Mildred the Gallery Cat
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
Mildred is a sleepy gallery cat by day but an inquisitive artist by night. Join Mildred as she explores the many art styles in the gallery and finds what being an artist means to her. Based on the real-life cat who lived at the Tate Modern museum, Jono Ganz’s debut is a bold and vibrant exploration of art that is sure to delight art lovers both big and small.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mildred feels when she explores different artwork in the gallery?
What is your favorite piece of art that Mildred sees, and why does it stand out to you?
If you were a cat like Mildred, what kind of art would you create?
How do the different artworks in the story affect the people who see them, including Mildred?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use vivid descriptions of the artwork in the book to make the story more colorful and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the gallery with Mildred and ask what they would do there.
After reading, consider creating art together inspired by Mildred’s adventures, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the emotions conveyed through different artworks in the book to enhance empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Mildred the Gallery Cat portrays a curious cat who explores various artworks, each teaching her something new about the world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and learn continuously from their environment, helping them to understand the world better.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art and Culture
Explanation: Through Mildred’s adventures in the gallery, children are introduced to different forms of art which helps to foster an early appreciation for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be taken to museums or encouraged to create art, helping to broaden their horizons and develop a respect for different cultures and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Developing Empathy
Explanation: As Mildred encounters various characters in the gallery, she learns to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and understand the feelings of their peers and family members, which is crucial for building healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Mildred faces several challenges in the gallery that she has to navigate. These scenarios help illustrate effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and develop solutions to obstacles they face in daily activities or in school, enhancing their analytical skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The story shows Mildred making decisions and dealing with the outcomes, which teaches children about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices have consequences, teaching them to make thoughtful decisions.