Katie the Catsitter #3: Secrets and Sidekicks: (A Graphic Novel)
#3 of 4 in Katie the Catsitter Series
What’s inside...
Calling all graphic novel fans! Get ready for sidekick training (and friendship drama!) with Katie the Catsitter in book 3 of the purr-fectly irresistible, bestselling middle-grade graphic novel series about growing up, friendship, heroes, and cats (lots of cats)! 'Readers will revel in the heroic antics.' -The New York Times. Join Katie as she navigates friendship troubles and sidekick challenges, all while giant robots attack the city. Can Katie and 217 super-unusual cats work together to save the city and seventh grade, or will Katie find herself in super trouble? Bonus: includes instructions to make your own friendship bracelet!
Character compass
Katie
Marie (Sunshine City Scout)
Madeline Lang
Manny Mouser
Discussion points
What do you think makes Katie a good friend? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like she does?
How do Katie’s adventures make you feel about your own daily challenges? Are there aspects of her attitude you can bring into your own life?
If you had superpowers like some of the characters, what would you do with them? Why?
What do you think is the biggest secret in the book? How do secrets affect relationships between characters?
How does the graphic novel format enhance the story for you? What can you tell from the pictures that you might not get from the text alone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the themes in the book. This promotes empathy and personal reflection.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make and ask your child what they would do in similar situations, helping them develop problem-solving skills.
Ask your child to express which character they felt the most connected to and why, to enhance their comprehension and emotional intelligence.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite scene or character using their own words, boosting their vocabulary and narrative skills.
Talk about the artwork and ask what emotions or ideas the illustrations evoke. This can lead to a deeper understanding of visual literacy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Katie takes on the task of caring for a neighbor’s cats, demonstrating accountability and duty.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of being responsible for their own pets or household chores.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Katie relies on her friends and learns the value of trusting and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value their friendships and work on building trust and support within their own peer relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Katie faces various challenges and uses her wits and resources to solve problems, emphasizing critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in school projects or in overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Katie shows bravery when confronting villains, illustrating the courage to stand up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and stand up for themselves or others in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Katie learns to understand the perspectives of her friends and even the villains, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider other people’s feelings and perspectives, improving their interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.