Max's Hiding Cat

Short A Kindergarten CVC Foundations
Max's Hiding Cat

Max had a pet cat. He ran to play with his cat. The cat was on the mat. No, the cat was under the mat! Max could not get the cat. He had to get the cat fast.

Max said, "My cat is under the mat!"

He had to get the cat. Max must pull the mat. He gave the mat a tug. He tugged, tug, tug on the mat. Then Max bent down. He had to get the cat fast. Max’s dad would call him. Dad would tell him, “Nap time!”

Max had the cat! Dad said, "Max, nap time!"

Max ran to his bed. He had his cat. Max had a nap.

Circle or highlight all the short A words in the story above. How many did you find?
2-page PDF: story + coloring page • No signup required
Max's Hiding Cat coloring page illustration
Coloring page included in PDF

Reader Details

Phonics Skill Short A
Grade Level Kindergarten
Phase CVC Foundations
Worksheets Short A Worksheets

Target Words

cat bat hat mat sat tap cap nap map van can ran

Sight Words

the is a and to was it on

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About This Decodable Reader

"Max's Hiding Cat" is a free printable decodable reader designed for kindergarten students practicing short a phonics patterns. This mini-book uses phonetically controlled vocabulary so beginning readers can successfully sound out nearly every word in the story, building confidence and reinforcing the specific phonics skills they're learning.

The 2-page PDF includes the reading passage on page one and a coloring page illustration on page two. Print both pages, staple together, and your child has an instant mini-book. The coloring activity reinforces story comprehension and makes reading practice feel like a fun activity rather than homework.

This reader is part of our collection of 50 free decodable readers organized by phonics skill and aligned with the Science of Reading. For additional practice with short a patterns, try our short a phonics worksheets which include word sorts, phrasing practice cards, and rapid naming charts.