A Castle Full of Cats
on Goodreads (446)
What’s inside...
The queen's cats have taken over the palace, and the king has had enough! Beloved artist Ruth Sanderson brings her signature detailed and lush style to this humorous story of royal compromise. Told in rhyme, and with dozens of cats on each page, this gorgeous book is sure to have cat lovers of all ages purring!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the cats do all day in their castle?
How do you feel when the queen prefers the cats over the king? Can you relate to the king?
What different kinds of cats did you notice in the castle? Which one was your favorite and why?
If you could visit the castle, what would you like to do with the cats?
How do you think the story would change if it were a castle full of dogs instead of cats?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
Encourage your child to describe the castle and use their imagination to add details or create new rooms.
Discuss the emotions of the characters and relate them to real-life situations your child might experience to deepen emotional understanding.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps with comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: The story portrays how the cats in the castle learn to share their space and belongings with one another, fostering a harmonious environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys and space with siblings and peers, which can lead to better social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: The book highlights how each cat has unique traits and preferences, teaching that diversity should be celebrated.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and respect the differences among people they meet, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of cooperation
Explanation: The cats must work together to solve problems within the castle, demonstrating the benefits of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with others in group settings such as school projects or playing sports, which helps in achieving common goals and building teamwork skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Taking care of the castle is a significant theme, as the cats learn to maintain their home, showing the value of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take care of their own belongings and shared spaces, instilling a sense of responsibility from a young age.
Example Lesson: Joy of exploration
Explanation: The book's setting in a vast castle encourages exploration and curiosity among the cats.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore their surroundings and learn about their environment, fostering a sense of adventure and learning.