Mystery Cat
#3 of 10 in Animal Stories Series
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
Mystery Cat is a thrilling novel by Susan Saunders that follows the story of a young girl named Sarah who discovers a mysterious cat with unusual powers. As Sarah unravels the secrets of the cat, she becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. With the help of her friends, Sarah must navigate through a series of thrilling adventures to uncover the truth behind the mystery cat. Mystery Cat, who belongs to both Kelly Ann McCoy and Hillary Barnett, leads his two owners into a search for mysterious counterfeiters.
Discussion points
Why do you think the Mystery Cat behaves mysteriously? What could it be thinking?
What would you do if you met the Mystery Cat? How would you try to solve the mystery?
Can you think of a time when you solved a mystery? How did it make you feel?
How do the other characters react to the Mystery Cat? What does this tell us about them?
If you could ask the Mystery Cat one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the motives and actions of the Mystery Cat by asking them to put themselves in its shoes.
Use the mystery aspect of the book to build suspense and excitement. Pause at key moments and predict what might happen next together.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and problem-solving, highlighting how characters in the book handle challenges.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity like drawing their version of the Mystery Cat or writing a short story about another adventure it might go on.
Share your own experiences with mysteries, whether from books or real life, to make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The central theme of 'Mystery Cat' revolves around the young protagonist's curiosity as they explore their surroundings to uncover clues about the mysterious cat.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be observant and curious about their environment, promoting active learning and engagement with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges and puzzles that they must solve about the cat’s mysterious behavior.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking skills, teaching them to analyze situations and come up with effective solutions in their day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist works together with friends to follow leads on the mystery cat, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Stresses the value of teamwork and how cooperative efforts can achieve common goals, which is essential in school projects and other social activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the children take on the task of learning more about the cat, they show responsibility in caring for and respecting animals.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible and considerate towards animals, fostering empathy and compassionate behavior.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The young characters persist in their quest despite obstacles, showing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be persistent in pursuing goals and to not easily give up in the face of difficulties, a valuable lesson for all aspects of life.