Lola and the Rent-a-Cat
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
Lola and John have been married since they were young. Together they can reach anything, and together they stay balanced. Together they look after each other, and together they remember the shopping list. After the death of her John, Lola is very lonely. The days are long, and there is no one to look after anymore. She reads; she watches TV. Then one day she goes on the Internet and discovers www.rentacat.com. Can Tim the cat be a new companion for Lola? A charming and quirky take on the sensitive subjects of bereavement and care of the elderly, Lola and the Rent-a-Cat reminds readers that elderly people should be treated with respect and consideration.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Lola felt when she found a companion in the cat?
What do you think makes the bond between Lola and the cat special?
Why is it important to have friends or companions in life?
If you could rent a pet for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
How do you think the story would change if Lola rented a different kind of animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones to mimic the emotions Lola might be feeling throughout the story to help your child understand her emotional journey.
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make a good friend by relating it to Lola's relationship with the cat.
Ask your child to draw or describe their ideal pet companion, discussing what activities they would do together, mirroring Lola's adventures.
After reading, engage in a role-play where one of you is Lola and the other is the rented cat, exploring various scenarios not covered in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Lola, feeling lonely after her cat's death, decides to rent a cat to fill the void. This story portrays how she empathizes with the rented cats, understanding they too might feel sadness and displacement.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and share the feelings of others, fostering a nurturing environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The protagonist, Lola, deals with the loss of her beloved pet by finding a unique solution—renting a cat. This showcases a healthy way of processing grief and adapting to change.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that it's okay to find new ways to feel happy after a loss, whether it's the loss of a pet, moving schools, or other significant changes.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: By taking care of different cats, Lola demonstrates responsibility. She ensures each cat is well-fed, comfortable, and loved during their stay with her.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take on responsibilities, whether it's caring for a pet, doing chores, or looking after their belongings.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: Lola's unique approach to alleviating her loneliness by renting a cat instead of immediately buying another pet illustrates creative problem solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think outside the box to solve their own issues, such as finding new ways to make friends or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Value of Companionship
Explanation: Throughout her experiences with the rented cats, Lola realizes the importance of companionship and how much joy it brings to her life.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the relationships they have and encourage them to nurture friendships and family bonds.