“Cat’s Colors” and Companion Activity to Learn Colors

“Cat’s Colors” by Airlie Anderson

It’s a grey and dreary day so white cat decides to head out in search of some colors.  During her search each time she sees a pretty new color she “collects” it and it appears as a lovely new spot on her fur coat until she ends-up with a rainbow of colors all over.  Then, once she is beautifully bespeckled, she takes a nap after which the reader is pleasantly surprised by the culminating affect of the colors she collected and her new rainbow spots, rainbow kittens!

The illustrations in this book are clean and simple and so is the text.  The focus really is the lovely storyline and a basic introduction to the colors of the rainbow.  Coupled with the adorable ending it is one that my little guy was asking for me to read again and again.

Click here to purchase “Cat’s Colors” *affiliate link

Color Wheel Finger Print Game/Activity

I loved the simple introduction to colors and the concept of cat “collecting” colors so much that this activity idea was an easy match.  It takes very few supplies, is simple enough for a very young toddler  creates a fun piece of art, and best of all it helps kiddos practice their colors.  This activity can also easily be done with a large group of kids which is a big plus for homeschoolers and teachers.  My toddler loved it so much that I have a feeling that it is one that we will have to do again sometime soon.

Supplies:

• ink pads or finger paint in the colors of the rainbow.
• brads/ split pins
• copy paper, pencil and marker
• scissors
• free printable (found at bottom of post)

Set-up and Process:

1. Print off the free printable (found below) on sturdy paper such as card stock and prepare your cat.  I loved the cat in the book so I picked an illustration where she was nice and large and just traced her straight from the book.   Then I went over my pencil tracing with a black marker to make it bolder. You could also free-hand your own cat drawing.
2. Cut out the color wheel and arrow from the free printable and using the brad connect the end of the arrow to the center of your paper wheel.  Spin and twist the arrow a few times until it spins easier.
3. Now you are ready for the game! Simply spin (or flick if your arrow is a bit tight) the arrow on your color wheel.
4. Then, using the corresponding color to the one that your arrow landed on, place a finger-print spot on your cat.  Repeat this process for as long as you want.

That’s it!  I told you this game was simple!  I really enjoyed that this was an activity that I could just let my toddler do for as long as it captured his attention.  He really was quite pleased making spot after spot on his cat friend and the end result is hanging proudly on our fridge.

If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.

Free Printable: