Ragdoll Cats (Favorite Cat Breeds) Paperback – Picture Book, February 7, 2017

As a retired kindergarten - 4th grade teacher, and grandmother of 12 grandchildren, I have given this book the biggest test possible.The photos are lovely. (but seem blurry without definition), are mostly close-ups and back views, but the book is somewhat attractive, which is why I purchased it in the less expensive binding. When opened, the "print" is on one page, (one small paragraph), and the other is a full-page pretty feline photo, but not of the cat's entire body, which may be confusing in animal identification to a youngster.. This is a very 'nice' book, but the information is very simple and easy to find on the internet. The pictures are somewhat similar to each other without clear definition and comparison.Because I just brought home two baby Ragdoll kittens, I was looking specifically for something to use to introduce my 12 grandchildren to the breed and characteristics, and if I had no other resources, this book would be a ''starter''. I will definitely use it, now that I have already purchased it, and I will keep it out and available were others can pick it up and browse through it. However, with my background of preschool - elementary teacher and grand-parenting, will eventually lead me to taking the book apart and making a picture collage or picture book. I will keep the small paragraphs as part of my 'story-telling' to use as a guide while I lengthen the 'story' to include a simple plot, (like finding waldo according to specific traits, or pointing to the picture I described in the story) and I will embellish my 'story-telling' to include kitten antics, mommy cat behaviors, and other things that will keep the child's attention.The short sentences and paragraphs do not yield room for context clues, and the words are multi-syllable, This book isn't likely to hold a child's interest unless the person reading it uses enthusiasm, embellishes the sentences, and discusses the photos. Unless a family is wanting a book to specifically introduce a Ragdoll kitten to their children, a basic kitten informational book, or multiple story books will be perfectly fine and include the basics for your child. To have a well-informed young listener, you will need many other resources if you want to give a child a full understanding of the Ragdoll breed and characteristics. "Google" or research Ragdoll cats on your computer or phone, and you will find many links to photos and specific information. If you are older than 3rd grade, this isn't the book you need.