Sammy the Shy Kitten
#32 of 70 in Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
Emma loves going to Summerhill Stables for her riding lessons. One day she arrives to find that everyone is really worried. Tiggy, the stable cat, has disappeared. Emma hurts her ankle during her lesson and goes to sit down in the barn until she feels better. There she hears a strange squeaking noise and discovers that Tiggy has had three kittens! But the riding school can't look after so many cats - what will happen to them all? A heart-warming read from best-selling author Holly Webb, perfect for fans of Magic Animal Friends or Animal Arc. Emma also loves the stray cats at the riding school stables, especially a kitten she names Sammy. She wants to take Sammy home, but faces the challenge of convincing her parents to adopt a half-wild kitten.
Discussion points
How do you think Sammy felt when he was hiding? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What do you think helped Sammy become less shy by the end of the story?
Why is it important to have friends who understand and support us?
How did the other characters help Sammy feel more comfortable?
What would you do if you met someone like Sammy? How could you help them feel safe?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and volume when reading to showcase the different emotions Sammy experiences. This helps your child understand and connect with Sammy's feelings.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading, discuss times when your child felt shy or needed help, linking their experiences to Sammy’s story to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss friendship: Talk about the value of being a good friend and how they can support others who may be shy or feel left out, just like the characters in the book.
Role-play scenarios: Create small role-play scenarios with your child where one of you is shy like Sammy. This can help your child think about how they can act in real-life situations to help others feel better.
Encourage predictions: Before turning pages, ask your child what they think will happen next. This engages their imagination and anticipation for the story development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: In the story, Sammy, a timid kitten, gradually learns to overcome his shyness with the help of new friends and supportive interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own experiences of feeling shy in new situations and learn strategies to develop confidence and social skills.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Sammy's journey highlights how friendships can provide emotional support and aid personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how friends can help us overcome personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters in the book show understanding towards Sammy's feelings, helping him feel safe and accepted.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being empathetic and supportive towards others who might be different or shy, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore New Things
Explanation: As Sammy explores new environments, he discovers joy in curiosity and adventure.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, and embrace the learning that comes with new experiences.