The House of the Cats: and Other Tales from Europe
World of Stories Series
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
A stunning collection of folk tales and legends, one from each of the EU member states. Ranging from magical to farcical, tender to terrifying, this selection offers a wide variety of stories you won't have heard before. A fascinating insight into Europe's varied cultures and traditions, and a wonderful read. Delightfully illustrated in paper-cut style by Francesca Greenwood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the cats in the house were feeling when they met new friends?
If you could create your own tale, which European country would it be set in and why?
How do the characters in the stories help each other overcome challenges?
What have you learned about different European cultures from these tales?
Which story was your favorite, and what lesson did you learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each tale, ask your child to predict what the story might be about based on the title.
Pause at exciting moments in the stories to ask your child what they think might happen next.
After finishing a story, encourage your child to draw a scene from the tale or to act out their favorite part.
Use a map of Europe to locate the country where each tale is set, providing a fun and educational geographic element to the storytelling.
Discuss the morals and lessons learned from the tales and relate them to your child’s own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse characters and their unique struggles in 'The House of the Cats,' children learn about empathy by seeing life from different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better relate to peers from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering inclusivity and respect in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Various tales within the book illustrate characters facing challenges bravely, teaching kids that it's okay to be scared but important to face fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to tackle their own fears, such as trying out for a new sport or speaking up about their needs and wants.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the stories who tell the truth ultimately find better resolutions to their problems, underscoring honesty as the best policy.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child's life by promoting truth-telling in their daily interactions, whether it's admitting to a mistake or being honest about their feelings.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Many stories show characters achieving more when they work together, highlighting the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others in group projects at school or while playing sports, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The tales often depict characters overcoming great obstacles, teaching resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of challenges, whether in completing a difficult school assignment or resolving a conflict with a friend.