Kittens Under my Kitchen Sink
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
This is a short chronicle of a home invasion in a small town in the United Arab Emirates involving a feral cat, affectionately named Mommy, who moved into the author's home during a hot summer. Making herself comfortable behind the living room couch, Mommy eventually gave birth to three kittens under the kitchen sink, entering through a small gap in a cupboard. The book captures their story through photos, albeit of lower quality as they were taken with a mobile phone camera. The narrative details the interactions between Mommy, her kittens, and the family dog, Pluto, who had mixed feelings about the new guests.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the kittens felt when they were hiding under the sink?
How would you help the kittens if you found them in our kitchen?
Why do you think the kittens chose to hide under the sink?
What are some ways we can care for animals in need?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about based on the title and cover. This engages their imagination and sets the stage for active reading.
Use different voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and entertaining. This helps children differentiate characters and absorb the story better.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they've ever found something unexpected and how they dealt with it.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Discussing their artwork can provide insights into their understanding and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: The kittens under the kitchen sink teach children about the value of being kind and gentle to animals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to extend kindness towards pets and wildlife, nurturing empathy and compassion in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates how taking care of pets requires commitment, showcasing the character's daily routine of feeding and cleaning.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and embrace the responsibilities involved in caring for others, whether it's pets or people.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The kittens' playful exploration under the sink sparks curiosity in children, encouraging them to learn more about their surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore new activities and learn from their environment, enhancing their cognitive development and creativity.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book presents challenges the characters face, such as finding ways to keep the kittens safe, and demonstrates problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to think critically and find solutions to problems they might face in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters work together to care for the kittens, teaching the importance of sharing tasks and cooperating.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work collaboratively at school and in family settings, reinforcing social skills and teamwork.