Me and My Cat?
on Goodreads (454)
What’s inside...
A Freaky Friday for younger kids -- and with an extra twist. Late one night, Nicholas witnesses a witch enter his bedroom and utter magic words. The next morning, he realizes something odd when he finds himself with whiskers and sees his own body heading to school. In a twist of fate, the witch's spell has caused Nicholas and his cat, Leonardo, to swap bodies. Both Nicholas-inside-Leonardo and Leonardo-inside-Nicholas experience a day full of bizarre adventures, hilariously captured in Satoshi Kitamura's illustrations.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas
Nicholas'S Mother
Leonardo
Discussion points
How do you think Nicholas felt when he woke up to find he had switched places with his cat?
What are some differences you noticed between how Nicholas and the cat spent their day?
What would you do if you swapped places with your pet for a day?
How do you think the cat felt about being a human for a day?
What did Nicholas and the cat learn about each other by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading 'Me and My Cat?', ask your child to imagine what it would be like to switch places with their pet, if they have one. Encourage them to think about both fun and challenging aspects. As you read the story, pause to discuss Nicholas’ reactions and decisions, and relate them to your child’s earlier thoughts. After reading, guide them to reflect on what they can learn about responsibility and empathy through the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Nicholas, wakes one morning to find he has switched bodies with his cat, Leonardo. This unexpected switch helps children see the world from another’s perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, fostering better relationships and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Nicholas adapts to his new life as a cat, facing unusual challenges. This part of the story demonstrates the importance of adjusting to unforeseen situations.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that being flexible and adaptable is valuable when they encounter new or unexpected situations at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nicholas explores his new feline senses and capabilities, showcasing the joy of learning through exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and learn about their surroundings, enhancing their cognitive skills and boosting their natural inquisitiveness.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story presents Nicholas with the problem of communicating with humans while he is a cat. It highlights critical thinking and the need to find unconventional solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sometimes problems require thinking outside the box, which is a vital skill in academics and personal life.
Example Lesson: Identity
Explanation: Through this body-swap adventure, Nicholas not only experiences life as Leonardo but also gains a deeper understanding of his own identity.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate their unique qualities and understand that their experiences help shape who they are.