My Crazy Cat, Colin
#1 of 1 in Emergent Literacy Shared Reading Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
In 'My Crazy Cat, Colin,' readers follow the adventures of Colin, a lovable feline who finds himself in wild situations. Featuring delightful illustrations and a fun storyline, this picture storybook supports emergent literacy in preschool and kindergarten children. Through Colin's antics, young learners develop language and pre-reading skills like vocabulary development and phonological awareness, based on the Better Start Literacy Approach. Beyond education, the book is filled with fun, capturing children's attention with Colin's mischief, such as his rampage involving a cuckoo clock. Ideal for parents and teachers, this story uses rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration, focusing on the 'c' sound, making it a captivating addition to any child's library.
Discussion points
Why do you think Colin the cat acts so crazy sometimes?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to Colin? What happened?
What is your favorite part of the book and why?
How do you think the story would change if Colin was a calm cat?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Colin’s adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your voice for Colin and other characters.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story, encouraging imagination and prediction skills.
Relate parts of the story to your child’s own experiences, making personal connections to deepen understanding.
Discuss the illustrations in the book, asking what your child likes about them and how they complement the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their own 'crazy cat' scene, enabling creative expression related to the book’s theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'My Crazy Cat, Colin', the main character learns to take care of Colin the cat, feeding him and cleaning up after him.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping with pets at home or taking on small chores, learning the importance of consistent care and accountability.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases the child understanding Colin’s unique needs and fears, and adapting his behavior to make Colin feel safe.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to nurture compassion towards animals and people, learning to recognize emotions in others and respond kindly.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the child finds innovative ways to entertain Colin and solve problems that arise from his mischievous acts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their play and problem-solving, boosting their imagination and cognitive flexibility.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story illustrates the results of Colin’s actions on the household, teaching the child to foresee and understand outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children predict consequences in their own lives, encouraging thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Joy of Pet Ownership
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the book highlights the happiness and companionship pets bring, mirrored in the child’s growing affection for Colin.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of nurturing relationships with pets, appreciating the reciprocal love and joy pets offer.