Construction Cat
What’s inside...
Cats in hard hats make work seem like play in this cheery, rhyming picture book about building something and having a loving family to share your accomplishments with. Construction Cat wakes up at dawn, grabs her boots and tugs them on. It’s time to build! Tail high, Construction Cat kisses her family goodbye and goes to work with the other cats on a construction site. They lug lumber and pound nails, they saw, sand, and sweep the dust, all to build a truly paw-some park that they can’t wait to share with friends and family! Sydney Hanson’s lively and lovable cats combined with Barbara Odanaka’s rhythmic story create a universal story that is a joy to read again and again.
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Construction Cat
Discussion points
What do you think Construction Cat enjoys most about building things?
How do you think the other animals feel when they see the structures built by Construction Cat?
If you could build anything like Construction Cat, what would you build and why?
How do Construction Cat and her crew work together to finish their projects?
What lessons did you learn from Construction Cat about teamwork and hard work?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book, and relate it to the child's everyday interactions with friends and family.
Ask the child to imagine and describe their own construction projects, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the various construction tools and machines mentioned in the book, linking them to real-world applications and fostering curiosity.
Encourage the child to draw or build their version of a construction project after reading the book, reinforcing the themes through interactive play.
Focus on the emotional responses of the characters to different situations in the story to enhance the child’s empathy and understanding of emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Construction Cat exemplifies teamwork as she collaborates with other workers to complete building projects. The story portrays how tasks can be accomplished effectively when everyone works together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in community projects, learning to cooperate and contribute effectively.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Work Ethic
Explanation: The book depicts Construction Cat as a responsible figure who is committed to her job and tasks. It emphasizes the importance of dedication and hard work.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for their chores, homework, and other duties, understanding that diligence leads to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Balancing Work and Family Life
Explanation: Despite her busy schedule in construction, Construction Cat manages to find time for her kittens, teaching children the importance of work-life balance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of managing time between schoolwork and family time or leisure, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Example Lesson: Safety First
Explanation: Construction Cat and her team adhere to safety rules while working on the construction site, highlighting the importance of safety precautions during potentially dangerous tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to always be cautious and to follow safety rules while playing or in daily activities to prevent accidents and injuries.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Construction Cat needs to creatively solve problems that arise on the job site, showing the significance of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively when faced with challenges in their own lives, whether it's at school or during play, fostering innovative problem-solving skills.