How Cats Say I Love You
What’s inside...
Cats have a lot to say! Just like people, cats share their feelings in all sorts of ways, and it's up to us to uncover what our furry friends are trying to tell us. Whether they're gently purring or curiously crouching, observing their body language can give us insight into their emotions. Featuring a diverse cast of kids and cats from around the world, this social-emotional learning book models empathy and compassion. Readers will learn to recognize various emotional expressions in cats and in their human friends—human and feline alike—sharing and caring for each other's feelings. Each scenario presents a cat expressing a different emotion and their human pal responding appropriately, from offering treats to soothe nerves, giving space to calm down, or providing cuddles. The children also share how they express similar feelings, promoting healthy communication and relationships. Authored by Guy Brown and illustrated by Davide Ortu, 'How Cats Say I Love You' helps young readers understand and care for others' emotions as well as their own.
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways the cats in the book show their love? Can you think of similar ways you show love to others?
How do you feel when you see the cats being kind to each other? Does it remind you of anyone?
Why do you think the author chose cats to express these feelings? What unique qualities do cats have that might relate to the story?
If you were a cat in the book, how would you show your love to your family or friends?
Can we think of a new way to show love that wasn't mentioned in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about cats and their behaviors. This sets a good foundation for understanding the book’s content.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by sharing their personal experiences related to affection and kindness.
Use a soft and gentle tone when discussing the book's themes, mirroring the warmth conveyed through the loving actions of the cats.
After reading, consider doing a small activity where both you and your child show affection to each other or to a pet, if you have one, reinforcing the book’s message.
Ask follow-up questions after their responses to your initial questions to deepen the conversation and encourage critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through observing the unique ways cats express affection, children learn to recognize and respect different forms of emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by acknowledging diverse emotional responses among peers, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates the care and attention cats need, teaching children the importance of caring for others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of daily responsibilities, like feeding a pet or helping around the house, reinforcing the importance of dependability.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to notice subtle signs of how cats communicate their feelings, fostering attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more attentive and observant in their interactions with animals and people, enhancing their social and cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Love Expressions
Explanation: Children learn that love can be expressed in various non-verbal ways, expanding their understanding of emotional expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize and appreciate diverse expressions of affection within their family and friends, promoting stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As cats often show affection on their own terms, children learn the value of patience in forming bonds with others.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience in their everyday interactions, understanding that sometimes waiting is necessary to forge meaningful connections.