Polo's Mother (Cat Pack, The)
#3 of 3 in The Cat Pack Series
What’s inside...
Polo the cat is thrilled to reunite with his long-lost mother, Geraldine, and is eager to impress her with his courage as he and his friends in the Club of Mysteries embark on new adventures. They tackle various mysteries, including whether the light in a refrigerator turns off when the door is shut and what's at the top of a church steeple. Amidst these adventures, Polo grapples with the most challenging mystery of whether his mother truly loves him and if he can convince her to stay with him. This heartwarming story marks the conclusion of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Cat Pack series and is sure to resonate with all cat lovers.
Discussion points
How did Polo feel when he found out he was going to be a big brother? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Polo tries to help his mother prepare for the new kittens?
Why do you think Polo's mother was tired? How did Polo and his friends help her?
What did Polo learn about being a big brother by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about family changes or new responsibilities, similar to Polo’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of helping family members and ask your child to share ideas on how they can contribute at home.
Explore the themes of empathy and support by asking your child how they would feel and react in Polo’s situation.
Highlight Polo’s growth throughout the story and encourage your child to think about ways they have grown or learned from new experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: In 'Polo's Mother,' the story emphasizes the importance of familial relationships as Polo learns to navigate life with the guidance and support of his mother.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by appreciating and valuing the support system provided by their own families, helping to strengthen family ties.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Polo encounters various challenges and learns to face them bravely with his mother's encouragement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of facing life's difficulties with courage and not shying away from situations that seem daunting.
Example Lesson: Learning through Experience
Explanation: Polo's adventures offer him firsthand experiences that contribute to his personal growth and understanding of the world around him.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world and learn from their experiences, understanding that growth comes through active engagement and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Polo interacts with other characters, he learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others, understanding that everyone has unique experiences and feelings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Polo is often faced with puzzles and problems that he needs to solve, either by himself or with his mother's guidance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are applicable in academic settings and in daily life.