Catie Copley
#1 in Catie Copley Series
What’s inside...
Catie Copley, a small black Labrador, has a very special job as the canine ambassador at a fancy hotel in Boston. She lives with Jim, a fellow hotel employee, and spends her days in the lobby greeting people, playing, and sleeping. Catie's unique skills, like her keen sense of smell and knowledge of the hotel, come in handy when a guest loses her favorite bear. With the clock ticking before the guest's departure, Catie embarks on an adventure through the hotel's back rooms to locate the bear and save the day. This heartwarming story is based on the real-life experiences of Catie Copley, a former guide dog turned hotel guest services team member at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, making it a delightful read for both children and adults who love dogs.
Character compass
Catie Copley
Discussion points
How do you think Catie Copley feels when she helps people at the hotel?
What qualities make Catie a good helper, and which of those qualities do you think you have?
If you were a guest at the hotel, what would you ask Catie for help with?
Can you imagine a day in the life of Catie? What kind of adventures do you think she has at the hotel?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to make the storytelling lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Catie’s adventures, which can deepen their connection to the story.
Ask your child to draw a picture of Catie helping them with something at the hotel; this can help them visualize and internalize the story’s themes.
After reading, consider role-playing scenarios where your child can be Catie, helping others around the house or with friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Catie Copley, a well-trained canine, takes on duties at a Boston hotel, showing that responsibilities can be fulfilling and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking on tasks and seeing them through, whether it's a household chore or a school assignment.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Friendship
Explanation: Catie’s interactions with guests and staff highlight her empathy and friendliness, demonstrating how caring about others makes a positive impact.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by being kind and making friends at school or in their neighborhoods, learning to support others’ feelings and needs.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the story, Catie adjusts to various situations in the hotel, teaching the value of being flexible and open to change.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace new experiences, whether it's trying a new sport, learning a new subject, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: When challenges arise, Catie uses her intelligence and skills to resolve issues, highlighting how to approach problems thoughtfully.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively in solving their own problems, such as resolving conflicts with siblings or tackling difficult homework.