Can't Catch Me!
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
A little monkey doesn't want to go to bed and dances through the jungle chanting 'Can't Catch Me!' As other animals try to catch him, the jungle is filled with noise and chaos. Despite their efforts, the little monkey is too quick for everyone—except his mom, who is able to catch him.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the fox feels when he tries to catch the gingerbread boy?
Why do you think the gingerbread boy keeps running away from everyone?
How do you feel about the way the story ended?
If you were the gingerbread boy, what would you have done differently in the story?
Can you think of a time when you outsmarted someone bigger or older than you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize emotions felt by both the gingerbread boy and the other characters to encourage empathy.
Discuss the consequences of the gingerbread boy's decisions to help children understand cause and effect.
Connect the story to real-life scenarios where the child had to make quick decisions, enhancing their connection to the character.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The story shows the protagonist overcoming various obstacles during a chase, demonstrating persistence and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling their own challenges, such as learning new skills or dealing with changes, with a positive attitude and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Importance of quick thinking
Explanation: As the character faces unexpected situations, his ability to think quickly helps him navigate through difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think on their feet and adapt to new situations in school or in social settings, fostering adaptability.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The book highlights actions and their consequences through the character's choices during the chase.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to foresee potential outcomes of their actions and make more thoughtful decisions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Joy of adventure
Explanation: The exciting chase and exploration in the story convey a sense of adventure and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore the world around them, engage in physical activities, and appreciate nature’s wonders.
Example Lesson: Value of sportsmanship
Explanation: The main character displays sportsmanship by playing fair and showing respect to other characters in the race.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior in their own play and competitions, learning to engage respectfully and enjoy the process regardless of winning or losing.