Smoke Cat (Young Hippo Spooky)
Cat Tales Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Every day, Simon sees an array of soft, shadowy, and magical cats of various colors in the garden next door, where they gather around an old lady. Among these cats, there is one smoky-colored cat named Blue who refuses to respond to the lady's calls. Additionally, this book is part of the 'RATON DE BIBLIOTECA' collection, first edition published in 1997, and contains 80 pages with illustrations by Anne Sharp. It has a soft cover and is in good condition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Smoke Cat special in the story?
How did the characters' feelings about the ghost cat change throughout the book?
Why do you think people tell ghost stories, and what can we learn from them?
Which part of the story did you find the most exciting or surprising, and why?
If you could ask the Smoke Cat one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing there are no right or wrong answers.
Draw connections between the emotions displayed by the characters and your child's own experiences to deepen their understanding of the themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points while reading to stimulate their imagination and anticipate story developments.
Create a cozy, receptive environment while discussing the book, perhaps reading together under a blanket or with a flashlight, to mimic the spooky theme of the book.
Use expressive tones and voices when discussing or reading excerpts from the book to make the conversation more engaging and animated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Smoke Cat', the protagonist encounters spooky and uncertain situations but learns to overcome fear and face challenges bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their own fears and learning to face new challenges in school or social settings with confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy toward animals
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist's caring relationship with a cat, demonstrating the importance of kindness to animals.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to extend compassion and care towards pets and animals they encounter in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's adventure is driven by curiosity, showing how exploration can lead to important discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss
Explanation: The book addresses themes of loss gracefully, providing an avenue for children to understand and cope with loss in their own lives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children process their emotions and learn resilience in the face of personal loss or changes.
Example Lesson: History and cultural appreciation
Explanation: Through its historical setting and elements, 'Smoke Cat' provides insights into past cultures and lifestyles, enriching the child's understanding of history.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for history and different cultures, encouraging open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity.