August 2025 | Week 1: Lights, Camera, Kittens! 🐾
- Donna Boock
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Hi there, REACH families!
Welcome to August! A new month means a fresh REACH focus—and this one is packed with fun, flair, and a whole lot of feline fame.
For the next four weeks, we’ll be behind the scenes of your favorite cat videos with the Kittytubers series by award-winning author Darcy Pattison.
We’re kicking things off with When Kittens Go Viral*. This sweet, funny, and heart-filled chapter book for ages 7-12 introduces Angel Persian—a kitten born into internet stardom, still trying to figure out who she is and where she truly belongs.
REACH is about more than just reading books. It’s about building stronger connections through shared stories, thoughtful conversation, and creative play. This week’s theme—Identity & Belonging—invites kids to explore what makes them special, how to dream big, and how to discover where they fit in the world.
As always, you’ll find meaningful discussion questions, hands-on activities, and fun ways to bring the book to life as a family. And if you fall in love with Angel (we think you will!), you’ll be glad to know there are five books in the series—including a brand-new release launching this month!
Whether you’re reading aloud, crafting side-by-side, or talking things through at the dinner table, I hope this guide helps spark memorable moments and meaningful connections.
Let’s REACH out, read together—and celebrate your creative kittens along the way!
Keep the Streak Going!
Print out the August REACH Reading Tracker, set a simple daily reading goal, and let your child earn a semi-valuable prize—like choosing the next family game night activity, extra screen time to watch cute cat videos, or a trip to the library or bookstore!
It’s a playful way to keep reading part of your daily rhythm. A little goal-setting, a little reward, and a whole lot of motivation to keep turning the page!
MEET THE KITTYTUBERS!
Discover the secret world behind the scenes of your favorite cat videos.
"On a glittering night of destiny, a cat star is born..."
The Majestic Kennels, home to the famous cats of KittyTube, welcomes a new kitten: Angel Persian. With famous KittyTuber parents, Angel dreams of becoming a star in her own right. But how will she stand out in a world full of piano cats, water cats, ghost cats, and more?
Will this tiny kitten find her courage—and her audience?
Will she become:
a water cat, paddling around in bathtubs?
a piano cat, tiptoeing across the keys?
a ghost cat, jumping out to surprise her fans?
or something entirely new?
🎬 Here's a Sneak Peek Video
To introduce the series, we’ve got a special treat—a read-aloud video of Chapter 1!
Pop some popcorn and get ready to meet Angel on the night her star begins to rise.
🌟 WEEK 1 THEME: Born to Be a Star
Focus: Identity & Belonging
This week’s REACH theme—Identity & Belonging—offers a chance to slow down and help kids reflect on who they are and how they fit in the world around them.
In When Kittens Go Viral, Angel Persian is surrounded by fame and expectations, but she’s still discovering her own voice and gifts. Just like Angel, many kids are figuring out where they belong, what they’re good at, and who they want to be—not just what others expect of them.
These conversations don’t have to be big or formal. They often start with simple moments: asking your child what makes them feel proud, what kind of “star” they’d be, or what dream they’d chase if nothing stood in their way.
When we give kids the space to share their ideas, express their creativity, and feel truly seen, we help them build a stronger sense of self—one that will carry them through every stage of growing up.
So this week, as you read, craft, and laugh together, take a moment to help your child reflect on what makes them truly shine. Remind them that their kindness, curiosity, and imagination are just as special as any talent or trophy.
Talk It Out: Discussion Starters
Use these questions to spark conversations at the dinner table, in the car, or during bedtime:
What kind of star is Angel? What kind of star would you want to be?
Angel gets her name in a magical moment. If you had a KittyTuber name, what would it be?
What makes someone special—talent, personality, kindness?
What makes YOU special?
What dream would you chase if you knew you couldn’t fail?
🎬Whisker-Ticklers: Your Kittytuber Laugh Track!
Kitty Comedian Challenge!
Create your own KittyTuber comedy moment - Challenge your reader to come up with original kitten-themed (or other pet-themed) jokes. Start by thinking about:
Cat habits (climbing, meowing, napping)
Wordplay (What rhymes with “purr”? What sounds like “meow”?)
Your own pets or favorite cats (always a good source of humor)
Then, write down your joke—or even better, record a mini stand-up comedy video of your child telling it as their KittyTuber star!
You can also use this simple starter:
📝 “Why did the kitten ______?”Let kids fill in the blanks with silly setups and punchlines!
Share your funniest ones by tagging us with #REACHReaders or posting in the comments below!
📝 Bonus Writing OR Discussion Prompt
Let imaginations run wild! Kids can draw, paint, or collage their very own KittyTuber kitten, complete with:
A unique talent or “super skill”
A fun channel name and a brief “bio” (What kind of videos would your kitten share?
“If I had a KittyTube channel, it would be about…”Have kids write a short paragraph or film a pretend intro for their first KittyTube episode!
✂️ Crafty Fun: Printable Kittytuber Puppets
Bring your own KittyTube stars to life with these printable kitten puppets!
Start by printing the puppet templates, then grab your scissors, markers, colored pencils, stickers, and anything crafty you’ve got on hand. Kids can cut, color, and customize their cats with bold patterns, unique fur colors, funky glasses, glittery collars—even create a signature “look” for their puppet star.
Bonus Fun: Give your puppets a personality and film your own KittyTube episode! Will your cat be a comedian? A singing sensation? A daredevil acrobat? Let your imagination lead the way.
This activity is perfect for encouraging creativity, storytelling, and pretend play—plus, it’s a fun way to connect with Angel and her world in When Kittens Go Viral.
Click the file below for your Free Download.
📝 Quote of the Week
“On a glittering night of destiny, a star was born.” — Chapter 1
What does it mean to be born to be a star?
Invite kids to write or draw something special about themselves to celebrate their own one-of-a-kind sparkle.
Download your free PDF template, or simply use a blank page and let your star decorate.
📸 Share the Magic
We’d love to see your KittyTuber creations! Share your artwork, writing, or puppet photos on social media and tag me @DonnaBoockWrites!
Coming in Next Week's REACH Guide:
Get ready to pounce into the spotlight with Week 2 of REACH as Angel Persian faces the glitz, glamour—and challenges—of becoming a star. We'll explore friendships, fame, the pressures of being “purr-fect” on camera, and why kindness always deserves a standing ovation.
Until next time… keep shining like the star you are! 🌟
Donna Boock
REACH Editor & Concierge of Children’s Book Fun
*This post contains an affiliate link — which means if you buy through it, you’re helping me feed my bookshelf. (It’s always hungry. And a little dramatic.)
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