• Age: 3 to 6
• Grade: p to 1

A sweet, empowering story for young children about two brothers welcoming and caring for their new kittens

These two young brothers have waited weeks to welcome their new kittens, and they are determined to do a good job taking care of them. They help their new pets explore their food and water dishes, their litter boxes, and a comfy bed, trying to keep quiet and gentle so the kittens will feel safe. But one important question remains: What will they name these newest members of their family?

Narrated by the elder brother, Our New Kittens is a warm, accessible story for young children learning about the responsibility of pet ownership.

Theo Heras' text is informative without being didactic, while Alice Carter's sweet illustrations model age-appropriate pet care.

Theo Heras is a performer, speaker, book reviewer, and a children's librarian. Passionate about literature and programming for babies and toddlers, Theo is the author of the juvenile titles Hat On, Hat Off, Baby Cakes, and Where’s Bunny?, which was a Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice. She has also recorded two albums: What Will We Do with the Baby-O?, and Seashell, Sing a Song to Me. Theo lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Theo Heras' profile page

Alice Carter is an artist, illustrator, and storyteller with a passion for sharing her whimsical imagination. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design who now works with clients from all over the world, Alice is inspired by people watching, music, and every animal she comes across. Her picture books include Angus All Aglow, the Pierre & Paul stories, Our New Kittens, My Puppy Patch, and Teaching Mrs. Muddle. Alice lives in Ottawa, Ontario.

Alice Carter's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens selection

Praise for Our New Kittens

2019 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens selection

2021 Open Book “Read Local – Ottawa” Selection

"Two brothers get a pair of kittens in this gentle exploration of what caring for a pet entails....The illustrations, using colored pencils, watercolors, and digital media, are softly hued and charming. A good story about the anticipation and excitement of getting a pet, and of kids learning how to interact with their new charges."—Booklist

"Illustrations in colored pencil, watercolor, and digital media feature soft lines and colors and emphasize the relationships between the boys and their pets...[will] stoke a child's excitement about the idea of getting a pet and useful for facilitating a conversation about pet care."—Kirkus Reviews

"Through this lovely introduction to pet care and responsibility...children will learn how to safely care for new furry friends..."—Foreword Reviews

"The art is visually interesting, with a nice mix of points of view, as well as full pages, spreads, and spot art to add movement and encourage page turns. The tips about pet care are useful and worthwhile...VERDICT Vets might find this title to be a useful tool for parents looking to add kittens to their home."—School Library Journal

"Reading Our New Kittens would be a good way to inform young children of the emotional and behavioural aspects...of what pet ownership entails. Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

"Rating: 5...Simple text and vivid illustrations introduce young children to bringing home a new pet. The endpages are wonderful with a checklist and tips for caring for new kittens. Highly recommended for anyone considering adopting from an animal shelter."—Youth Services Book Review

"Our New Kittens is a book that kids will enjoy if they are preparing for a new kitten themselves. They may even find some helpful advice, like how to behave around a new kitten and what supplies they will need...[A] great discussion starter for families who are bringing home a kitten of their own."—Resource Links

"Our New Kittens is a good book with a simple story about the joys of having 4-legged family members."—OurWindsor.ca

"I love that the illustrations are colorful. I especially love the expressions on the kittens' faces, like when they are scared, happy, or playful. I recommend Our New Kittens to kids who have cats or are thinking of getting any kind of pet."—Avery, Age 8, Kids' BookBuzz

"Readers who clamour for sweet, realistic-leaning stories to do with kittens or cats or for picture books about taking care of pets might especially adore the sheer cuddliness of Our New Kittens. Families who may be preparing to adopt a cat into their home or families with wee ones who have welcomed a new kitten home might also enjoy reading Our New Kittens."—Fab Book Reviews

"This is a fun read for kids interested in getting a pet, preparing them for the joy and responsibility of having an animal in the home. The drawings are lovely, I loved the flyaway curls of the younger brother, and his mismatched socks."—Canadian Bookworm