Usborne Phonics – Fat Cat on a Mat and other stories

By Stephen Cartwright, Russell Punter, Lesley Sims

On Sale: 6/2/2026

The funny antics of twelve lovable animal characters are brought together in this marvelous collection – a brilliant way to introduce phonics to young readers. Why won’t Fat Cat move from his mat? Who can stop the goose on the loose? And is there really a SHARK in the park?

Each story has rhyming text and is based on Phonics and comes with online audio. A handy parent’s guide is at the front of the collection with tips for parents and educators on how to use this book to introduce children to Phonics. A plus on each page: there is a little yellow duck to spot!

The collection contains the following titles: Fat Cat on a mat, Ted in a red bed, Big Pig on a dig, Hen’s pens, Fox on a box, Frog on a log, Ted’s shed, Sam Sheep can’t sleep, Shark in the park, Toad makes a road, Goose on the loose and Mouse moves house.

ISBN: 9781836054351
Imprint: Usborne
On Sale: Jun 2, 2026
List price: $22.99
No of pages: 224
Trim Size: 2.810 in (w) x 7.630 in (h) x 6.710 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.

Stephen Cartwright

Russell Punter

Biography

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Lesley Sims

Biography

Lesley dreamed of being a writer, but studied law as her mother insisted she had “something to fall back on”. Since joining Usborne Publishing, she has written and edited hundreds of books, from funny rhyming stories to an award-winning history book. Nowadays, she is often found recording books, too, in Usborne’s very own recording studio.

The funny antics of twelve lovable animal characters are brought together in this marvelous collection – a brilliant way to introduce phonics to young readers. Why won’t Fat Cat move from his mat? Who can stop the goose on the loose? And is there really a SHARK in the park?

Each story has rhyming text and is based on Phonics and comes with online audio. A handy parent’s guide is at the front of the collection with tips for parents and educators on how to use this book to introduce children to Phonics. A plus on each page: there is a little yellow duck to spot!

The collection contains the following titles: Fat Cat on a mat, Ted in a red bed, Big Pig on a dig, Hen’s pens, Fox on a box, Frog on a log, Ted’s shed, Sam Sheep can’t sleep, Shark in the park, Toad makes a road, Goose on the loose and Mouse moves house.

ISBN: 9781836054351
Imprint: Usborne
On Sale: Jun 2, 2026
List price: $22.99
No of pages: 224
Trim Size: 2.810 in (w) x 7.630 in (h) x 6.710 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.

Stephen Cartwright

Russell Punter

Biography

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Lesley Sims

Biography

Lesley dreamed of being a writer, but studied law as her mother insisted she had “something to fall back on”. Since joining Usborne Publishing, she has written and edited hundreds of books, from funny rhyming stories to an award-winning history book. Nowadays, she is often found recording books, too, in Usborne’s very own recording studio.