexpected places.

The book also encourages:

• Listening and speaking

• Vocabulary development

• Early reading

• Reading comprehension

• Visual literacy

• Observation and visual discovery

• Retelling and discussion

• Strategic thinking through the accompanying game

Curriculum Applications

Suitable for:

• Shared reading

• Early English language learning

• Guided reading

• Repeated reading

• Reading comprehension activities

• Vocabulary development

• Oral language and classroom discussion

• Visual literacy

• Story sequencing and retelling

• Literature-based classroom activities

The book can be revisited through short reading sessions and follow-up activities rather than being intended for a single linear reading experience.

Standards Alignment

The book can be used as a resource for classroom activities connected to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and WIDA English Language Development Standards, particularly in areas involving early reading, listening and speaking, vocabulary, narrative understanding, and language development.

Standards alignment is provided as a curricular application of the book and does not constitute certification or endorsement by CCSS or WIDA.

Educational Focus Areas

• Early English Language Learning

• Shared Reading

• Early Literacy

• Reading Comprehension

• Vocabulary Development

• Oral Language

• Visual Literacy

• Storytelling and Narrative Understanding

• Observation and Visual Discovery

• Friendship and Belonging

• Strategic Thinking

Content Considerations

The book includes a playful depiction of cats chasing one another and a conflict between the cats in Part One. The story resolves these events in a gentle and reassuring way.

The central relationship in Part Two focuses on overcoming initial fear, building trust, and learning to share a safe environment.

Supplementary Materials

The book includes additional resources designed to extend the reading experience:

• Hidden Mouse Activity: Children are invited to find the little mouse hidden on seven pages in Part One. The search begins easily and gradually becomes more challenging.

• How to Use This Book in Class: A practical guide for Kindergarten–Grade 1 with suggestions for shared reading, discussion, language activities, visual observation, and classroom games.

• The Mouse and the Cats: A simple board game in which players move a mouse and four cats across a checkerboard, encouraging children to observe, plan ahead, and think strategically.

• Printable Activities and Additional Classroom Resources: Available online through the publisher's resources page.

Classification Summary

• Format: Illustrated Picture Book

• Language: English

• Age Range: 5–7

• Grade Levels: Kindergarten–Grade 1

• Primary Use: Shared Reading · Early English Learning · Repeated Reading

• Educational Areas: Early Literacy · Vocabulary · Oral Language · Reading Comprehension · Visual Literacy

• Additional Features: Hidden-Mouse Search · Classroom Guide · Board Game · Printable Resources