Annie's Cat Is Sad
on Goodreads (146)
What’s inside...
A little girl navigates her cat's bad day in this picture book about exploring sadness and how we find comfort. Annie comes home from school to find her cat, Delilah, has had a terrible day and is quite sad. What do you do when your friend is sad? Cheer them up with all the things they love! Annie tries TV, warm milk, and even yoga! But at the end of the day, no distraction can really make our bad days simply disappear, as Annie knows all too well. You just have to face them head-on, maybe have a good cry, and find comfort in those you love. Heather Smith has written a gentle picture book about how we sometimes have to sit in the sadness of a bad day before we can move beyond it. Paired with Karen Obuhanych's bold, emotive illustrations, readers will feel seen by Annie's Cat Is Sad.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Annie's cat is feeling sad?
How does Annie try to help her cat feel better?
What can we do if we notice someone is feeling sad?
How do you think the story would change if Annie ignored her cat's feelings?
What did you learn from how Annie cares for her cat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating to the cat's emotions.
Discuss the importance of empathy and caring for others, drawing parallels to the child’s own experiences.
Use the story to teach your child about different emotions and appropriate responses to them.
Ask your child to imagine different endings to the story based on different choices Annie might make.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In the story, Annie observes and responds to her cat's sad emotions, teaching children the importance of recognizing feelings in others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being attentive to the emotions of friends and family, learning to offer comfort or help when someone is feeling down.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Annie takes proactive steps to care for her cat by providing comfort and seeking help, demonstrating responsible pet ownership.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the importance of daily responsibilities, such as feeding and caring for pets, and showing consideration for others' needs.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Annie tries different ways to cheer up her cat, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and try various solutions when faced with a problem, whether it's helping a friend or completing a task.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Annie talks to her parents about her cat’s sadness, highlighting the importance of communication.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of discussing their problems and seeking advice from parents or teachers when they are unsure about how to handle a situation.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: The story details Annie's gentle and caring actions towards her cat, showcasing compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to extend kindness and understanding to others, helping them build positive and supportive relationships.