Read aloud and pause so your child can join the bold sound words and answer the questions; they are invitations, not a test. Maine Coon (say “main koon”) is a domestic cat breed. The book follows six surprises: a giant cat that keeps growing, a coat like snow pants, a tail like a scarf, mitten toes, a liking for water, and chirps. It ends with how to say hello: sit still, speak softly and let the cat come. Supervise every meeting with a real cat. For a child reading alone, try Fold 1, Go, Cat, Go!, then Fold 3, Maine Coon: A Cat With a Shaggy Coat.
The facts behind the pictures
Maine Coon (say “main koon”) is a domestic cat breed, not a wild species. A big, longhaired cat is not automatically a pedigreed Maine Coon.
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) says Maine Coons are larger than many small dogs. Individual cats vary; females are generally smaller than males.
Maine Coons are slow to mature and can keep growing until they are three years old or older (CFA: often three to four; Maine's Secretary of State: three to five).
Maine's Secretary of State describes a heavy, water-resistant coat, longest on the belly and the backs of the hind legs, which helps protect against wet and snow.
Maine Coons can have different coat colors and patterns: solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, shaded, smoke and white-containing. Brown tabby is one look among many.
Regular brushing can remove loose fur from a cat's coat (Cornell Feline Health Center). Brush gently, stop when the cat wants to, and never pull at mats.
A Maine Coon can wrap its long, bushy tail around itself when it curls up to sleep; Maine's Secretary of State says this can protect it from cold winters.
Some Maine Coons are born with extra toes (polydactyly); breeders call one form mitten-paw. Cats usually have five toes on each front paw and four on each back paw.
CFA says many Maine Coons are fond of water: they may watch a dripping faucet, wash toys or join you in the shower. A Maine Coon can play with drips, but never put a cat into water.
Domestic cats, Maine Coons included, can run and play: they chase, leap and pounce. Not every cat is equally active.
Maine Coons often chirp and trill as well as meow. CFA lists chirps, trills and purrs in their daily conversation.
Meeting is the cat's choice: sit still, speak softly and let a cat come to you. Never chase, pick up or corner it. Cats can hide in safe places; leave a hiding cat be.
A Maine Coon can chirp and trill as it comes to say hello. A real cat may choose not to come over, and that is a fine answer too.
