Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day in Deep Space Sparkle style with this easy-to-draw Cat in the Hat. Start with a pencil, eraser, black marker and a white piece of paper and use the following media suggestions to complete the piece:

Kindergarten through Second Grade

Give children a white piece of paper (12″ x 18″) and use the free drawing instructions (download below) to draw the cat in the hat. The cat drawing is a bit tricky for Kinders so try this adjustment: follow the instructions by folding the paper, drawing the eyes and adding a nose but draw a large letter U instead of the ¾ view head.

This makes more sense for a Kinder and the next parts (mouth, neck, bow tie and hat) will be easier.

I like to give the children another price of white paper to paint the background. If you have a fairly independent group, allow them to create any type of pattern background they want. Try polka dots, stripes, chevrons, etc.

Take a look at this adaptation of a simpler version of the Dr. Seuss cat made by my friend Kathy and her Kinder students in Santa Barbara.

Third and Fourth Grade

Many second graders and all third and fourth graders are able to draw the ¾ view Cat very well. Have some fun with this lesson by adding different patterns to the hat.

Perhaps your students can decorate the cat’s hat in a style made famous by an artist. Imagine a Van Gogh Starry Night hat or a Romero Britto Pop Art hat. Or maybe try a Georgia O’Keeffe close-up flower or a Matisse inspired organic shapes.

Another option for a background is to paint colorful stripes with a little bling. I have to admit that adding some glitter here and there really is fun for the kids 9and me!).

Download this drawing handout to help your students draw The Cat in the Hat by clicking the red banner below the drawing.