Kitten & Koi
#2 of 4 in Kitten and Friends Series
What’s inside...
Kitten's new friend Koi is a fish who can't leave the pond. Kitten wants to find a game they can play together and wonders if he is brave enough to try to swim. Kitten & Koi is the second book in the Kitten and Friends series which focuses on teaching friendship skills, manners, and etiquette in a fun and engaging way. Through words and actions, Kitten demonstrates how to make a new friend by asking questions, sharing likes and dislikes, and trying new activities while always treating friends with kindness and respect. Each book in the series ends with a 'Moral of the Story' that reinforces the message of acceptance and getting along with others who may look and live differently. The series also offers a bilingual reading experience with a Spanish companion version available for each story, making it perfect for children in Spanish immersion programs or living in bilingual households. There are seven books in the English series and an equivalent seven in Spanish.
Discussion points
How do you think the kitten felt when it first met the koi fish? Why?
What do you think the koi fish can teach the kitten about its environment?
What are some ways the kitten and koi help each other throughout the story?
Why is it important that the kitten and koi are friends, even though they are so different?
How can we learn from the kitten and koi about making new friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating the characters' experiences to their own life. Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the story and discuss the potential outcomes. Use the book’s illustrations to spark conversation about the visual elements and what they add to the story. Highlight the themes of friendship and curiosity, discussing with your child the importance of being open to new experiences and relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: In 'Kitten & Koi,' the kitten and the fish form an unlikely friendship despite their differences, teaching children about bonding and inclusive behavior.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to make friends in diverse settings and to be open to relationships with those who may not look or act like them.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The kitten's curiosity about the pond leads to learning about the fish and its habitat. This highlights the importance of exploring new things.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to ask questions and explore unfamiliar environments or subjects, boosting their knowledge and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions between the kitten and the koi, the story demonstrates the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness and understanding, essential for emotional development.
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: The story illustrates respect for personal space as the kitten learns to watch the koi without interfering in its space.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting others' boundaries, a fundamental social skill.