Allison Perkins-Caldwell, a leader in early childhood education with over 20 years of experience, has launched an innovative 14-book children's series titled Phat Cat and the Family. The series represents a significant expansion of educational resources from the classroom to children's literature, with the debut title now available in Kindle format.
As CEO and founder of several nationally accredited childcare centers including Allison's Infant & Toddler Centers, University Childcare, and Baby Cakes Learning Academy, Perkins-Caldwell brings substantial educational expertise to her writing. Her centers have received prestigious recognition including NAEYC accreditation and Illinois Gold Rating, establishing her credibility in the field of child development.
The Phat Cat and the Family series is designed to appeal to a broad range of ages, from early learners to independent readers. A key innovation is the series' adaptability—for younger children, stories can be broken into segments for group discussions and enhanced retention, while independent readers receive an immersive experience that broadens perspectives. Each book concludes with a learning section prompting reflection on themes and encouraging connections to readers' own lives.
The debut title, Phat Cat and the Family – Liver, Onions, and Apple Pie. Yummy!, introduces tolerance and open-mindedness through a narrative about trying new foods. The story follows Allie, Phat Cat, and their family as they help Allie's friend Nicky overcome hesitation about unfamiliar foods, teaching adaptability and adventurousness as key qualities for personal growth.
This launch matters because it represents a bridge between formal educational expertise and accessible children's literature. Perkins-Caldwell's background as a Registered Nurse, educator, and advocate for early childhood education informs content that combines entertainment with substantive moral lessons. The series addresses a gap in children's literature by providing structured learning components alongside engaging narratives.
For the publishing industry, this series demonstrates how educational professionals can contribute meaningfully to children's literature, potentially influencing standards for educational content in trade publishing. For parents and educators, the series offers resources that align with developmental best practices while maintaining entertainment value.
The remaining 13 books in the series will explore different topics and life lessons while maintaining the fun, friendship, and heartwarming moments established in the debut. Each will include unique learning sections with questions and prompts to encourage critical thinking, making the series particularly valuable for classroom and home discussions.
Readers can find the debut title on Amazon, with the complete series becoming available in both print and digital formats throughout coming months. Additional information about the author and series is available at https://www.allisoninspires.com/ and https://www.phatcatandthefamily.com/.
