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.