book is about. how well the child is reading. they just love the one-on-one contact the kids provide. >> reporter: at the beginning of the school year, colby was reading below grade level. now he just got an award for most improved in his second grade class. >> i have seen a big growth in his reading ability and confidence. >> reporter: reading just fine and having fun, thanks to a little help from a little friend. ron claiborne, abc news, pennsylvania. >> whether the cat likes it or not, it's kind of cool. getting the kid to read. and gets to bond with a pet. it's all good. >> it is. and the shelter says the cats find the rythmic sound of a voice comforting and soothing. that's why i read to all of my tigers. >> you're like super cat lady. wow. pretty cool. those tigers going to grow up or -- >> they're miniature tigers. i keep them at home so i have swin to read to. >> cool.