Charlie and the Cat-flap
#1 in Charlie Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Charlie and Henry are planning the best sleepover ever. They've made an agreement: No Itching Powder, No Dead Flies and No Super Soakers to be squirted at the ceiling in order to make surprise indoor rain. But the sleepover doesn't go quite how Charlie plans. A fantastically funny new series from an award-winning author.
Discussion points
What do you think Charlie was feeling when he discovered the cat-flap?
How do you think the story would change if you were in Charlie's place?
Why is it important to help others, like Charlie helped the cat?
What would you do if you found a magical cat-flap?
How do you think the cat felt about Charlie's help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Charlie’s shoes while discussing the story, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the character’s emotions.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios in the story, which helps develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the moral of helping others as depicted in the book, reinforcing the value of kindness and cooperation.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to make the story more engaging and to emphasize important parts of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Charlie's adventure through the cat-flap showcases his curiosity and desire to explore the world beyond what he knows.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and explore their surroundings, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Charlie encounters various challenges that he has to solve in order to navigate his adventure.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of thinking critically and finding solutions to obstacles they may face.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Charlie learns to understand the perspectives of his new animal friends he meets, which highlights the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate diverse perspectives and treat others with kindness and respect.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Charlie's journey teaches him about the consequences of his actions when he ventures through the cat-flap.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of responsibility in children, emphasizing that their actions have impacts and they should think things through.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing unfamiliar scenarios bravely is a significant part of Charlie’s exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face new challenges bravely, bolstering their confidence and resilience.