The Best Cat
on Goodreads (86)
What’s inside...
The family pet is so much more than that in this warm and funny book for little animal lovers with imaginative minds. When Bootsy plays with a ball of yarn, Jeff sees a clown - the best clown in the world! And when Bootsy dances, Jeff sees a ballerina - the best ballerina in the world! Jeff's big sister, Ginny, disagrees. 'Bootsy is just a regular cat,' she insists. But Ginny and Jeff can agree on one thing: Bootsy is the best cat in the world! Valeri Gorbachev's charming illustrations capture the central role that a beloved pet plays in the life of a child.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a cat 'the best'? How did the cats in the story show their best qualities?
How did the different cats help each other in the book? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
What would you do if you were in a competition like the cats? Would winning be the most important part to you?
How did the story make you feel about being unique? What is something unique about you that you are proud of?
If you could create a story about 'The Best Dog', what qualities would the best dog have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the competition among the cats, relating it to their own experiences with friends or in school.
Ask your child to think about the qualities that make someone a good friend, drawing parallels to the supportive behaviors of the cats in the story.
Discuss the importance of participating and trying your best, rather than just winning, which is a prominent theme in the book.
Celebrate your child's unique qualities as you discuss the book, reinforcing their self-esteem and the value of individuality.
After reading, consider facilitating a creative activity where your child can write or draw their version of 'The Best Dog' using the traits discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story explores the journey of the main character, a cat who interacts with various animals to understand their challenges and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and consider the feelings and situations of others around them, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the cat encounters problems that it needs to solve, such as helping other animals or finding solutions to its own dilemmas.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and develop solutions to their everyday challenges, enhancing their cognitive abilities and decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: The value of diversity
Explanation: The cat meets various animals, all of which have distinct traits and contribute differently to their community.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate individual differences and understand that everyone has unique contributions to make, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces several obstacles but continues to strive towards its goals, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids are motivated to persevere through their own difficulties, whether in learning new skills or dealing with social interactions, instilling a sense of persistence and resilience.