The Mat and the Cat

About this book

This funny story starring a mat, not a cat or a rat or a bat, helps kids learn to read. The not-flat mat takes off on a fun trip! Follow along to see where it lands!Perfect for Emergent Readers at home or in the classroom!In The Mat and the Cat, author Kelley M Likes and debut illustrator Lauren Blunck invite children to learn and practice -at words in a groovy kind of way.INCLUDES 15 FLASHCARDS!Kids ages: 4, 5, and 6Grades: Pre-Kindergarten and KindergartenLexile Level 110LABOUT THE AUTHORKelley M Likes is an award-winning children's author, publisher, and former T6 Certified educator who creates stories that inspire curiosity and kindness, build confidence, creativity, and resilience. Her books range from humorous picture books and beginning readers to social-emotional learning stories that help children navigate real-life challenges.Drawing on her background in business, education, and educational technology, Kelley creates engaging books for children of all ages, from beginning readers and humorous adventures to social-emotional learning stories and imaginative picture books.Her growing catalog includes titles such as Panic and the Happy Thought, The Pumpkin Who Stayed for Christmas, Quest for the Momma Violin, Snout, Ben Wise and the Purple Dragon, and the Mat early reader series.As founder of Likes Publishing, Kelley is dedicated to producing high-quality books that inspire a lifelong love of reading while helping children navigate friendship, emotions, creativity, and personal growth.A mini-stroke survivor, brain tumor host, and lifelong storyteller, Kelley believes books can help children see the world, and themselves, in new ways. When she's not writing, Kelley enjoys encouraging young writers, speaking to students about the publishing process, and helping aspiring authors bring their own stories to life.EDUCATION: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Media and Technology Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Business Education Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Marketing and ManagementMEMBER: SCBWI Storyteller Academy The Authors Guild IBPA Independent Book Publishers Association Book an Author Alliance of Independent AuthorsAUTHOR VISITSI offer a full day of age-specific presentations for grades 1st to 12th, focused on what it means to be an author & publisher and creating stories.Visits can include: Lunch with students, book signings, contest judging, classroom drop-ins, and individual classroom presentations and discussions.In addition, free lesson plans with projects to extend the visit are included.ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORLauren Blunck is a student artist who works both in the illustrating field and in multiple traditional media. In particular, she has assisted with easy reader books, online marketing imagery, small amounts of character design, and some card game design. She mainly uses digital for her illustration work but also specializes in charcoal or acrylic painting realism and is always up to try something new in art.