Comet's Nine Lives
By Jan Brett
The Story
A cat on Nantucket Island searches for the perfect place to live, using up eight of his nine lives along the way before finding home.
Why It's Special
For the kid obsessed with cats, islands, or counting down to the last of anything, this one turns a cat's near-misses into a gentle countdown.
- Big idea: Home isn't found on the first try — sometimes it takes searching, and a few close calls, to land where you belong.
- Vibes: Cozy, seaside, quietly suspenseful with Jan Brett's richly detailed illustrations.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy animal adventure stories
- like to count down or track numbers in a story
- are curious about island life and the sea
- respond well to detailed, richly patterned illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Comet kept having to look for a new place to live?
- Imagination: If you were Comet, where on Nantucket Island would you want to live?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever had to try a few times before finding the right spot for something, like a seat or a new room?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Comet felt each time he had to move again?
- Art & illustration: What details in the pictures show you what Nantucket looks like?












