The Cat and the King
#1 of 2 in The Cat and the King Series
What’s inside...
The Cat and the King tells the story of a gentle, unworldly King and his clever cat as they find a new home after their castle is destroyed by a dragon. The cat introduces the King to new experiences and they face danger when the dragon returns. The book is illustrated with humor and praised for its entertaining mix of familiar experience and fairy-tale fantasy. The second book, Nice Work for the Cat and the King, continues with more adventures, laughs, and brilliant illustrations by Nick Sharratt.
Discussion points
What do you think the King learned from living with the Cat?
How do the Cat and the King help each other throughout their adventures?
What would you do if you were in the King's shoes when the castle burned down?
How did the King's life change when he moved to the town, and what have you learned from that?
If you could ask the Cat or the King one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use an expressive and animated tone when discussing the plot, characters, and settings to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in the King’s or Cat’s situations, fostering deeper understanding of the characters’ emotions.
Connect themes from the book to real-life scenarios that your child may encounter, helping them relate personally to the story.
Praise their responses to instill confidence in their interpretation skills and encourage them to express their thoughts and opinions without hesitation.
Always allow for follow-up questions from your child, promoting an open dialogue and showing genuine interest in their perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: In 'The Cat and the King', the King must adjust to a new life after his castle burns down. This shows how one can positively handle unexpected changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in life such as moving to a new school or home, seeing them as opportunities for new experiences rather than obstacles.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the King and his cat find creative solutions to everyday problems, showing resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively when faced with challenges, understanding that sometimes unconventional solutions can be very effective.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The relationship between the King and his cat highlights the importance of companionship and support.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with peers, helping them develop socially and emotionally.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As the King adapts to his new lifestyle, he makes several mistakes but learns from each, demonstrating resilience and the ability to grow from failures.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are part of learning processes and are stepping stones to success.