April's Kittens facts for kids

April's Kittens is a classic picture book from 1940, written and illustrated by Clare Turlay Newberry. It tells the story of a young girl named April and her cat. The book became famous for its beautiful drawings and received a special award called the Caldecott Honor in 1941.

About the Book

April's Kittens is a heartwarming story that explores the joys and challenges of having pets. It's a book that many young readers have enjoyed for generations.

What is April's Kittens About?

The story of April's Kittens begins when April's beloved cat gives birth to three adorable kittens. While having new kittens is exciting, it also brings some unexpected challenges for April and her family. The book shows how April learns about responsibility and the special bond between pets and their owners. It's a gentle look at the ups and downs of caring for animals.

Who is Clare Turlay Newberry?

Clare Turlay Newberry (1903–1970) was an American author and illustrator. She was especially known for her charming books about cats and other animals. Newberry had a unique talent for drawing animals in a very realistic and appealing way. Her illustrations often capture the playful and curious nature of cats, making her books very popular with children. She wrote and illustrated many books, and April's Kittens is one of her most well-known works.

What is the Caldecott Honor?

The Caldecott Honor is a very important award given to children's books in the United States. It is part of the Caldecott Medal, which celebrates the best illustrations in a picture book published that year. The Caldecott Medal is given to one book, and a few other books are chosen as "Honor" books. This means their illustrations are also considered outstanding and worthy of special recognition. When April's Kittens received the Caldecott Honor in 1941, it showed how much people appreciated Clare Turlay Newberry's artistic talent.