Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine
#1 of 3 in Cat's Cradle Series
on Goodreads (1,624)
What’s inside...
Jo Rioux, the illustrator of M. T. Anderson's highly acclaimed The Daughters of Ys, makes her debut as a writer-illustrator in this fantasy-adventure graphic novel trilogy. The story follows Suri, an orphan street-urchin who loves monsters and travels with a merchant camp. Her passion for studying their lore, telling stories about them, and hoping to tame them one day goes unnoticed, until a mysterious new wagon with something monstrous arrives at the camp. Suri's self-confidence, cleverness, and ambition are put to the test as she faces a treacherous family with their own beastly secret and a prince hunting the greatest monster of all.
Character compass
Suri
Byron
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Suri to pursue the golden twine and how would you feel in her place?
How do the other characters react to the supernatural elements in the story? What would you do if you encountered something magical or unexpected?
What does the concept of bravery mean in the story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How do Suri’s adventures change the way she sees the world? How have your experiences shaped your view of the world?
If you could possess any magical object from the book, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the story and Suri’s character, which encourages your child to express their opinions.
Ask your child to draw scenes or characters from the book. This can help them visualize and connect more deeply with the story.
Encourage your child to relate the magical elements of the book to real-life scenarios. This can help bridge the gap between fantasy and their everyday experiences.
Discuss the choices the characters make and ask your child what they would have done differently. This prompts critical thinking about decision-making.
Create a fun activity by imagining alternate endings to the book together. This engages creativity and offers a deeper understanding of the narrative structure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine,' the protagonist faces various challenges and dangers, yet she persists in her quest, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and challenges head-on, understanding that perseverance and courage can help them overcome obstacles in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: The main character's journey revolves around her responsibility towards a magical item. Her sense of duty in protecting it teaches valuable lessons about the responsibility.
Real-World Application: This storyline can help children understand the importance of being responsible in their duties, whether it's towards their belongings, pets, or tasks assigned to them.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character is often required to think creatively to navigate tricky situations and solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think outside the box and use their imagination to find solutions to problems they face in school or during play.
Example Lesson: The value of friendships
Explanation: As the narrative progresses, relationships are formed and nurtured, showing how friendships can provide support and strength.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and cultivate friendships in their own lives, understanding the importance of having supportive friends in both good and challenging times.