Tatty Ratty
on Goodreads (135)
What’s inside...
It's a serious business when a rabbit gets lost. Tatty Ratty is lost again and Molly, along with her parents, are worried. However, they soon start to imagine the exciting adventures Tatty Ratty might be having, such as driving a train or sailing on a pirate ship. They are reassured that wherever Tatty Ratty is, he will return to Molly after his journey. This imaginative story is brought to life with beautiful illustrations and is a heart-warming tale by Helen Cooper, a two-time Kate Greenaway Medal winner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Molly felt when she lost Tatty Ratty? Can you share a time when you lost something important?
Tatty Ratty goes on many adventures in the story. Which adventure was your favorite and why?
Molly imagines different stories about where Tatty Ratty might be. If your favorite toy went missing, what adventures do you think it would go on?
In the end, Molly gets a new bunny. How do you think she felt about the new bunny compared to Tatty Ratty?
What does this story teach us about dealing with loss and embracing new experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about loss by relating to Molly’s experiences in the book.
Discuss the concept of imagination with your child, asking them to think of different adventures their favorite toy might go on if it got lost.
Highlight the positive resolution in the story to teach resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
Use expressive reading to bring the adventures of Tatty Ratty to life, making the reading experience exciting and immersive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Tatty Ratty', the protagonist learns the value of honesty while dealing with the loss and eventual finding of their beloved toy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value truthfulness in their daily interactions and understand the impact of honesty on trust and relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story shows the child's relentless effort to find Tatty Ratty, teaching resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up easily, whether in searching for a lost item or facing any challenge in life.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: As the child imagines the various adventures Tatty Ratty might be having, the book celebrates creativity and the use of imagination.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that using their imagination can be a powerful way to handle emotions and challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The child's concern for Tatty Ratty's well-being exemplifies empathy and caring for others, even if it's a toy.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards the feelings and experiences of others, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist comes up with various ideas to find Tatty Ratty, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and develop solutions for their own problems, be it at school or home.