Dame Wiggins of Lee, and Her Seven Wonderful Cats
illustrations by
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Delight in the rhyme of the marvelous Dame Wiggins and her adventures with her seven cats. They go to school, learn to sew and mend, climb trees, play on the ice and help a lost lamb find its mother. Originally published in 1823 with wonderful engravings, this later edition has added illustrations by Kate Greenaway. DSI has added a sketchbook at the end so that 'clever children can color in their own way.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Dame Wiggins wanted to help the cats improve their manners? What does it teach us about kindness?
How did the cats show their gratitude to Dame Wiggins for taking care of them?
If you had a pet, what skills or manners would you teach it? Why?
What do you think is the most wonderful thing the cats did? How did it make people around them feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of manners by discussing how the cats' behaviors affected the people around them.
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences with pets or caring for someone, fostering empathetic thinking.
Highlight the themes of gratitude and kindness in the story by discussing real-world examples of similar virtues.
Discuss the different talents of the cats and encourage your child to talk about their own unique skills and how they could use them to help others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: Dame Wiggins shows great kindness by taking care of her seven cats, treating them with love and attention.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of showing kindness to animals and people, fostering empathy and compassionate behavior in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the responsibility Dame Wiggins undertakes in caring for her cats, ensuring they are well-fed and healthy.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the importance of taking care of their belongings and pets, highlighting the need for consistent care and attention.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: The cats in the story display various skills like knitting and fishing, showcasing resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination and creativity in solving problems or making the best of their own abilities.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: In the story, the cats are taught to read, which is an unusual and humorous element that emphasizes the value of education.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of learning new skills and the opportunities education can provide.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The seven cats work together to achieve tasks, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working cooperatively in groups, valuing each member's contribution toward reaching a common goal.