Mummy Cat
What’s inside...
Mummy Cat prowls his pyramid home, longing for his beloved owner. As he roams the tomb, lavish murals above his head display scenes of the cat with his young Egyptian queen, creating a story-within-a-story about the events of centuries past. Hidden hieroglyphs deepen the tale and are explained in an informative author’s note. Marcus Ewert and Lisa Brown’s smart, beautiful book is a marvel of sophisticated simplicity, infinitely engaging to examine in detail, and complete with a sweetly surprising plot twist sure to delight young cat-lovers and budding Egyptologists alike.
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mummy Cat
Discussion points
Why do you think Mummy Cat misses his friend Queen Hatshupset so much?
What can we learn from the way Mummy Cat treasures his memories?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of Mummy Cat's past?
What feelings do you experience as you read about Mummy Cat's journey?
If you were Mummy Cat, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by exploring the emotions depicted in the book, asking your child how they think Mummy Cat feels in different parts of the story.
Encourage your child to relate to Mummy Cat by discussing times they have missed someone and how they handled those feelings.
Use the historical aspects of the book to engage in a side conversation about ancient Egypt, enhancing educational value.
Discuss the theme of loyalty and friendship showcased in the book to teach moral values subtly.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, which can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty
Explanation: In 'Mummy Cat,' the protagonist waits patiently for his owner, demonstrating unwavering loyalty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being faithful and devoted to their friends and family.
Example Lesson: Understanding of history and ancient cultures
Explanation: The story is set in ancient Egypt, allowing children to explore historical contexts and learn about Egyptian culture.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to show interest in history and different cultures, enhancing their educational breadth.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and longing
Explanation: Mummy Cat deals with themes of loss as he misses his beloved owner, providing a gentle introduction to these complex emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to feelings of missing someone and learn how to cope with these emotions constructively.
Example Lesson: The joy of reunions
Explanation: The story hints at the hopeful reunion between Mummy Cat and his owner, teaching children the happiness that comes from reuniting with loved ones.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the moments when they reconnect with someone they have missed, whether it's a friend or a family member.