The Cat and the Devil
What’s inside...
A delightful children's story by James Joyce in a gorgeously illustrated new edition. This gorgeously illustrated picturebook brings back the delightful children's story written by Ireland's greatest writer, author of the Modernist masterpiece Ulysses, James Joyce. The mayor's pact with the devil results in the overnight construction of a much-needed bridge for the town of Beaugency.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Mayor Of Beaugency
Devil
Discussion points
What do you think about the deal the Devil made with the Mayor? How would you feel if you were in the Mayor's shoes?
Why do you think the Devil changed the bridge’s construction material every night? What does that tell us about his character?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and asked for nothing in return, just like the cat helped the town?
What lessons do you think the townspeople learned from their experience with the Devil and the cat?
How did the actions of the cat impact the community? What does this say about the importance of seemingly small acts of kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage deep thinking and empathy by asking your child to consider different characters’ perspectives. Highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the story. Discuss the notion of promises and consequences, relating them to everyday situations your child might encounter. Use the fantastical elements of the story to ignite creativity in your child’s responses. Lastly, relate the story’s themes to personal values and community impact to make the conversation relevant to your child’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cleverness and wit
Explanation: In the story, the devil makes a deal with the mayor but is outwitted when the mayor cleverly suggests a condition for building a bridge. This turns the tables in the mayor's favor.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of thinking creatively and strategically to solve problems, which can be helpful in academic settings and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of keeping promises
Explanation: The devil, despite his nature, keeps his promise to build the bridge, showcasing the importance of fulfilling agreements.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being reliable and trustworthy in their commitments, whether in friendships or school projects.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The devil's greedy intention to claim the first soul that crosses the bridge backfires due to the mayor's wit, illustrating how greed can lead to unintended consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that being greedy can often lead to negative outcomes and the importance of considering others' well-being.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The mayor’s creative solution to avoid sacrificing a human life to the devil by sending a cat across the bridge first demonstrates innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and find unconventional solutions to difficult situations they may encounter.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity under pressure
Explanation: Faced with a moral dilemma, the mayor finds a way to maintain his integrity and protect his townspeople, exemplifying strong ethical values.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of making ethical decisions even when faced with difficult choices, reinforcing character development.