The Cat Who Ate Christmas
What’s inside...
A funny, heart-warming Christmas story about one little kitten and a very big turkey! It's Christmas, and everyone in the Hudson family is very excited - including their kitten. First he knocks the Christmas tree over, then he shreds the presents, and finally he eats the entire Christmas turkey! Mum gets cross, and the kitten runs away. But when he doesn't come back, the Hudson family have to venture out on Christmas Day to find their naughty kitten. Can they have a merry Christmas after all? This gorgeous book is illustrated in two-colour throughout, with a special section at the back for Christmas facts, jokes, craft activities and recipes. The kitten in this story will be named by one lucky reader, via a competition hosted by the Reading Zone. Check this space for the big reveal!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the cat decided to eat Christmas, and how do you feel about it?
What would you do if you were one of the characters in the book when the cat started causing trouble?
How do you think the family felt about the cat’s actions, and what would you have done to solve the problem?
What is the most important lesson the cat learned by the end of the story?
If you could talk to the cat, what advice would you give it for next Christmas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child how they might feel if their pet acted like the cat in the story.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking what alternative solutions they could come up with for the problems caused by the cat.
Discuss the importance of forgiveness and understanding, relating it to the family’s response in the book.
Use the story to explore themes of responsibility and consequences by focusing on the cat’s actions and what it learned.
After discussing the book, engage your child in a creative exercise by writing a letter or drawing a picture for the cat, offering personal advice for the next Christmas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: In the story, the cat's decision to explore and eat the Christmas decorations leads to chaos, highlighting the effects of actions taken without consideration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking before acting and understanding that their choices can have consequences.
Example Lesson: The value of responsibility
Explanation: After the cat's misadventure, the family works together to clean up and fix the mess, teaching about taking responsibility for one's actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to own up to their mistakes and contribute positively to rectifying any situation caused by their actions.
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: The story concludes with the family coming together to save their Christmas, showing how cooperation can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together and sharing responsibilities, fostering teamwork and empathy in group settings.
Example Lesson: Celebrating despite imperfections
Explanation: Even though their Christmas didn't go as planned, the family still finds joy in their togetherness, teaching that perfection isn't necessary for happiness.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that imperfections are part of life and that joy can be found in the most unexpected circumstances.