Follow That Cat!
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
When Lucy and Vernon follow Pumpkin the cat through the secret door, they enter a magical world filled with wild cats. They encounter African lions, Indian tigers, and snow leopards hunting, hiding, and playing. As they explore this enchanting place, they must search for Pumpkin, who seems to have disappeared.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the cat was feeling when it was wandering around the town?
How do you think the people in the town helped the cat on its journey?
Can you imagine a new adventure for the cat after the story ends?
What would you have done if you found a cat following you?
Why do you think the cat was important to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the feelings and motivations of the cat by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the different characters’ reactions to the cat and what those reactions tell us about each character.
Invite your child to create a sequel to the story, imagining new scenarios where the cat could go next.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach your child about kindness and helping others in a fun and engaging way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In 'Follow That Cat!', the main character's pursuit of the wandering cat encourages children to explore their surroundings and seek answers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in outdoor activities, asking questions, and exploring different environments to learn more about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters various challenges while following the cat, showcasing how they use critical thinking to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child’s life when they face puzzles or conflicts, teaching them to think critically and develop solutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Care for Animals
Explanation: The gentle and kind way the main character treats the cat teaches children the importance of being empathetic and caring towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by being kind and responsible towards pets and wildlife in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The character's continued effort to follow the cat, despite obstacles, highlights the value of perseverance and not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, children can embody perseverance by continuing to work towards their goals, be it in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, even when challenges arise.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: As the story progresses, it becomes clear that actions have consequences; following the cat leads to various situations that the character learns from.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the potential outcomes of their actions in daily life and make thoughtful decisions.