What This Book Is About
The children of Wigglesbottom Primary are thrilled—there's a new classroom cat! But this is no ordinary cat. From the moment it arrives, strange things start happening. The cat seems to be everywhere at once: sitting on the teacher's chair, hiding in the cupboard, knocking things off shelves, and staring at everyone with its big, mysterious eyes. The kids are convinced the cat is up to something—and what follows is a collection of hilariously over-the-top stories where their wild imaginations run completely off the rails.
Pamela Butchart, the award-winning author of the Baby Aliens series, is a master of capturing the chaotic, breathless way young children tell stories—where every small event becomes a HUGE drama and every explanation gets more ridiculous than the last. Paired with Becka Moor's bright, expressive illustrations, The Classroom Cat is four short stories in one book, each one funnier than the last, perfect for reading aloud, sharing with friends, or devouring under the covers with a torch.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level students (G2), Wigglesbottom Primary is a pure joy to read—and joy is the single most important ingredient in building a reading habit at this age.
First, the school setting is instantly relatable. Every child at UWC knows what it's like to have a classroom pet, deal with playground drama, and come up with wild theories about everyday events. This familiarity lowers the reading barrier and helps EAL learners connect new English vocabulary to experiences they already understand.
Second, the four-stories-in-one-book format is genius for early readers. Each story is short enough to finish in one sitting, giving children the satisfaction of "completing" something multiple times within a single book. That sense of accomplishment is crucial for building reading confidence.
Third, Butchart's writing style—breathless, exaggerated, full of capital letters and exclamation marks—mirrors how children actually think and talk, making it one of the most natural-sounding books for read-aloud sessions and group discussions in class.
Reading Level Guide
The short stories and illustrations make it approachable, but some support may help.
Perfect difficulty. Funny enough to keep reading, simple enough to understand independently.
A quick, hilarious read at A2. Great for read-aloud sessions and building fluency.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.