There's a Cat in Our Class! - by Jeanie Franz Ransom (Hardcover)

About the Book

A kid-friendly exploration of diversity that teaches children the value of not only accepting but embracing the differences of others.

Book Synopsis

Max, Rusty, Ginger, and Tanner assume without question that their new classmate is just like them . . . a DOG.

Guess what? Samantha is NOT a dog, which leads to a whole heap of questions. But in little time, all the tails in Miss Biscuit's classroom start wagging, and Samantha is celebrated for the CAT she is, just in time for another new student! There's a Cat in Our Class! is a kid-friendly exploration of diversity, teaching kids the value of not only accepting but embracing the differences of those around us.

Included is a Note to Readers written by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, that discusses how parents, teachers, and other adults can talk with children about diversity in a way that's meaningful and effective.

Review Quotes

Honorable Mention, 2016 Foreword INDIES Book Awards

"Differences are highlighted to demonstrate that everyone has unique characteristics that make them special--a familiar yet reliable method. Langdo adds illustrations of friendly characters that complement the text well...a solid story to which readers will relate."--School Library Journal

"The characterization of the dog and cat 'kids' is effective, and they will remind young readers of real kids they know. Their reactions, conversations with each other, and their ideas about the world feel true to real children....They are also very cute, and at times very funny, which will make this a relatable and enjoyable way for children to learn the lessons presented in the book."--Portland Book Review

"Jeanie Franz Ransom has written a clever and humorous story for young children about embracing the differences in each other. With the growing diversity in our country, this is a very timely book. The students in this story are curious and brutally honest with their questions to their new classmate, Samantha. They want to know if she eats mice, walks on a leash, wags her tail and uses a litter box or goes outside. The cast of characters are lively and learn about acceptance, tolerance and how to get along. Bryan Langdo's illustrations are colorful, expressive and tickle the imagination! I love the book cover."--Children's Books Heal

"This sweet, funny and timely book offers a child-friendly excursion into the important issue of diversity. The story imparts the value of learning about, accepting and celebrating each other's differences. Bryan Langdo's illustrations are lovely and expressive and allow for discussion about Samantha and the dogs' feelings throughout the story."--Kid's Brain Plano

About the Author

Jeanie Franz Ransom is a licensed professional counselor whose books include Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf, Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal, I Don't Want to Talk About It, and What Really Happened to Humpty? She's also worked as an elementary school counselor, where she was never without her popular puppet, Mr. Know-It-Owl. Jeanie and her husband are parents to three grown boys and two dogs, and divide their time between St. Louis, MO, and Northport, MI. Visit her at www.jeanieransom.com and follow her on Facebook: @JeanieRansomAuthor

Bryan Langdo is the author and/or illustrator of more than 30 books for children. His picture book Tornado Slim & the Magic Cowboy Hat (Two Lions, 2012) won a 2013 Spur Award for Storytelling from Western Writers of America. Bryan lives in Hopewell, New Jersey, with his wife and two children. Visit www.bryanlangdo.com and follow on Instagram: @bryanlangdo