Caterpillar Cake: Read-Aloud Poems to Brighten Your Day
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
This delightful poetry book by Matt Goodfellow is a compilation of read-aloud poems that aim to bring joy and laughter to readers of all ages. With themes like imagination, friendship, and the natural world, it is designed to spark creativity and a love for poetry in children. A diverse and inclusive collection of original poems for younger children by a top performance poet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite poem in 'Caterpillar Cake' and why did it make you feel happy?
How do you think the caterpillar felt when it turned into a butterfly? Can you relate this to a time you tried something new?
Which poem made you laugh the most, and what was funny about it?
If you could write a poem about your day, what would you include in it?
How do you think the title 'Caterpillar Cake' relates to the poems in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use playful tones and expressions when reading the poems to make the reading experience more enjoyable and engaging.
Pause after each poem to discuss the emotions and themes. Ask your child how each poem makes them feel and why.
Encourage your child to draw or illustrate their favorite poem. This helps deepen their connection and understanding of the poem.
Create a fun activity where you and your child write a short poem together after reading the book. Choose themes from daily life to make it relatable.
Ask your child to pick a poem they would like to share with another family member or friend, discussing why they chose that particular poem.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through heartwarming poems, children learn to put themselves in the shoes of others, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to build stronger relationships with their peers by being considerate of their feelings and experiences.
Example Lesson: Joy in Everyday Moments
Explanation: The poems highlight the beauty and joy found in everyday life, encouraging children to appreciate the small things.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice mindfulness and gratitude, taking time to notice and appreciate the simple pleasures in their daily routines.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The poems often depict characters overcoming challenges or obstacles, teaching children the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in facing their own challenges at school or in social settings, knowing that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The playful and imaginative nature of the poems inspires creativity in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play, enhancing their cognitive and emotional development.