My Cat Charlie
Bloomsbury paperbacks Series
What’s inside...
'The vivid, impressionistic illustrations with details that stand out from the colour-washed background support the emotions expressed so well in the text ... Outstanding' Books for Keeps. A little girl is moving house to go and live in the city. But she knows she can't take her cat who would be very unhappy. So full of sadness and regret, she leaves him with her cousins. All her favourite games were with Charlie. What would she do in the city? Who would she play with? But city life has other excitements. Soon she has new friends and new games and while the place in her heart for Charlie remains strong, and she visits him as often as she can, she learns that he can be her friend without being with her all the time. Beautiful illustrations complement this moving text which deals gently with two topics which can be a source of anxiety for children: friendships and moving house.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Charlie the cat feels when he meets new friends?
Why is it important to be kind to animals, like how the characters treat Charlie?
How would you help a lost pet like Charlie find its way home?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend like Charlie did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones when discussing different characters to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Relate the story to personal experiences, such as a time when the family helped an animal in need or met a new pet.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the story to foster creativity.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'My Cat Charlie', children observe how the protagonist learns about the feelings and needs of their pet cat, Charlie. The story illustrates how attentive and caring behavior towards a pet can positively affect its well-being.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be sensitive to the emotions and needs of others, teaching them to foster empathy towards animals and people in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist engaging in various activities to care for Charlie, such as feeding, grooming, and playing with him. These interactions highlight the importance of being responsible for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small, manageable tasks at home, such as caring for a pet, helping with chores, or looking after younger siblings, which cultivates a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: When Charlie faces challenges or obstacles, the protagonist helps to find solutions, teaching the value of critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the confidence to handle and solve problems they encounter at school or in social situations, promoting an analytical and proactive mindset.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Companionship
Explanation: The narrative shows how much joy Charlie brings to the protagonist’s life through their shared activities and moments. This aspect emphasizes the emotional benefits of companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and enrich the relationships they have with their friends and family, understanding that companionship can bring happiness and comfort.