Anna and the Cat Lady
What’s inside...
When nine-year-old Anna rescues a stray kitten, it leads her into friendship with Mrs. Sarafiny, an eccentric old woman with many cats and a paranoid conviction that the Martians are after her. Despite the misgivings of her family, Anna and her friend, Bethie, come to the aid of Mrs. Sarafiny, an elderly lady who is eating cat food, uses aluminum foil as wallpaper, and believes that the Martians are about to invade.
Age
9-12
Length
170 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Anna help the Cat Lady, and what does that teach us about kindness?
Why do you think the Cat Lady enjoys the company of cats?
How did Anna’s view of the Cat Lady change throughout the story?
What would you do if you met someone like the Cat Lady in our neighborhood?
How do you think the cats feel about Anna?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the story, emphasize the importance of compassion and looking beyond first impressions.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences where they helped someone and discuss how it made them feel.
Encourage your child to think about and discuss the different emotions Anna might have felt during her visits.
Use the story to spark a conversation about community and the different roles people play in making it vibrant and diverse.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Anna and the Cat Lady,' Anna learns to understand the Cat Lady's circumstances and feelings, seeing beyond initial judgments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach people with empathy, considering their backgrounds and emotions before forming opinions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: Through helping the Cat Lady take care of her cats, Anna learns about responsibility and the effort involved in caring for others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of looking after pets or helping family members, enhancing their sense of duty and care.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Anna and the Cat Lady develop a unique friendship based on mutual respect and kindness, showcasing the impact of unlikely friendships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to forming friendships in different and unexpected contexts, enriching their social experiences and emotional growth.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Misconceptions
Explanation: The story illustrates how Anna overcomes initial misconceptions about the Cat Lady, learning to form her own opinions based on personal interactions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to challenge stereotypes and encourages them to form their own informed views about others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Assistance
Explanation: Anna's actions in helping the Cat Lady highlight the significance of community support and looking out for neighbors.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to participate in community service and be more aware of how they can contribute positively to their local community.