The Homesick Kitten
#55 of 70 in Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
Harper loves spending time with her new kitten, Sammy, who enjoys sitting in the window, exploring their flat, and playing in the garden. However, when Harper and her family have to move in with her gran after she has a bad fall, everything changes for Sammy. He doesn't feel at home at Gran's house and misses the familiar smells and sounds of the flat. When Sammy finds an opportunity to go back, he takes it. But he soon realizes that home is more than just a building; it’s where your family is.
Discussion points
How do you think the kitten felt when it was away from home? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What do you think makes a place feel like home?
Why is it important to help others who feel lost or homesick?
How do the other characters in the story help the kitten? What would you have done in their place?
What did this story teach you about friendship and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Enhance empathy by discussing the kitten's feelings and relating them to your child’s personal experiences.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, which can lead to a deeper discussion about the story's themes.
Ask your child to imagine an alternative ending to the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of helping and caring for others, using examples from the book to illustrate these virtues.
Use the book as a starting point to discuss the concept of 'home' and what makes it special for each family member.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's understanding and care for the kitten's feelings of loneliness and fear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others around them, fostering kinder interactions with friends and animals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of a homesick kitten teaches the responsibilities involved in caring for another living being.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take initiative in caring for pets or helping out with chores at home, understanding that their actions directly impact others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist must figure out various ways to comfort and support the kitten, showcasing basic problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of thinking through a problem and coming up with creative solutions, which are applicable in school projects or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: The kitten's journey from being homesick to adjusting to a new environment portrays resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's possible to adapt and thrive in new situations, whether it's moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Friendships
Explanation: The bond that forms between the kitten and its new friends highlights the happiness friendships can bring.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to value and nurture relationships, enhancing their social skills and emotional well-being.