Sammy Claws the Christmas Cat
What’s inside...
Sammy Claws, Santa's cuddly pet cat, will sleep anywhere! Snoozing in a box on Christmas Eve, Sammy finds himself wrapped up as a Christmas parcel and bundled onto the sleigh with the other presents. How will Sammy escape? And how will he save the presents from two robbers with plans to steal them all away?
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sammy Claws
Father Christmas
Discussion points
How do you think Sammy Claws felt when he tried to help with wrapping the gifts?
What would you do if you found a mysterious package like Sammy did?
Why is it important to help others, just like Sammy tried to help Santa?
How did Sammy’s actions help save Christmas? Can one small act make a big difference?
What was your favorite part of Sammy's adventure and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Sammy’s character and actions. This helps to develop empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to your child's life by asking if they have ever felt like Sammy and what they did in that situation.
Discuss the theme of helping others with your child. Brainstorm ways they can help family and friends during the holiday season or any other time of the year.
After reading, you might encourage your child to draw their favorite scene. This will help them visualize and remember the story better.
Use the story as an opportunity to discuss the spirit of giving during Christmas, and how even small acts of kindness are significant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and helping others
Explanation: Sammy Claws, the Christmas cat, shows kindness by helping Santa deliver presents, despite initially being a bit clumsy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assist others in their daily activities, showing kindness in practical ways, such as helping a friend or family member with chores.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, Sammy does not give up and continues to try his best to assist Santa on his busiest night.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of persisting through difficulties, whether it's completing a tough task at school or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Embracing one's unique traits
Explanation: Sammy Claws may not be a typical helper for Santa, but his unique characteristics ultimately prove beneficial.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and utilize their own unique traits and abilities in various situations in life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how working together can lead to success, as Sammy and Santa collaborate to ensure all gifts are delivered.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of collaborating effectively at school or in sports, recognizing that teamwork can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Sammy experiences the happiness that comes from giving and contributing to others' joy during the festive season.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to partake in acts of giving, whether sharing toys with friends or participating in community charity events to spread joy among others.