Cats' Whispers and Tales
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
This anthology of cat stories, poems, sayings, true tales and other snippets was collected and sorted into a number of cat 'characteristic' categories shortly before Robert Westall died. He is the author of many other cat stories including Blitzcat. The collection includes a number of previously unpublished short stories and memoirs.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the cats might be whispering about? How do their tales reflect their personalities?
If you could have a conversation with one of the cats from the book, what would you ask them?
How do the stories in the book show the importance of friendship and trust?
Which cat's tale did you enjoy the most and why?
How might the story be different if it was told from the perspective of another animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the cats, fostering a deeper connection with the characters. Ask them to describe what kind of cat they would be and why. Utilize the stories to discuss values such as empathy and cooperation, relating them to your child’s experiences. Share your own thoughts about the tales to model thoughtful engagement and encourage your child to express their opinions freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Cats' Whispers and Tales,' the characters demonstrate understanding and kindness towards each other's feelings, reflecting how empathy is woven into the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing emotions in others and responding with compassion in their interactions, fostering positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The book showcases characters facing fears and overcoming obstacles, highlighting the theme of courage.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to tackle personal challenges, whether it’s trying out for a school play, standing up for a friend, or dealing with a difficult situation at home.
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: By sharing various cat tales, the book emphasizes how storytelling connects individuals and preserves history and morals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their own stories and experiences, enhancing their communication skills and understanding of different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book are shown taking care of pets and each other, underscoring the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take responsibility for their actions, tasks, and to care for others around them effectively.