August 2025 | Kittytubers Week 4: Hearts Behind the Camera
- Donna Boock
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
This week we’re wrapping up our month of KittyTubers episodes with Darcy Pattison’s The Water Kitten—and what a season it’s been!
We kicked things off with the first in the series, When Kittens Go Viral, starring Angel Persian, who showed us what it means to chase dreams, explore identity, and navigate the ups and downs of internet fame. Angel’s story set the stage for big conversations about family, friendship, and kindness—even in competition.
Now, as we close with PittyPat in newest book in the series, The Water Kitten, we’ve splashed into new lessons: that the brightest spotlight shines when you’re brave enough to be yourself. From splashy stunts to silly songs, PittyPat reminded us that connection and courage matter more than perfection.
Of course, KittyTube doesn’t stop there—the series also includes The Kitten Stars, Kittywood, Kitten Friends. You can grab the full 5-book KittyTubers bundle at 15% off through the end of this month right here. 📚🐱
A big thank-you to Darcy Pattison for letting us “play with her kittens” all month long—we’ve laughed, learned and crafted right alongside them. 🐾
Talk It Out - Discussion Questions to REACH further...
Perfect for both family time and classroom circles:
What does PittyPat learn about herself by the end of the story?
How can families (or classmates) support each other—even when things get tough?
Can you still be happy even if your performance isn’t perfect?
Quote of the Week: Writing & Drawing Exercise
“May you find your perfect roles in life!” — Dedication from The Water Kitten by Darcy Pattison
Activity:
Think About Your Role
In your family, with friends, at school, or even on stage—what part do you enjoy playing most? Are you a helper, a leader, a storyteller, a cheerer, a problem-solver… or something else entirely?
Express It
Writing Option: Write a short paragraph or a few sentences describing the role you’d like to play and how you want to make others feel.
Drawing Option: Draw a picture of yourself in that role—maybe performing on stage, helping a friend, or just showing kindness in your own special way.
Share or Reflect
Share your creation with a family member, friend, or classmate. Talk about why that role is important to you and how it makes others feel loved, supported, or happy.
Bonus Twist: Combine both! Write a few sentences describing your role and then illustrate your “perfect role” in a colorful drawing.
Kindness Goes Viral!
It feels so good when someone says something kind to us! But sometimes, we forget to share those thoughts out loud. The brightest spotlight shines when we lift others up—and kindness spreads quickly, just like a video going viral!
Make Kindness Cards
Think of a few people—friends, classmates, teachers, or family members.
Write or draw a kind, specific message for each person.
A compliment: “You always make me laugh!”
A word of encouragement: “I love how hard you try.”
A note of pride: “You’re such a great teammate!”
Share your card! You might tuck it in a lunchbox, post it on a classroom wall, or hand-deliver it with a smile.
✨ Extra Challenge: Try to write at least one card for someone who isn’t in your closest circle of friends.
Print and use this template, or decorate your own.
🎤 Kitty Karaoke: REACH Finale Edition
Every show needs a big ending—and nothing says celebration like karaoke, Kitty style! Singing together sparks laughter, creativity, and courage. This game is perfect for giggles at home or a confidence boost in the classroom (+ it’s a win for indoor recess!).
How to Play
Set the Stage — Blanket fort, plushy audience, flashlight spotlight. (Bonus points for a DIY microphone - see below!)
Pick a Song — Remix a favorite tune with kitten lyrics, or use one of our Kitty songs.
Perform! — Courage, creativity, and silliness count most—not pitch perfection.
Reflect (REACH-style) — What did it feel like to share your voice? Did being silly make it easier to be brave?
🎭 Challenge Variations
Sing like a sleepy kitten
Add a “meow” to every line
Dance like you’re dodging a bath
Duet with a partner—one sings, one meows
📚 Literacy Tie-In
Encourage kids to write their own jingles, Cat-tunes or KittyTube intros using rhymes, repetition, or alliteration. (Ex: “Pounce, Purr, Play!” or “Click, Clack, Cat Attack!”)
Materials
1 empty toilet paper roll (handle)
Construction paper (any color)
Glue stick or tape
1 small round object (ping pong ball, paper ball, or crumpled foil)
Aluminum foil
Markers, stickers, or washi tape
Optional: glitter glue, ribbon
Instructions
1. Wrap the Handle
Cover the toilet paper roll with construction paper.
Glue or tape it down.
Add stripes, doodles, or stickers to make it shine.
2. Make the Mic Head
Wrap your round object in aluminum foil so it looks shiny like a real mic.
Tip: Flatten one side of the ball for easier sticking to the handle.
3. Attach the Head
Glue or tape the foil-covered ball to one end of the roll.
✨ Now you’re ready for the spotlight—strike a pose, belt out a tune, and let the applause roll in!
REACH Songbook - Kittytuber Edition:
🐾 “If You’re a Kitty and You Know It”
(To the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” — add motions!)
If you’re a kitty and you know it, swish your tail! (swish-swish)
If you’re a kitty and you know it, swish your tail!
If you’re a kitty and you know it,
And you really want to show it,
If you’re a kitty and you know it, swish your tail!
[Additional verses:]
…purr out loud! (purrrrrr)
…scratch the post! (scratch-scratch)
…meow a tune! (meow-meow)
🐱 “Ears, Whiskers, Tail, and Paws”
(To the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” — great for movement!)
Ears, whiskers, tail, and paws, tail and paws!
Ears, whiskers, tail, and paws, tail and paws!
Stretch your body, give a yawn,
Pounce and roll across the lawn…
Ears, whiskers, tail, and paws, tail and paws
See You Next Week on REACH with a brand new selection for September!
New school, new friends, and one unforgettable word…
This September, REACH features Oh, My Word! by Donna Boock. Follow Zander as he starts fifth grade in a new town, leans on his loyal dog Bowden, and learns just how powerful a single word can be.
Filled with friendship, humor, and self-discovery, this chapter book comes with activities that spark creativity, conversation, and connection for the whole family.
Sometimes, one little word can change everything.
Until then… keep singing, keep shining, keep sharing kindness!
Donna Boock
REACH Editor & Concierge of Children’s Book Fun
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