Cat's Cradle: The Mole King's Lair
#2 of 3 in Cat's Cradle Series
on Goodreads (266)
What’s inside...
Suri the monster tamer is back for the second volume of this thrilling graphic novel trilogy! Suri has what it takes to be a monster tamer—she just knows it! She’s even tamed her first monster…if you count Byron. He’s less like a monster, more like a giant dog. He needs a master that’s just his size, so Suri, Caglio, and Byron set off for the land of the Monster’s Cradle. An epic journey like this requires money and provisions, which they don’t have. But the treasure at the heart of the mole king’s lair might be the solution to their problem!
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Mole King to create his lair?
How do the characters' actions affect their friendship throughout the story?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
What lesson did you learn from the adventure of the Cat’s Cradle?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of The Mole King’s Lair?
Tip: Role play these questions
Reflect on the characters’ emotions and decisions to help your child understand their personalities and growth.
Encourage your child to predict upcoming plot twists or suggest alternate endings, which promotes critical thinking.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it might apply to your child’s own experiences, making the theme more relatable.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part or character to foster excitement and interest in the narrative details.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Cat's Cradle: The Mole King's Lair', the protagonist confronts various challenges in the mole king's lair which teaches the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book must work together to navigate the tricky lair, showcasing how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value cooperative play and group activities, helping them build social skills and learn to work effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses clever thinking to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles set by the mole king.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think creatively in their daily interactions and use problem-solving skills to overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn about the mole king's backstory, promoting a message of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering compassion and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the protagonist never gives up, exemplifying determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in their endeavors, whether academic or personal, instilling a mindset that perseverance is key to achieving goals.