Larry at Number 10
What’s inside...
Awesome (some might say paw-some) Larry is Top Cat at Number 10 until the arrival of Dilyn, a puppy who Larry deems ridiculous for his tail-chasing and destructive habits. Larry, the chief mouser and hero of the mouse-catching scoreboard, struggles to find a role for Dilyn. However, when a cat-burglar kidnaps Larry, Dilyn gets a chance to prove himself. Can Dilyn save Larry and earn his apologies? This charming picture book, based on the real-life pets at Number 10, is perfect for children aged 0-5 and their parents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Larry felt when he moved to Number 10?
What would you do if you were in Larry's place on his first day at Number 10?
Why is it important for Larry to make friends, and how does it change his experience?
Can you think of a time when you were new to a place like Larry? What helped you feel more comfortable?
What do you admire most about Larry's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about moving to a new place, and relate it to Larry’s situation.
Pause at suspenseful moments and ask your child to predict what Larry might do next.
Discuss the importance of making new friends and how it can change someone’s experience in a new environment.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story.
Connect themes from the book to your child’s life, asking them about times they've faced similar situations and how they felt.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: Larry, the protagonist, learns to share his space and toys with the new residents at Number 10, showcasing his journey from reluctance to generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their own toys and possessions with peers and siblings to build better relationships and foster a cooperative environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Larry takes on the duty of welcoming and looking after the new residents, which teaches him about being responsible and dependable.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of taking on duties at home or in school, such as looking after a pet or being in charge of a specific task, enhancing their sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Larry adapts to changes in his home environment when new residents arrive. This part of the story emphasizes the importance of being flexible and open to new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can relate to this when they face new situations such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, learning to adapt positively to life’s changes.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By understanding the feelings and experiences of the new residents, Larry grows more empathetic, learning to respect and care for others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate of others' feelings in real-life scenarios, like noticing when a friend or classmate is upset and offering comfort or help.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Larry shows courage when he overcomes his initial fears of the unknown with the arrival of new residents, setting an example of bravery in the face of uncertainty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and uncertainties, whether it’s trying out for a team, participating in a school play, or standing up for what is right.